R107 Question (Wheels/Spoiler)
Discussion
I have searched and have been unable to find an answer so hopefully someone here can help.
Is it possible to "backdate" a post 1986 R107 Mercedes SL by changing the later "flatfaced" alloys to "Mexican hats"? I would assume so, but I have never seen it done.
Also, can the front spoiler be removed with no adverse effects? Maybe mexican hat wheels would look OK with the spoiler still in place?
Many thanks in advance as always!
Is it possible to "backdate" a post 1986 R107 Mercedes SL by changing the later "flatfaced" alloys to "Mexican hats"? I would assume so, but I have never seen it done.
Also, can the front spoiler be removed with no adverse effects? Maybe mexican hat wheels would look OK with the spoiler still in place?
Many thanks in advance as always!
I've thought about this as I prefer the look of the early cars.
Removing the spoiler should be easy and harmless: they don't go that fast. The 1980 to 1985 cars had a modest black plastic lip which has some aerodynamic effect.
I think the wheels are a different matter and 15" is the minimum size for post-85 cars due to the brake upgrade they received. The early cars had 14" mexican hats. However, you can get mexican hats in 15" size (German Ebay usually has some) and tyres are much more readily and cheaply available.
Removing the spoiler should be easy and harmless: they don't go that fast. The 1980 to 1985 cars had a modest black plastic lip which has some aerodynamic effect.
I think the wheels are a different matter and 15" is the minimum size for post-85 cars due to the brake upgrade they received. The early cars had 14" mexican hats. However, you can get mexican hats in 15" size (German Ebay usually has some) and tyres are much more readily and cheaply available.
The front spoiler is only a plastic moulding that sits over the original front and is very easy to remove, leaving the car looking like a pre-facelift. It is pretty much self explanatory how it comes off if you look carefully around the front.
As said, you need to retain 15" wheels in order to give more clearance for the brakes on the facelift models. I assume you wouldn't wish to retrograde the brakes.
As said, you need to retain 15" wheels in order to give more clearance for the brakes on the facelift models. I assume you wouldn't wish to retrograde the brakes.
You could of course save some money by buying a pre-facelift car, I don't perceive the quantum leap which makes the later models a must have or justify value disparity (obv. I would say that!). In the long run they are all old cars and the ownership experience will be virtually the same.
You'd also benefit by not having plastic door handles.
Thinking speculatively, I wonder if in the long run the values will even out anyway which would give the earlier car more of an up-side from an investment perspective.
You'd also benefit by not having plastic door handles.
Thinking speculatively, I wonder if in the long run the values will even out anyway which would give the earlier car more of an up-side from an investment perspective.
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