#makeovermonday - How to restore a Mercedes-Benz 280 SL Pagoda? - part 5
From the exterior and the interior to the special equipment: The process of the restoration of our classic cars takes different steps until we can deliver you a perfectly restored Mercedes-Benz 280 SL Pagoda. But what exactly does a classic car-restoration look like? We look forward to giving you an insight into our classic car manufactory and professional restoration. A look behind the scenes, at the craft of the passionate and experienced automobile lovers of our Arthur Bechtel Classic Motors Manufactory-team: this is what awaits you in our #makeovermonday series.
Part 5 - The final touch
The final touch
Now that our Mercedes-Benz 280 SL Pagoda has been completely restored and reassembled, it is now time for the final touch: our manufactory-team first checks the classic car again using our test sheet. Last but not least, a test drive with the Mercedes-Benz 280 SL Pagoda is made, during which all driving characteristics are checked again.
The test sheet
Based on a test sheet, our team carries out a comprehensive assessment of the condition and checks the technology of the classic car. This includes components such as compression, the overall condition of the engine and the engine's electrical system. It continues with the radiator, the clutch, the manual or automatic transmission, the pedal system, the engine regulation and the suspension or shock absorbers.
After the floor assembly as well as the front and rear axles have been visually checked for their overall impression, our team looks at, among other things, any damage and the suspensions and rubber parts on these components. The wheels and tires are also checked and measured. It continues with the brakes. With the latter, for example, the master brake cylinder, the brake booster and the brake linings and brake hoses are checked. The steering, fuel system and exhaust system are also checked during this final inspection.
The next step is then about the electrical system: The wiring harness and its connections, the light outside and inside, as well as the battery and the signaling system are checked here, among other things. The windows, including the seals and, for example, the wiper linkage, are also finally checked.
After the electrics, it continues with the interior of the classic: door panels including handles, levers and cranks as well as the wood and chrome trim are checked, as is the headliner including the sun visors. Then it goes to the dashboard, where all functions of the instruments as well as switches and indicator lights are checked. Here our team at the manufactory also looks at the chrome, wood, leather, paint and plastic and also checks the steering wheel. In addition, the seats and their fittings as well as the floor and trunk are checked in the interior. In the case of the trunk, special attention is paid to the function of the lock, the seals, as well as the floor and side panels.
On the outside of the vehicle, our team checks the external appearance and paintwork as well as the doors and hinges, the seals and chrome parts. The fabric of the softtop is checked, as is the roof lining, the rear window, rubber parts and the mechanics.
If there are other accessories or other safety elements in the vehicle, such as a radio, hardtop or seat belts, these will also be checked again during the final inspection.
The test drive
Before the Mercedes-Benz 280 SL Pagoda is handed over to the customer after its restoration, our team at the manufactory takes one last test drive with the classic car. Here, on the one hand, the pedals are checked. On the other hand, our team also takes a close look at the braking and driving behavior of the classic car and also checks whether the gearbox shifts properly.
The result
After the full restoration, the Mercedes-Benz 280 SL Pagoda is optically and technically in perfect condition again. Are you interested in one of our classic cars or would you like to configure your Mercedes-Benz 280 SL Pagoda? In addition to our vehicle portfolio, we offer you the option of an individual restoration in which you can configure your dream classic according to your wishes. We look forward to hearing from you by phone +49 7031 3069522, via WhatsApp, E-Mail or Instagram.
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Learn more on our in-house restoration in our shortmovie!
