Hi folks, I'm new to the forum and to the Mercedes world. I've just acquired an '86 500SEL. The car's straight and solid with no rust anywhere except the exhaust system, though the clear coat on the horizontal surfaces is mostly gone. The engine runs beautifully, trans seems fine, interior is sound with minimal wear, but needs some scrubbing -- the back seat looks as if no one has ever been on it. Brakes work ok, shocks seem a bit soft and we need at least one ball joint.

This is my second restoration project, so I know how valuable a form like this can be ( I already have a beautifully re-done '82 Datsun 280ZX) so I'm looking forward to all the help I can get. In the meantime, can anyone recommend a dependable and creative mechanic in the Richmond, VA area?