New Prjoect
 

Not really kit car or tribute related but I thought I would post this here as I know I'l get some good knowledgeable input and maybe some help!..

For a long time I've wanted a Mercedes G wagon, some thing like this...

http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/...psylnduif6.jpg

But without the 100k price tag!

I've seen a lot for sale on ebay from 10k - 20k that look the part from the outside, ie an older LWB G wagon with all the newer AMG kit on, new alloys etc and a spray job. But the interior is the tired old boxy looking dash and the usual old style seats. And when you pop the bonnet, its the same story with a 25 year old engine with a million miles on the clock.

I then had a look on ebay and got a bit excited and bought this at auction...

http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/...ps8xzz3xut.jpg

(engine doesn't run and from what i can gather its pretty much dead!)

I payed £2,350.

The kits ie wide arches, newer grill, headlight surrounds, bumpers lights etc can all be bought off ebay for round £2k.

Alloys £1k maybe? 22"

Body work and decent spray job £2k-£3k ?

Thats the outside sorted then!

but the inside still looked like this...

http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/...psdqlzxqcq.jpg

And I still need a new engine!

This is where you wonderful fellow forum users come in! Im thinking about buying this... (or something similar)

http://www.hbc.co.uk/cgi-bin/zyview/...ding/R=5817895

http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/...psj5452xie.png

How easy would it be for someone to do an engine AND dash swap?

I know its do-able as everything is do-able with the right knowledge and skills but this is something I dont have!

Any advice is welcome here and If anyone is capable of doing it or knows someone that is then please send them my way.

What's wrong with the engine, would have thought it would be cheaper and easier to repair what you've got.

It probibly would be cheaper and easyer but im after a newer engine with low miles (and i want a petrol). Also the dash is a major part in this project to make the interior actually look 'newish' and that would be part of all the wiring loom etc

As these vehicles have a separate chassis, if the wheelbase is anywhere near each other, I would cut the body shell off the ML leaving the floor pan with bulkhead/dash, wiring, seats etc and then drop the G wagon shell minus it's floor etc over the top and start welding. Simple.

Only 66mm difference in wheelbase if my Googling is correct.

I like that 'simple' you added to the end! Sounds like a better idea if it is that simple....

Thanks to chris for putting me onto somone who is up for the job!

The car will be delivered at some point next week to Coltech Classics.

Now to find a 'straight' petrol ML, with low millage, high spec and at a good price!

G wagon body shell will be grafted onto the ML chasis and floorplan.

Just a slightly late word of warning - the old ML I had was a pretty crappy to own.

It was W reg with 120,000 miles so wear and tear is expected but it was mainly the fact that the plastic fixtures and fittings were made from recycled '80s stereo plastic and the electrics were random as to if and when they worked.

Mechanically sound engine but the 4.3 V8 takes 16 spark plugs which can be pricey.

Make sure you change the fluids in the transmission if you get an auto and that was what killed mine, and quite a few others apparently.

Love the idea of what you are doing though and hope your ML is better than the one I got. The only saving grace was I paid £1,200 and sold it a year later for £2,000.

If you really want a G just find an engine,the ML chassis is not as solid as a G.

Thanks wca, im looking for a manual petrol ideally with less than 80k on the clock.

As for the plastic trim etc, il be getting most of it re-trimmed in leather, the dash mainly and il have to make up some new door cards to fit the G doors.

I bought the G wagon more out of excitement and never really thought the project through but 'f@@k it' I may as well go for it now! Its going to be a bit more costly doing it this way with the body swap but il be getting everything that a newer car should have, ie abs, traction control etc (still not sure if airbags will be functional as im sure the ml has them in the doors aswell?)

And doing it this way and not touching the chassis of the ml, i may be able to get it re registered with the dvla as a body swap as per your z300s and the likes.

Lots of pictures please. I love the idea.

Rene - The G may be more solid but it is also old and not great on the road without a lot of work. I think G body onto the ML chassis is the intelligent way to go

I have a slot booked in for the job at the end of july so gives me plenty of time to find a decent ml donor. I'l start a new thread in the general build area closer to the time and fill it with pics.

Used Coltech Classics myself a few times and know the people he learnt his trade from quite well. He's a very competent fabricator/modifier and an excellent bodywork welder/fettler.

I'm glad that Paul could help you out with this project. I have know Paul for a loooooong time and he does great custom work:

http://www.coltechclassics.com

I will have to call in and check on progress once it's started.

Oh yes!

You may have to take some measurments while your there chris, as im going to need some GPR door cards making up.....

*Cancel the thread move!*

As Gary and Chris say above, Paul at Coltech turns out some excellent work. I look forward to seeing it come together. :)

Paul took delivery for the ML yeaterday...

http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/...psedxc27ek.png

I cant wait for the project to start. This might end up better than I thought as Ive had a new idea for it that we will hopfully be discussing this week. Stay tuned!