This is the story of my latest automotive endeavor – a 1989 Mercedes 260e, a W124 model, cloaked in the exceptionally rare SurfBlau paint. From what I’ve gathered, this particular color on a 260E is quite unique, possibly even one-of-a-kind in this region. I acquired this beauty as a non-runner, bearing the scars of time with rusted fenders and an unfortunate splatter of concrete mix across its body. Currently residing at a friend’s garage, I recently embarked on the initial phase of its revival, starting with the removal of the deteriorated fenders to assess the extent of the damage and explore potential restoration avenues.
Upon closer inspection, the original fenders proved to be beyond salvation due to extensive rust. Fortunately, the car came with a spare fender in significantly better condition, requiring only minor work to achieve perfection. For the other side, a trip to the local pick-n-pull yielded a fender with no rust, a major victory, albeit with a noticeable kink near the door/A-pillar and a few dings that will need attention.
My father-in-law and I have already begun the meticulous work on these fenders. The passenger side fender, as you can see, demanded some serious metal persuasion, particularly in the corner where the A-pillar arch was less of an arch and more of a… well, not an arch. Rest assured, after this photo was taken, we rectified this issue, bringing it back to its proper form.
This 1989 Mercedes 260E already boasts an upgraded suspension, sitting lower thanks to H&R springs paired with Koni shocks. To accommodate wider wheels and prevent any unwanted rubbing, I’ve ordered fender spacers, ensuring a proper and functional stance.
While removing the fenders, curiosity got the better of me, and I decided to attempt starting the engine. To my surprise, on just the second try, the engine roared to life without hesitation. It idled smoothly and shifted gears flawlessly, indicating a robust mechanical foundation.
There might be a lingering suspicion of a fuel delivery issue that warrants further investigation once I have the car at my home garage, hopefully within the coming week. The next major step involves tackling the concrete splashes that mar the car’s finish. My friend has recommended a specialized concrete removal solution which I’m eager to try.
Looking ahead, recharging the air conditioning system is on the agenda, followed by entrusting the paintwork to a professional detailer who can hopefully breathe new life into the SurfBlau finish. The ultimate goal is to have this exceptional 1989 Mercedes 260E ready to cruise by spring, a classic reborn and back on the road.
