Gettin' down

October, 2007

Now that the rims and tyres were on, it was high time to get the car lowered. We dropped the car a couple of inches by replacing the stock coils with some H&R Sport springs that I imported from Germany. These are progressive-rated springs, so they 'push back' as you drive the car harder.

Around the same time, I fitted clear indicators to the front and rear to update the look of the car to European standards. Also found a place that could do a four-wheel or 'thrust' alignment and had the car set up so it tracks straight.






























before lowering










After resetting the height, the car looks more modern and has some attitude. There are no rubbing issues with the bigger wheels as the offset is correct and places them just where the MB engineers intended. Funny how there's a lot of room in those wheelwells. Almost like they meant for it to be fitted with plenty of meat.

Some might argue that it could go lower, but for a daily driver it's about right. The combination of H&R springs and lowest factory rubber shims set the height where it is and it would take a lot more fooling about to get it down further. I'm happy with how it looks.




























after lowering

Gearbox refurb

October, 2007

The auto transmission needed attention next due to harsh shifting and it was pulled out and stripped. No major components but plenty of smaller items to check and replace throughout. Smooth now. Starter motor, fuel pump and filter and ring gear were also done.

New rims and tyres

October, 2007

After waiting an eternity for the container to come in, the new rims finally arrived. A replica set of AMG Hammer style wheels which were usually bolted up to SL's of the period, rather than SEC's. Apart from some refurbished 3-piece AMG wheels from the UK I looked into, the market for these has slim pickin's, so they were the best option available.

We slipped some Falken ZE 275/35's on the rear to cover the 10" rims and some 235/40's on the front 8.5" rims. Massive improvement in looks. I'd never had Falken tyres before and they are very quiet compared to say, Michelins and Dunlops. Probably a bit less grip, but with 10" of rubber on the road, not a big concern.