1950's Merc 220s Saved from the grave - rat rod restoration

[piscola90]

Following on from my 190SL restoration thread, I thought I'd start a thread for my 220s project. Unlike the 190SL, this will be a creative project, and potentially more of a Ratrod as a result.

I'm still ploughing all my time in the SL, but seeing as I've just ordered replacement wood for the dash... and the sun's now coming out more (which means its time to get her running) - It would be good to get the creative juices flowing.

Here is the car from day 1:





















All ideas welcome.

[Pentoman]

Great pics.

I haven't done this before. But my approach would be... get it running and useable. Starting with the things that make it driveable reliably and once done going from there. Should make it more tempting to sort it when one knows that it drives.

Good luck

[williamp]

Restore it, then drive round the countryside chasing silver DB5's with the car full of south koreans....

[piscola90]

williamp said:

Restore it, then drive round the countryside chasing silver DB5's with the car full of south koreans....

I like this!


Yes, i'll get it running first - then work will most likely start straight away. I drove the 190 about 75 yards before stripping it down.

[piscola90]

Making a start on this project now - the plan is to bare metal every panel apart from the roof, which will be a high gloss black.

The bare metal panels will have some patches of primer and filler, so its looks a bit more ratty. The pics show a test section I did this weekend. I've got 16L of Nitromors on order to do the whole car though.

Then I'm going to marine deck alot of the inside. Replacement wood trims and glass has now arrived from the states.

The final thing will be to slam it down, and pop on a set of white walls, install a big system + get a surfboard on the roof.

Then I'll be Cornwall bound.

[piscola90]

The SL is all done, and has been enjoyed a lot this year. So its time to start work on the 220s project at last.

This build will now be a higher level project than before. Air suspension and an AMG conversion (55 or 63 engine). That will give around 400-500bhp (respectively), and so there will be a lot of strengthening to do, and much of the donor AMG will be installed (breaks, wiring, cooling, diff, box, etc etc etc).

Aesthetically it will be a ratty bare metal shell with a gloss black roof, and wood inside. Very different to the SL restoration.

If anyone knows of any 55 or 63 AMG cars that are crash damaged - please let me know as I'm looking at possible donor cars now.

Thanks,

Stu

[lesstatt]

Do you have finished pics ?

[clarkmagpie]

I'm in!

[piscola90]

Finished pics of the SL? Here are some... It has a thread on here somewhere too.

[piscola90]

I'm really pleased with the donor car, which is now purchased. Its a CLS with the AMG supercharged 5.5L. Stock is a bit shy of 500bhp, but it will be re-mapped regardless. Much for the CLS will be used for the build, but if you need anything from this car then let me know as its all for sale (seats, doors, glass, exhaust, lights etc etc).

[Kmoosa]

You don't have piano black interior trim available by any chance do you?

[jke11y]

I had that engine in my E55 estate and it was nothing short of frightening. It will be crazy in the old shell. I can't really imagine where you'd even begin!

[0a]

What a fantastic project; good luck!

[piscola90]

Yes, it's some engine alright - I must confess, I'm only the creative on this project - I'm letting a custom company handel the execution. I'm not sure on the spec of the CLS, I've not seen the car, it's being moved as we speak. The pics look more grey than black though.

[Kmoosa]

piscola90 said:

Yes, it's some engine alright - I must confess, I'm only the creative on this project - I'm letting a custom company handel the execution. I'm not sure on the spec of the CLS, I've not seen the car, it's being moved as we speak. The pics look more grey than black though.

That's the wood trim I currently have, not to worry, thanks anyway. Good luck with your project, that engine is certainly bonkers and your car will have just about enough shove in the back I reckon

[bob1179]

Looks like it will be an epic project!

I take it you'll be using the original ECU and loom etc. to control the engine and gearbox? I'm really interested to hear how you are planning to integrate the modern components and electronic gubbins into the old shell (instruments, lights etc.).

[piscola90]

Off she goes to meet her donor AMG

Edited by piscola90 on Wednesday 10th February 10:37

[BigBen]

piscola90 said:

I'm really pleased with the donor car, which is now purchased. Its a CLS with the AMG supercharged 5.5L. Stock is a bit shy of 500bhp, but it will be re-mapped regardless. Much for the CLS will be used for the build, but if you need anything from this car then let me know as its all for sale (seats, doors, glass, exhaust, lights etc etc).

I suspect you will be keeping it but if not the engine fan would be welcome....

[ZX10R NIN]

Nice project does your CLS have the space saver in the boot? If it does I'd be interested in buying it.

[piscola90]

im afraid the space saver is missing - and yes, we obviously need the engine, box, brakes etc for the conversion. The lights are sold now, but all the body panels and interior etc are still for sale.