Assembly of the car

From February to May 2010 "Riga Master Workshop" Ltd. took part in several international exhibitions in Germany and Russia. In order to demonstrate quality of the works on metal performed by "RMW" in restoration of the body, we presented the cabriolet Mercedes-Benz 280SE at the exhibition, which was that time in the process of restoration, and as a sample was available for public viewing. That is why further restoration of the car was postponed for several months.

After returning from the said exhibitions, solution was made to return finally the original designer appearance to the cabriolet. It was, therefore, necessary to dismantle exterior lighting devices different from the original and installed on this car particularly for the American market. After completing of this work, the noticeable holes in the body have been welded, the welding joints were grinded, thereafter the body was sent for treatment and painting.

 Repainted body of European style was back from paint-shop and we could re-start assembling process.

We continued assembling installing exterior trim elements and European style lighting devices.

Installation of external trim in progress - chromed window trim elements were attached, windows were aligned and operation of the window mechanisms was function tested.

We completed restoration of the starter motor paying particular attention to the solenoid switch contacts. Finally, the overhauled starter motor found its place in the engine compartment.

Among the restored trim components were the doorstep inner and outer mouldings. We now glued on the new doorstep rubber cladding and fixed the innernal and external decorative elements.

New brake system hoses were installed. Handbrake actuator wire was completely replaced.

As with the brake system hoses, also the fuel supply pipes running under the floor were completely renewed.Restored fuel pump is returned to place.  

Exhaust system was installed, comprising of new Mercedes branded components.

Current sending with new parts needed for installation had been arrived. Most valuable in the parcel were new European style headlamps.

We finished installation of all external decorations and light signalling devices.

It was taken decision take part in world fair "Technoclassica Essen 2011" exposing this project as our labour quality sample. Assembling was discontinued to provide to visitors possibility to see a quality of body restoration works provided by our masters - no front seats and carpets were placed in the front row leaving restored floor panels sight worthy.    

This 280SE was among main exhibits at RMW stand attracting attention of habitual visitors and recognition of business experts. During exhibition our team had several interesting and fruitful meetings with representatives from different Mercedes clubs and individual owners of such type cars.

Returned from "Technoclassica Essen 2011" we continued restoration process. All assembling units and components located in the engine compartment were returned to the previous place. We finished all preparation jobs and successfully started restored engine.

As running gear and steering unit components were adjusted first test drive was completed. All restored systems were in general operating, but after run-in course will be needed additional transmission and braking system adjustments.

As antenna was fixed into place, connection plates and seals into front wheel arches were fixed.

All air conditioning system components were fixed into engine and passenger compartments. Cooling medium filling was commissioned to the specialist workshop.

We prepared car for State Technical inspection granting use of public roads for driving. State registration number plates were installed.

Luggage compartment floor was covered with original ribbed rubber mat. Several times erecting roof was tested restored folding roof mechanism.