I just purchased a 1972 350SL. I knew the car was going to need some work but now I'm wondering if I got in over my head and is the car worth the investment. It turns out the whole front end is in need of rebuilding. The parts alone are $1000, not to mention some body work that needs to get done. The car is from the northeast US and there are signs of rust but not sure how invasive it is. How do I know if I should start to throw money at it or sell to somoeone who can do it themselves?

 

do you know if the rust is from salting roads for removing snow and ice? if so that can be a real nightmare even for a mercedes. has it been garage kept? how do the seals look?

 

Since the car is in the Northeast US, I would assume the rust is from the salt used to melt the ice and snow. That's what worries me. The person I bought it from did keep it in the garage, as I do. However, I can't speak for whoever has owned this in the past. The body is not too bad. I'm more worried about the mechanicals and drivetrain.

 

If cared for mechanically they are good for 400k, except for timing chain, wiring, plugs, rotor, vacuum hoses, etc. To cut cost of ownership you really need to learn to work on her, otherwise it can be very expensive. I made my 129 a hobby. if you have the service records, it will help to know what has been replaced or repaired so far. the rusted body parts will probably need to be cut out and replaced with new metal. all the effort and resourses you put to put into her depends on how much you really love this car.

 

I agree but I don't want to pur good money after bad. It's a beautiful car but the work needed may cost way more than the car will ever be worth.