230CE Restoration - Advice Please.

[rdm555]

Hi all, I've decided to restore my Coupe it's a 1983 W123 CE230, it has some rust and needs the suspension and running gear overhauled. Oh and the interior needs doing. I’m new to Mercedes ownership and I’d like some advice please.

I am thinking of buying a donor with mechanical problems, as mine are fine. What are your thoughts, good or bad idea?

I will probably still need some panels, does any one know a good panel supplier?

I will also need a good workshop manual that covers both mechanics and bodywork, but there’s not a Haynes manual for the 230CE, the body is covered in my 280 haynes manual. Does anyone know a good easy to follow comprehensive mechanical manual?

Any thought on the above would be good I have restored cars in the past but not as complex as the Mercedes. Mostly Morris Minors and minis. So any comments are welcome. Regards Ross.

 

[television]

this is handy

http://www.detali.ru/cat/oem_mb0.asp?TP=1

find you car via the vin number.

If you can find a car with a good body, why not, they are around with things like leather etc if you have not got that

 

[Bolide]

Playing Devils Advocate:

The restoration will likely cost more than the car will end up being worth. Not unusual, for most restorations, but worth knowing at the outset

If the car needs that much work, why restore it? You need to ask that question before you start as it's difficult to stop when you're half way through

Don't underestimate the problems of rust on a W123 and the cost of a good body restoration

Nick Froome
www.w124.co.uk

 

[television]

Nick does have some valid facts in the above post. Think before you get carried away.

 

[BlackC55]

I have a 123 that I am restoring. (slowly)

It has so much rust.....

just make sure the car is generally solid.

 

[rdm555]

Thanks all for the advice. The car is fairly rust free with no structural rust as yet, I bought it as a run around but now I just can't give it up, I'm hooked.

I am thinking of long term ownership, and restore as I go it's got a years MOT so I'm going to do it over a couple of years. Better get on with it.

I'm selling my Mini on Ebay (item number: 120165983167) to fund renovation of my wife's Zafira and restoration of the Merc.

Thanks all you,ve given me food for thought. Ross

 

[television]

Thanks all for the advice. The car is fairly rust free with no structural rust as yet, I bought it as a run around but now I just can't give it up, I'm hooked.

I am thinking of long term ownership, and restore as I go it's got a years MOT so I'm going to do it over a couple of years. Better get on with it.

I'm selling my Mini on Ebay (item number: 120165983167) to fund renovation of my wife's Zafira and restoration of the Merc.

Thanks all you,ve given me food for thought. Ross

Well in any case I can see that you like what you are doing, and its a good past time and hobby, All hobbies cost money but at least you will have something at the end of it.

At least you have chosen a sort after car to work on and I can understand how you can fall in love with it, just ask if you get stuck somewhere

 

[rdm555]

Thanks Malcolm, I will probably take you up on that offer. Ross