Restoration of my fin tail Mercedes Benz

[fouadhafeez]

Am a huge fan of "yank tanks" and have a few. I always found the lights of the '67 in the bumper quite dramatic. As a young boy living in pindi I remember these cars from new. There used to be a lovely pillar less model in canary yellow in the neighborhood and used to just glide past us lesser mortals. What stage of the build process is yours at? Or is that a painful ques?!!

It's good to hear that you have an affinity for these gas guzzlers! The Impala with the lights in the bumper is actually the 1970 model, and is indeed, one of the prettiest cars around. The '67 I'm rebuilding is close to being completed. I'll post you a couple of pictures to show where the rebuild stands at, and you can also see the rebuild here... https://www.pakwheels.com/forums/4x4-clubs-off-roaders-suv/185969-hey-muscle-cars-almost-one-type-suv

As for choice of color on the fintail, the problem with a dark color is the ripples that show up on the bodywork that is hand finished the way it is here. I however agree with the concept of "drama" and will keep u posted. Right now, the body finally painted is a long way away! Cheers!
To be honest, the other reason why I wanted to post this picture, is also to mention that despite the hand finishing in Pakistan, it IS possible to achieve a beautiful look with dark colours. Yes...it's difficult to attain, and it's even more difficult to maintain...but I think (especially in old school rides), that the beautiful chrome-work, embellishments, and accoutrements that are the hallmark of vintage cars, are best done justice by choosing the right colours for them. Even at the risk of slipping up!

Himmat-e-mardaan...madad-e-khuda!

[VEEeight]

It's good to hear that you have an affinity for these gas guzzlers! The Impala with the lights in the bumper is actually the 1970 model, and is indeed, one of the prettiest cars around. The '67 I'm rebuilding is close to being completed. I'll post you a couple of pictures to show where the rebuild stands at, and you can also see the rebuild here... https://www.pakwheels.com/forums/4x4-clubs-off-roaders-suv/185969-hey-muscle-cars-almost-one-type-suv

To be honest, the other reason why I wanted to post this picture, is also to mention that despite the hand finishing in Pakistan, it IS possible to achieve a beautiful look with dark colours. Yes...it's difficult to attain, and it's even more difficult to maintain...but I think (especially in old school rides), that the beautiful chrome-work, embellishments, and accoutrements that are the hallmark of vintage cars, are best done justice by choosing the right colours for them. Even at the risk of slipping up!

Himmat-e-mardaan...madad-e-khuda!

WOW! The pics were a treat early in the mrng! Looking at them I see what you mean about being able to get a ripple free finish. My compliments! I stand corrected about the rear lights versus model year also. This shape was quite a common sight in pindi in the early 70s becos, fr some reason, a lot of them were in use during the tarbela dam construction.

I like your choice of rims. What size are they and what size tyres have you used? What sort of drive train set up is in place? I must confess I am not a diehard for originality when I feel that a modification will bring about, or add to, a car's synergy! If possible, post more pictures giving more detail. Rgds.

[fouadhafeez]

I like your choice of rims. What size are they and what size tyres have you used? What sort of drive train set up is in place? I must confess I am not a diehard for originality when I feel that a modification will bring about, or add to, a car's synergy! If possible, post more pictures giving more detail. Rgds.

These are 20 inch rims made by a company called Corsa. They wear 295/40/20 Yokohama Prada tyres, front and rear. For the powerplant, we're using a stock 350 cubic inch (5.7l) small block Chevy V8 that is mated to a TH350 three speed auto transmission on the steering column. This connects to a stock driveshaft, and further passes on to a 3.7 rear end. We've kept stock drum brakes, front and rear. And to be completely honest, even though this is a stock car (in most respects), I agree with you wholeheartedly, that modifications are the way to go, if they effect an improvement. Thanks for the good words. I'll be following this thread regularly for updates!

[VEEeight]

These are 20 inch rims made by a company called Corsa. They wear 295/40/20 Yokohama Prada tyres, front and rear. For the powerplant, we're using a stock 350 cubic inch (5.7l) small block Chevy V8 that is mated to a TH350 three speed auto transmission on the steering column. This connects to a stock driveshaft, and further passes on to a 3.7 rear end. We've kept stock drum brakes, front and rear. And to be completely honest, even though this is a stock car (in most respects), I agree with you wholeheartedly, that modifications are the way to go, if they effect an improvement. Thanks for the good words. I'll be following this thread regularly for updates!

Hello again! Thanks for the info; looking at the rims I thought they were 20s. They compliment the car perfectly. Your decision to keep the brakes stock is at odds with what I had to do to the brakes on a 1956 Belair (210 sedan) I have. For satisfactory stopping, I had the disc brake set up out of an 80s caprice fitted in the front. It's only a stock 283 cu.in with a 2 speed auto trans, but with the sheer momentum of the vehicle, I felt it would have its work cut out with the std set up!

As for the Fintail, progress is slow due to the cold mostly. The floors now need to be fixed and when they are done, the ugly part will b over and can get on with the paint. I go almost every day to check on progress and post here accordingly. Thank you also, for your interest.

[VEEeight]

The denting on the rear of the car is now complete and signs of accident damage have been removed. The light clusters have been trial fitted to check for accuracy. The left light is "tilting" to the left and has to be adjusted. Both lights have also got to be aligned with the chrome strips (not shown here) that run down the "fins" to ensure a perfect fit.

[fouadhafeez]

Hello again! Thanks for the info; looking at the rims I thought they were 20s. They compliment the car perfectly. Your decision to keep the brakes stock is at odds with what I had to do to the brakes on a 1956 Belair (210 sedan) I have. For satisfactory stopping, I had the disc brake set up out of an 80s caprice fitted in the front. It's only a stock 283 cu.in with a 2 speed auto trans, but with the sheer momentum of the vehicle, I felt it would have its work cut out with the std set up!

The decision to opt for large rims and tyres was inspired by two reasons. Firstly, I wanted to car to be lowered (which we've done) but not quite lose its ability to negotiate speed-breakers and bumps. Secondly, to my mind, the stance of the car looks much more aggressive and compact...with the oversized wheels making the Impala look more "muscular" and taut, rather than long and flowing and endless

The stock brakes are part of the "keep it close to original" philosophy. We haven't had a road test, yet...so if they don't perform well, I'm absolutely not adverse to chucking them out, and using something more modern and efficient. Time will tell, on that score.

As for the Fintail, progress is slow due to the cold mostly. The floors now need to be fixed and when they are done, the ugly part will b over and can get on with the paint. I go almost every day to check on progress and post here accordingly. Thank you also, for your interest.
My pleasure. I love the concept of precious metal being "rebirthed", and you've certainly embarked upon an ambitious project to do exactly that, Sir. While I'm not a collector - or an expert, for that matter - of Mercs, the older models with the large, elliptical, upright headlights (the S Class, I think) have always been my favourite shape. I have no doubt that this is going to be a smashing looking ride once you're done with it. All the best of luck!

[VEEeight]

In these pictures the chrome strips on the fins have been put on to check for accuracy of fit alongwith the light clusters. The strip above the right light needs adjusting!

[VEEeight]

The decision to opt for large rims and tyres was inspired by two reasons. Firstly, I wanted to car to be lowered (which we've done) but not quite lose its ability to negotiate speed-breakers and bumps. Secondly, to my mind, the stance of the car looks much more aggressive and compact...with the oversized wheels making the Impala look more "muscular" and taut, rather than long and flowing and endless

The stock brakes are part of the "keep it close to original" philosophy. We haven't had a road test, yet...so if they don't perform well, I'm absolutely not adverse to chucking them out, and using something more modern and efficient. Time will tell, on that score.

My pleasure. I love the concept of precious metal being "rebirthed", and you've certainly embarked upon an ambitious project to do exactly that, Sir. While I'm not a collector - or an expert, for that matter - of Mercs, the older models with the large, elliptical, upright headlights (the S Class, I think) have always been my favourite shape. I have no doubt that this is going to be a smashing looking ride once you're done with it. All the best of luck!

Hello again. Am glad to note yr comments on lowering the stance of your Impala as am planning to do the same to the '56 AND put in wider taller rims on low profile tyres, much to the horror of purists! As it is hands were thrown up in horror when the exhaust was redesigned for working tail pipes at either end! Am also planning to modify the steering out of a caprice to have power assistance. By way of contrast am hoping to fit the original air conditioning but am not sure as to the sense of it...

As for rebirthing old metal, the true extent of the "dauntness" revealed itself AFTER starting on the bodywork, but being a sucker...and a glutton, for this sort of "punishment", will carry on shamelessly till I hope we get to the point where it will all have been worth it The models of Mercedes that you seem fond of are now few and far between. There is a picture of one further up in this thread which was an earlier project very similar to the fintail here.

[VEEeight]

Mashallah good going.... A Project deserve to subscribe

Thank you so much for your sentiments. I hope you will follow the restoration to, hopefully, a successful conclusion

[fouadhafeez]

Hello again. Am glad to note yr comments on lowering the stance of your Impala as am planning to do the same to the '56 AND put in wider taller rims on low profile tyres, much to the horror of purists! As it is hands were thrown up in horror when the exhaust was redesigned for working tail pipes at either end! Am also planning to modify the steering out of a caprice to have power assistance. By way of contrast am hoping to fit the original air conditioning but am not sure as to the sense of it...

As for rebirthing old metal, the true extent of the "dauntness" revealed itself AFTER starting on the bodywork, but being a sucker...and a glutton, for this sort of "punishment", will carry on shamelessly till I hope we get to the point where it will all have been worth it The models of Mercedes that you seem fond of are now few and far between. There is a picture of one further up in this thread which was an earlier project very similar to the fintail here.

Sir, at the end of the day, as a car enthusiast, it is perfectly acceptable to do whatever you think is right with regards to your car...purism, or not.

To my mind a "restored" car is one whose numbers match. Which is correct to the tiniest nut and bolt and washer and bushing. Given the fact that these engines and moving parts and body panels are NOT available here by any means, then, I would venture to say that pretty much every second "restored" car you see in Pakistan is actually a restomod anyways. What enthusiasts will do, to keep these vehicles running, and sometimes, what they do just to improve performance or efficiency, or just to have fun, is nobody's business but the owner's. On that score...all power to you!

If you're planning on much modifications to the wheel/tyre sizes and the stance of the car, it might be a good idea to purchase them and involve them in the panel work / denting phase. Finding out that oversized wheels chafe and rub against the inner wheel wells later, can lead to costly modifications, which could easily have been incorporated earlier. If your '56 is a complete car (dented and painted, etc), you may find this to be a problem.

A definite thumbs-up for the power steering. Not all of us are endowed with a set of upper arm muscles that are required to wrestle a 25 foot long beast around sharp corners. And it's fairly easy to keep things "looking stock" by using the original steering wheel over the modified steering column.

Re: Body Work. It's always a process of great tedium. But the idea is to keep plodding away until it all gels well. From what I see, the body work on your Merc is coming along well. I wish you all the best of luck in taking it to its logical end, Insha Allah.

[VEEeight]

Sir, at the end of the day, as a car enthusiast, it is perfectly acceptable to do whatever you think is right with regards to your car...purism, or not.

To my mind a "restored" car is one whose numbers match. Which is correct to the tiniest nut and bolt and washer and bushing. Given the fact that these engines and moving parts and body panels are NOT available here by any means, then, I would venture to say that pretty much every second "restored" car you see in Pakistan is actually a restomod anyways. What enthusiasts will do, to keep these vehicles running, and sometimes, what they do just to improve performance or efficiency, or just to have fun, is nobody's business but the owner's. On that score...all power to you!

If you're planning on much modifications to the wheel/tyre sizes and the stance of the car, it might be a good idea to purchase them and involve them in the panel work / denting phase. Finding out that oversized wheels chafe and rub against the inner wheel wells later, can lead to costly modifications, which could easily have been incorporated earlier. If your '56 is a complete car (dented and painted, etc), you may find this to be a problem.

A definite thumbs-up for the power steering. Not all of us are endowed with a set of upper arm muscles that are required to wrestle a 25 foot long beast around sharp corners. And it's fairly easy to keep things "looking stock" by using the original steering wheel over the modified steering column.

Re: Body Work. It's always a process of great tedium. But the idea is to keep plodding away until it all gels well. From what I see, the body work on your Merc is coming along well. I wish you all the best of luck in taking it to its logical end, Insha Allah.

I couldn't agree with you more! There are too many schools of thought amongst car enthusiasts for any one to be predominantly the "right" one. My take on a 40 year old car is that if it was THAT perfect, there wouldn't have been the level of evolution in the automobile that there has been over the years. Having said that, sometimes you come across an absolute abomination of a "put together" vehicle but the owner thinks its ultimate! So, each to his / her own here too. Like everything else, purism too is fine, if there in moderation.

The 56 is all complete, looks good but handles and drives like a drunk pig, so needs sorting. The general idea is to lower the car by a coupe of inches and have rims/ tyres that take up the extra space in the wheel wells giving the car a full look. At best, it will be a sedate cruser with a muffled V8 burble, so am not looking for anything dramatic. It's bad enough that I had to colour code the bumpers because attempts at getting a decent chrome job done came to nothing!

Coming back to the Fintail and purism, who would have thought that door rubbers out of a humble Alto fit perfectly to the doors of the merc, albeit with some modification! As for plodding on, that is certainly the case! The average resto can easily take as much as a year, maybe more. This one has only been a cple of months or so.

Patience is a virtue!

[fouadhafeez]

I couldn't agree with you more! There are too many schools of thought amongst car enthusiasts for any one to be predominantly the "right" one. My take on a 40 year old car is that if it was THAT perfect, there wouldn't have been the level of evolution in the automobile that there has been over the years. Having said that, sometimes you come across an absolute abomination of a "put together" vehicle but the owner thinks its ultimate! So, each to his / her own here too. Like everything else, purism too is fine, if there in moderation.

I have an Impala of the same year as the fintail Merc you have. And it has been modified extensively. It now has a 300 bhp engine, Tiptronic transmission, all-round disc brakes, free-flow exhaust, and an almost-nightmarish (self-attempted) flame-paint-job. And I love the car to pieces. For a great many others, this may very well be something of a sin. But to me - the owner - it represents attributes that I not only wanted, but I cherish for being present. And at the end of the day, that is what matters most.

The 56 is all complete, looks good but handles and drives like a drunk pig, so needs sorting. The general idea is to lower the car by a coupe of inches and have rims/ tyres that take up the extra space in the wheel wells giving the car a full look. At best, it will be a sedate cruser with a muffled V8 burble, so am not looking for anything dramatic. It's bad enough that I had to colour code the bumpers because attempts at getting a decent chrome job done came to nothing!

When you do go about lowering the ride, it may be a good idea to stiffen the suspension somewhat. Stiffer springs and shocks. That should keep lateral roll to a minimum, and the larger tyres should be able to soak up some of the minor bumps. Overall, it should be good for redressing the handling bit. As for chrome, the "hard chrome" that is quite common in Sialkot, Wazirabad, and Gujranwala can be a good idea, if you're planning to "de-evolve" the colour-coded bumpers, that is.

Coming back to the Fintail and purism, who would have thought that door rubbers out of a humble Alto fit perfectly to the doors of the merc, albeit with some modification! As for plodding on, that is certainly the case! The average resto can easily take as much as a year, maybe more. This one has only been a cple of months or so.

The door trim of the humble Alto (or the '74-'79 Corolla, for that matter) is also perfectly suited to Chevys. Just saying.

[VEEeight]

I have an Impala of the same year as the fintail Merc you have. And it has been modified extensively. It now has a 300 bhp engine, Tiptronic transmission, all-round disc brakes, free-flow exhaust, and an almost-nightmarish (self-attempted) flame-paint-job. And I love the car to pieces. For a great many others, this may very well be something of a sin. But to me - the owner - it represents attributes that I not only wanted, but I cherish for being present. And at the end of the day, that is what matters most.

When you do go about lowering the ride, it may be a good idea to stiffen the suspension somewhat. Stiffer springs and shocks. That should keep lateral roll to a minimum, and the larger tyres should be able to soak up some of the minor bumps. Overall, it should be good for redressing the handling bit. As for chrome, the "hard chrome" that is quite common in Sialkot, Wazirabad, and Gujranwala can be a good idea, if you're planning to "de-evolve" the colour-coded bumpers, that is.

The door trim of the humble Alto (or the '74-'79 Corolla, for that matter) is also perfectly suited to Chevys. Just saying.

That sounds potent!! What engine/ tranny have u used??! Again, the 65 was an incredibly "sexy" motor, esp in pillar less form. Will always regret scrapping a 66 Caprice coupe which was just good for parts, and must have been a lovely ride in its heyday. Flame RED paint ? A bit of a maverick then! As a car enthusiast , ANY thing about them that makes u feel 16 is a winner in my book

Have been advised to do what u r suggesting rgdng lowering. I imagine it will b a bit of hit and trial getting the mix of the ride quality right. I want a slight "back end down" stance which I have on all the others too. A fellow enthusiast has also suggested the hard chrome facilities available. He's getting some bumpers rechromed, so will see how that works out. Sometimes one can really hit the jackpot. The blue "over under" ( it's a 1972 300 SEL 3.5) shown in the thread earlier came with a set of brand new bumpers!!

As for door rubbers, I know what u mean! I used them out of a 76 shape corolla to replace some on a fleetwood that lurks menacingly in my garage! Talk about "JUGAARHH" !

[fouadhafeez]

No, sir...not just "flame red"...but "flamed". I'll show you some pictures, so you can see what I'm talking about.

This Impala was already modified when I got it, with a 220 bhp 2JZ-GE engine, three speed automatic transmission on the column, and front disc brakes. What I did was I replaced the 2JZ with a 1UZ-FE VVTi engine, installed a floor shift 5 speed tiptronic transmission, and uprated the discs to all four wheels.

No wonder I call this my "mid life crisis" car

[faizandawood007]

No, sir...not just "flame red"...but "flamed". I'll show you some pictures, so you can see what I'm talking about.

This Impala was already modified when I got it, with a 220 bhp 2JZ-GE engine, three speed automatic transmission on the column, and front disc brakes. What I did was I replaced the 2JZ with a 1UZ-FE VVTi engine, installed a floor shift 5 speed tiptronic transmission, and uprated the discs to all four wheels.

No wonder I call this my "mid life crisis" car

uffffffffffff the car raised my heartbeat 4 a while ufffffffffffff touba hay :-#

[VEEeight]

No, sir...not just "flame red"...but "flamed". I'll show you some pictures, so you can see what I'm talking about.

This Impala was already modified when I got it, with a 220 bhp 2JZ-GE engine, three speed automatic transmission on the column, and front disc brakes. What I did was I replaced the 2JZ with a 1UZ-FE VVTi engine, installed a floor shift 5 speed tiptronic transmission, and uprated the discs to all four wheels.

No wonder I call this my "mid life crisis" car

Well well well the colour and it's placement is definitely a matter of choice! And am sure it causes a stir wherever u take it! I see.....most definitely....why there is a "mid life" crisis situation with it!!!! The engine u have installed is of particular interest. It's modern origins mean that despite its "smaller" displacement (unless the Impala was originally just a 6 pot) it easily outguns its original engine. What are the particulars of the tranny ? And how do u find the combo esp with reference to the differential?

[fouadhafeez]

Well well well the colour and it's placement is definitely a matter of choice! And am sure it causes a stir wherever u take it! I see.....most definitely....why there is a "mid life" crisis situation with it!!!! The engine u have installed is of particular interest. It's modern origins mean that despite its "smaller" displacement (unless the Impala was originally just a 6 pot) it easily outguns its original engine. What are the particulars of the tranny ? And how do u find the combo esp with reference to the differential?

Yes, Sir. The 1UZ is all of 4.0L, but still has a tremendous power and torque output; which far outmatches the original engine in terms of smoothness, power, and reliability. And it is also an extremely lightweight powerplant, too. The transmission came ready-mated to the engine, and is a five-forward automatic gearbox, with stick on the floor. Since it has five gears (as opposed to two, or three) it makes for a more intense power band, which of course, adds up to better acceleration from the stop lights. The differentials are 3.70 rear ends, which are perfectly suited to the 1UZ, and you can probably see in the photos that the disc brakes are nice and large; making for as much stopping power, as acceleration.

[VEEeight]

Yes, Sir. The 1UZ is all of 4.0L, but still has a tremendous power and torque output; which far outmatches the original engine in terms of smoothness, power, and reliability. And it is also an extremely lightweight powerplant, too. The transmission came ready-mated to the engine, and is a five-forward automatic gearbox, with stick on the floor. Since it has five gears (as opposed to two, or three) it makes for a more intense power band, which of course, adds up to better acceleration from the stop lights. The differentials are 3.70 rear ends, which are perfectly suited to the 1UZ, and you can probably see in the photos that the disc brakes are nice and large; making for as much stopping power, as acceleration.

Yes I know the 1UZ very very well. My daily drive is an LS 400. I was interested in your views as have never seen this engine in any other car but a Lexus, let alone reading there's one sitting in a yank tank! This is very encouraging to know as it will open a whole range of possibilities........
Cheers!

[VEEeight]

Work on the floor has finally started. This is the driver's side. The really rusted bits have been cut out and new floor panels are being put in. They are out of a Toyota hi ace van so very much the "JUGAARHH" it will be sacrilege for purists but once covered in underseal, it won't matter. Restoring the structural strength of the body is vital, so whatever it takes!

[fouadhafeez]

Coming along nicely.