1971 MERCEDES 280SE 3.5 CONVERTIBLE CONVERSION & RESTORATION by Craig Gebauer

[@philipmanfredi9296]

Beautiful restoration. To me, the later year W111 Coupes, with the slightly lower and wider front grill, are possibly the best looking Mercedes-Benz models ever. I should say, the best looking Mercedes cars that can be used as daily drivers in modern times. They are stubbornly timeless, simply refuse to show their age!

[@RedouaneKhrifi]

that's a beauty

[@Engineering_Rebel]

Amazing my favorite car!

[@jasonlindsey9533]

craig, i am currently looking at purchasing a 1967 250se. i only want to make the purchase if i can find someone who could do the convertible conversion for me. this is the only reference to such a conversion if can find online. do you do this professionally (or know someone who does)?

[@ralphbiase1]

would you be willing to do another one ? I have a nice 220se that I would like to have a convertible top installed on. I know it's a High grill and not as valuable. however I still want it done

[@eddieferrari4096]

Hello! Can you make my Mercedes look like your 1971 Mercedes 280se coupe?

[@HLife719]

Did you add the Cabriolet specific strengthening panels to the chassis?

[@craiggebauer7519]

Dan Casey The car had been engineered & reinforced, before the top was removed otherwise the body would’ve lost its shape and the doors would never close properly along with countless other problems, The car turned out to be extremely solid when completed.

[@HLife719]

@@craiggebauer7519 Two friends and I are in the process of restoring a 1971 280SE 3.5 Coupé in Germany. In addition to installing a german ECE version 300HP 5.6 liter engine from 1988, a mid 90s 5-speed automatic transmission (722.6), the rear axle from a 6.3 (2.82:1ratio) and the 560SEL's brakes, we also added the cabriolet's strengthening panels for extra rigidity. The gap difference when the car is on it's wheels or on a hoist is now undetectable. Enjoy your lovely convertible!

[@hazbenz3145]

Craig do you have the roof that was cut off? I have the same car needing a sunroof Jim

[@craiggebauer7519]

The cut off top has already been reused on another project car

[@jcejka2011]

What does a coupe to convertible conversion like that cost? I am considering find a coupe but would need help with a convsrsion of this caliber.

[@craiggebauer7519]

The cost was about $35k to chop the original top and install Power convertible top -"give or take a couple bucks"

[@HLife719]

Craig Gebauer Do those costs include the parts? Did you get them from a donor W111 Cabriolet, and if so, from which model? Are the parts identical to those or a factory 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet?

[@craiggebauer7519]

Dan Casey The convertible top is a one off custom power top, not from a donor Mercedes

[@tanakorn011]

@@craiggebauer7519 Where I can buy custom power top please ?

[@emperorking7255]

How much was the cost ? I have one to convert

[@craiggebauer7519]

Sell the car you have now and buy a real convertible. The cost to convert this car correctly was very expensive because of all the reinforcement needed, if you don’t reinforce the car thoroughly when you put it on the lift to service it, it will spread apart like an artichoke.

[@emperorking7255]

Agreed, people like you who can’t afford to buy the real convertible like me should not play with glass houses 😎

[@mbayesylla4906]

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