Mercedes 190SL Restoration (Part 8) | Classic Obsession | Episode 58

Cruising in the Mercedes 190SL in the Hollywood Hills, this is what dreams are made of…or will it turn out to be a nightmare?!
Special thanks to Kolorbond by Technispray Paints Ltd:
www.kolorbond.co.uk/
Created with the support of Footman James, classic vehicle insurance specialists and founders of
Coffee and Chrome Collective: www.footmanjames.co.uk/
Created with the support of IntroCar, International Rolls-Royce and Bentley Parts Specialists:
www.introcar.com/
Use code “MAVERS” for site wide discount on Rolls-Royce and Bentley parts.

[@indyzed9897]

Hey there Gary. I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoy your content. It has truly helped me in my personal life. I struggle with patience. Watching you start a job & take it to the finish in your easy going way has really encouraged me. Best Wishes & God Bless you.

[@spencerbrowning4126]

Watching you cruise the LA Boulevard’s in that beautiful SL and seeing my favourite cars in the showroom and workshop actually has given me goosebumps ! Another very fine video Gary.

[@johncollier608]

The restoration that keeps on giving, snatching deat from the jaws of victory. Hey ho, just look at what you have achieved, Gary, in the environment in which you've done is quite remarkable. Thanks for sharing.

[@jimmymanan5997]

Gary you are the best mechanic in the world. I think the owner is so lucky to have you take care of that beautiful marvel! 👍

[@classic.obsession]

I’m still learning Jimmy but many thanks for watching and your kind comments.!

[@stephenelder2783]

Gary I hope the owner is paying your fare and expenses Great work Well done

[@jamesellsworth9673]

What a mechanic! As an actor, you have the gift of having 'the camera loving you.' Some of the grime of years reminded me of working on agricultural equipment at the end of a season. I was but a lad then and made my adult living in an entirely different way.

[@stefanomastropietro9040]

An absolute reality of classic cars! Just when you think you’ve finished, something else crops up 😮. I’m happy they’ll be another episode 😊

[@ronkluwe4875]

Gary - Easy fix for your steering damper. Carefully cut off the small bushing end from the old damper, carefully cut off the one bushing end from the new damper, find a good TIG welder and have him weld on the old bushing end to the new damper. Replace old bushing bushes and it is a new part. Really appreciate your laid back style and that you do the work yourself.

[@scottstrails9369]

Cheers Garry ,handy access panels on the 190 ,video started with a rear view mirror shot similar to a Bullit chase scene

[@chrisballs6848]

Can't say I am not a wee bit chuffed you have to go back. Fast becoming my favourite KZbin watch, class act Mavers, love from Scotland.❤

[@CJS6611]

Hi Gary , Chris here is South Hampshire. Great video . Always very informative. Thanks

[@fixanythingdiy]

Well Done. Sorry about the road conditions here in LA. The roads are rubbish.

[@jamesellsworth9673]

I had a good laugh here: other British motoring experts are always pointing out the undermaintenance of their roads.

[@mikehidiroglou9699]

You look a bit like Steve McQueen . Lovely work on the 190 SL.

[@alexmacdonald4270]

Great attention to detail Gary, I see videobob Molsley has a corniche he would like your help with in Vegas that would be great content for your channel assuming he is willing to go to the great detail you do on all your cars, ironically her prefers red and your 2nd on is red

[@classic.obsession]

I messaged him recently. Regards

[@simonelliott5956]

I’ve got to say, that I’m glad you’re coming back, as this has been a really enjoyable series of videos. First rate production values, great to get to see this journey.

[@DS246416]

wow, every episode just gets better!

[@ronniewilson6597]

Great video Gary. 👍🏻😀

[@skdinterceptor2828]

Great resto, good learning and top tips. Thank you, hope to see you back soon.

[@rogerpritchard]

Enjoying to watch as always, reminds me of my time in LA. A drive through topanga canyon to the pacific highway was especially nice I remember.

[@carlotomass119]

Absolutely stunning !

[@carlotomass119]

Always likes Mercedes in that iconic silver Imho always thing …. I’m not sayiing I’m right …. Mercedes …… silver Ferrari ………….Red Lamborghini.. yellow Not right or wrong I hope. But just my preference ❤️

[@leehayes70]

TV show please. Nothing different. Same music, absolutely ace.

[@joemcaleer3521]

Another great video Gary.all the best from Aberdeen, Scotland.

[@stewartevans3875]

Hey Gary - Gotta say thats a thing of beauty ! I just love the way these cars are built , very clever but simple and robust engineering.The result you've achieved is just outstanding. I love the quick fix on the gear selector :-) as the guy below says - im glad there 's another episode of :-) Can we place bets on how much the nylon bush is for the selector is - $60 ? Cheers Stew

[@classic.obsession]

£30!!

[@stewartevans3875]

🤣 - the workmanship in that piece of nylon must be outstanding though - 👍

[@anthonybaiocchi3028]

I guess the roads are appropriate for a den of iniquity? The perfect place to figure out that a good bush stiffens things up! 😉

[@pedrosalas4460]

An never ending work, but a very reearding one. Thar mercedes garage looks like hospital clean,so nice. 10/10 as always Gary, concerning to your work and commitement

[@jimmyquinn9639]

Excellent video Gary 🚗🚙🚘👍👍👏⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@dominiclloyd6020]

Hi you well get there eventually what an Amazing job you are doing on the Mercedes 👍

[@johnmoruzzi7236]

I have to say I still favour good old paraffin, a paintbrush and some rags (and maybe a scraper) for removing old grease and grime from under the car and around the engine !

[@malcolmclenton1663]

Loving your work !👌

[@leohagan]

Love your channel mate.

[@jamesmoon8947]

Well done that Man 💯👌

[@lgriestra]

Wow. Very interesting.

[@paulwhite856]

Hi Gary great video again... the damper is the correct one.. its the steel inner inner sleeve from bushing stuck on shaft😊

[@classic.obsession]

No there’s 2 types. Early ones are not available anymore. You can replace the sleeve/rubber..

[@roberthayden1527]

The good news is... You'll be back here soon, I hope. Your videos set a high bar and your unique and natural style is enjoyable to watch. Aftermarket/repro parts can be the most frustrating thing about restoration, which is surprising considering the availability of tooling/CAD/3d printing that is available nowadays. I hope to catch you next time for a drive around the canyons!

[@crauuford]

Love watching Gary work and using the same tricks we’ve all had to do on occasion like a jack handle for leverage or borrowing a part from one place to make something else work. Agree the CA road are a shame.

[@kenpallister5804]

Brilliant channel. Made my Saturday afternoon.

[@dellhell8842]

Gorgeous car. Excellent video production.

[@carlosnieves2319]

beautiful car.i just love the car. wish i had one.thank you for sharing this program.

[@jimmypratt6450]

Now thats i call crusing in a lovely old car shame about the roads , its unfortunate the linkage bush give up the ghost i've messed with plenty in the past . Great video 👍

[@shabbos-goy9407]

The damper doesn't bring the steering to the centre position. It's to dampen bump steer.

[@classic.obsession]

Yep. But I’ve g Found if it’s knackered it seems to affect the steering wheel returning when turning corners. You can drive the car without but much smoother with. Regards

[@Simon-ry1lw]

These are a joy to watch, the background music is a perfect match to the moment

[@johnmclean7212]

top man is back

[@philipjdrake3737]

Loved seeing Roy Orbison’s car, so nice to drive all night. Orbison song for anyone who doesn’t know his music.

[@YogalTV]

Love your Jag too ❤️ V8

[@OldLien1]

WOW!! What a good mate you are, Unbelievable.

[@gmac7947]

What a turn around

[@Erwinhooi]

Enjoyed the episode, thanks!

[@billyt8165]

Well done Gary . I live in hale village and a ex car dealer. Always look forward to your posts . Well done with the drive down the boulevard. With a touch of the Thomas crown affair type of direction . Nice. Let me know when your next in the village . I will make the tea and cakes 👍regards Billy

[@chriskennard5920]

Gary, or is it Steve McQ, gliding elegantly down the Avenue of stars. But I bet Steve never knew half as much as you about putting and old dear back on the road in perfect health. Nice one fella, keep up the good stuff!

[@classic.obsession]

Steve McQueens granddad!!

[@preonmodel9906]

Being a quick thinker and finding solutions has always been very important in my career, hats off for the gear linkage solution, nice job Sir!

[@kalkan98]

Watching towards the end of that made me think of Steve mcqueen in the film Bullitt,having a small resemblance to him,you have a great presence on camera on a drive by Gary.Bet you'd Love to recreate that car chase hey?

[@classic.obsession]

really weird you mention that.i was invited to a cinema showing of that movie whilst in LA and id only ever seen the film on tv a long time ago. the car chase was exhilarating. like a totally different experience on the big screen. still stands up today.years ahead of its time. regards

[@hamishcruden7623]

Wow... you are getting like MacGyver.... coming up with a solution for the gear shifter... well done! Glad you are headed back to the US for more... O I'm sure you know... but there is a Royce Corniche in Las Vegas that needs some help over at Video Bobs place... looking forward to the next video...

[@jeffhammond8969]

Love the cruise footage. To get rid of excess grease, you should consider dry ice cleaning the underside.

[@classic.obsession]

I’m obsessed with finding a firm in Liverpool and Los Angeles who’ll do it for me! Regsrds

[@jeffhammond8969]

@@classic.obsession I am Detailing in Costa Mesa does top notch work!

[@BeantownToBigD]

@@classic.obsession Yes, I AAM Deatiling in Costa Mesa www.youtube.com/@IAMDetailing

[@brucefraser5363]

Nice vid. Very therapeutic to watch! Can you comment on what’s with the radio? It doesn’t look period. Maybe a nice old Blaupunkt would finish the dash to a high standard. Thx.

[@classic.obsession]

He’s hot the original Becker but the hole for the new one was cut bigger for it. Shame.

[@B16YUG]

Nice work Gary, good improvisation on your repair. As you are going out again can you persuade Dan to swap out that 1990’s stereo that ruins the dash? You can get old stereos with Bluetooth modules fitted….I’ve fitted one to my Porsche 356 and Karmann Ghia. Thanks for sharing your car journey with us, look forward to the next episode.

[@classic.obsession]

He had the old stereo but unfortunately the steel dash has had a bigger hole cut so a bit tricky. But I agree. Regards.

[@gregoryaltmeyer9084]

While I always enjoy seeing the lengths you go to on restorations, this would have been a perfect client for a dry ice cleaning. Keep up the good work.

[@classic.obsession]

Agreed. Wish I’d been able to find a company to do it. I can’t even find one in Liverpool

[@RobertMoseley]

We share a birthday, on September 1, except I am much younger, born in 1974. Only behind you a mere decade! - HA!

[@classic.obsession]

But look 10 years older!! How you doing Bob? How’s the corniche?

[@RobertMoseley]

I think you look younger than I do! Healthy living? It's going to be expensive! I need that amazing headliner you made! I need to replace every single rubber thing on the car, sand it down and get it ready for a paint or a wrap, ironically I want it RED! lol I think the mechanicals will not be that hard to do, it's mostly cosmetic, aside from all the leaks! It's going to be a long journey!@@classic.obsession

[@classic.obsession]

Bob you can message me privately on [e-mail]

[@lukemallory7832]

I'd certainly be interested in a video on the XK8 btw, but I understand if your time out there is better spent elsewhere!

[@classic.obsession]

its in need of a bit of TLC and I'm sure ill be seduced into that one down the line too Luke!! lovely car. my neighbour John Aldridge has one. such a smooth, comfortable drive and fast becoming classic..

[@lukemallory7832]

@@classic.obsession Yes, as an Irishman, I enjoyed your chat with Mr. Aldridge, and his going ballistic at the USA '94 WC! Good old days!

[@psjasker]

The World’s Most Interesting Man. He does a frame-off restoration …. With the frame ON!

[@martinclapton2724]

You do one thing , then find another! Old cars , don’t you just love them ! That’s it though , we do . What many don’t understand, is that the interest and love classic car people have for their cars is very environmentally friendly, why bring another car onto our ever congested roads, fully computerised that a few owners down the line will find it uneconomical to fix , when we can keep an existing car going and keep simpler mechanics in good order. Good vid again . Gary. Btw you can centre a steering box , before you send it to tracking specialists , yourself . 1) see how many turns it is to lock LH the RH locks from a centre steering wheel position. If a little more on one side , undo steering wheel off splines replace it to give more movement on other side to compensate. Then you should have equal turns LH and RH . That centres the wheel to the steering box so when you take it to the tracking centre , they set the wheel straight ahead , your wheels will be at odds , then then adjust to centre the alignment to give correct adjustment all the way through. 😊

[@paulmarriner5906]

There’s always something else that’s the joy of classic cars worth it though and why is there always a wrong part in the box

[@classic.obsession]

I know. Happens a lot!

[@camhyde9701]

My experience is dragging callipers can be caused by perished lines preventing fluid returning after braking

[@classic.obsession]

It’s on drums and shoes and I think in the past it’s been reshaped but material was slightly too thick. Not binding so should bed in. Regards.

[@user-kl9pm2cr1m]

We all know u had the bushes in your pocket 🤣🤣 another trip to LA !! Dont blame you 👍

[@classic.obsession]

Haaaaa!!

[@brownson1970]

hey Gary , IF you could have ANY car ever to restore, WHAT would it be???

[@classic.obsession]

A Gordon Keeble..

[@earthstick]

It's a bit disappointing that those orignal steering parts cannot be refurbished. One day they will all have been replaced and there will be no record of the mechanics of that era.

[@samperras]

You could eat off the paradise floor

[@FJOLLEDRENG]

Love your videos ❤ Could you lease share the paint product’s you’re using, when you paint parts like the diff and other under body parts? 😊

[@classic.obsession]

Paint in the states is awful! Different laws. Just used anything really. Not great. nothing special so couldn’t really recommend…

[@FJOLLEDRENG]

Back in the UK, what is your preferred brand? I’ve seen your other videos from the UK, and you get such a great finish, that I can’t obtain with the paint I’m using. Any help will be appreciated 🙏

[@classic.obsession]

I use DuPont base coat followed by Silkens 2k clearcoat/Lacquer. I sometimes use 2k as the base cost followed by clearcoat which give’s incredible shiny finish. The experts say you cannot do this but you can if you leave it longer before your clearcoat. The finish really is the time you put in after the car is painted I will leave the car a week to go properly hard before working my way through the different grades of papers from 1000 up to 3000 and methodically polish with various cutting and finishing polishes using correct heads on machine. Don’t cut corners. Just take the time. None of my paint jobs are perfect. Far from it!! Regards.

[@FJOLLEDRENG]

⁠ - thank you so much for taking your time to answer. Exactly what I wanted to know. Keep up the good work, and I look forward for more fantastic videos off your work 😍

[@classic.obsession]

Just used a paint and clear coat kit from a company called HB Body, a Greek based manufacturer that supplies worldwide. Featured in my latest episode where I paint the 928Gt. Good stuff that I would highly recommend. Regards.

[@larrykavanagh5197]

Is it an optical illusion or is the boot/trunk lid slightly more raised on the driver's side? Nice work and good improvisation.

[@classic.obsession]

Yes it is. I must check I’ve fitted the correct seal as I mentioned. There’s so many little imperfections I’m just trying to get through all the big important jobs in the short time I have

[@SuperWayneyb]

🤘😎🤘🚗💨👍👍

[@alexday5892]

Another superb video Gary. Curious to know if you think the Merc would benefit from getting a coat of protective under seal ? Not sure if that’s something that West Coast motors really need ? Cheers

[@classic.obsession]

I really want to dry ice it…

[@alexday5892]

@@classic.obsession how many jobs could possibly be left for it ? Seems like you’ve done most already!

[@classic.obsession]

There’s always more to do..

[@davidyang8989]

Can you help me with my 73 jag E Type V12 with overheating issues 😊

[@classic.obsession]

Could be a few things David. Radiator, thermostat, viscous fan, timing a bit off? There could be crap in the block so coolant isn’t flowing around properly…could be something simple like a temp gauge that’s reading wrong…process of elimination really. Start with the cheapest fix and work your way up and hopefully it’s nothing more sinister! Regards

[@MasenMonster]

What’s the serial number on it? I’m quite curious!

[@classic.obsession]

On the bulk head. Regards

[@wolfganghobelsberger6720]

Another great episode...thank you Gary. Call me stupid or typical German (probably the same 😀) but how can one drive a car, which was sitting for ages in a garage, out on the roads without having passed an MOT (TÜV overhere), and how does insurance work? No MOT (TÜV) = no insurance. Are the rules in California so different from Europe? Thanks for reply.

[@classic.obsession]

Wolfgang it’s 66 years old! No mot needed. In Uk anyway. I don’t know what the rules are there but I’m insured if he is. Different from Uk. Regards

[@wolfganghobelsberger6720]

Hello Gary. Many thanks for your reply. For sure that makes life easier over the pond 😊. Should be applied here as well.@@classic.obsession

[@user-sz9vn4ul1d]

why atf?

[@classic.obsession]

ATF is the correct oil and those box’s are bullet proof. My pagoda was exactly the same. Seems wrong but it’s defo right lubricant. Regards

[@coolcolschannel8773]

How much has this restoration cost Gary

[@classic.obsession]

Don’t know. Maybe 10k in dollars for parts. Regards.

[@coolcolschannel8773]

@@classic.obsession it's a lovely car and you make it look so easy replacing bits 👍😊

[@mrjohncharlesbrown]

​@@classic.obsessionand the rest Gary 😂

[@classic.obsession]

My labours free John. Prices for labour over there would give you a stroke. Wheel alinement (15 minute job) cost $275 !!!!

[@rayborg7378]

Cars do age too just like we do.With that there is always going to be wear .One thing leads to another, its tiresome expensive for sure.Yet back on the road its all worth it.If I only had the money, guess you can t have it all can you.

[@alexmacdonald4270]

Can we expect a collaboration? Or would you prefer not to say?

[@stevengriffin7873]

Don't manual gearboxes use different oil not ATF oil.Also working under a dirty old car,dust and grit and an abrasive wheel with no safety glasses?

[@classic.obsession]

No. It defo uses ATF as my pagoda did..

[@stevengriffin7873]

@@classic.obsession Ok,first time I ever heard that.

[@johnburns4017]

It would have been better to take it to be steam cleaned.

[@classic.obsession]

Or dry iced but try hinging s place! Regards

[@classic.obsession]

Finding

[@johnburns4017]

@@classic.obsession I suppose in dry LA there is no great demand.

[@neilharrison7555]

Loved it - old cars, old problems......judging other Merc spares prices, the new bushes will be what....$50 EACH ?? !! Nice car, very nice car....

[@classic.obsession]

$30 set!

[@paulwhite856]

Hi Gary great video again... the damper is the correct one.. its the steel inner inner sleeve from bushing stuck on shaft😊

[@classic.obsession]

Paul, I'm back in LA and you were right. School boy error! I thought about what you said and remembered many years back when I had the same problem with the 230SL. Same thing stuck on the shaft. I suppose as time goes by and when you're up against the clock we make these silly mistakes. Thanks again

[@paulwhite856]

I only knew as I did exactly the same 😂 but.. what a decent guy you are for taking the time to reply.. thank you.. and keep up the good work 😊