1978 MB engine detail...

[Clean Dean]

A good friend of mine called me this week, and asked if I would detail his latest purchase, a low mile 1978 Mercedes Benz 450 SL. The car is very well maintained, but in dire need of a good detail. Today I took on the vehicles engine bay, and the process was as follows:

Warm up engine for a few minutes
Light pressure wash of entire engine bay.
Spray on APC full strength and let dwell for a few minutes.
Pressure wash again.
Work APC (50% diluted) over entire engine with various brushes, rags and tooth brush.
Pressure wash again.
Remove air filter housing and sand off surface rust.
Prime then repaint with heat resistant flat black paint.
Polish valve covers with Mothers Aluminum Polish and 0000 steel wool.
Polish all aluminum engine parts with Mothers.
Lightly pressure wash entire engine again.
Wipe down all painted engine bay areas with spray wax.
Return air filter cover, and spray down engine with water based dressing.
Let engine run to evaporate any remaining water.
Finish of with a light coat of Stoners Trim Shine and wipe down engine one last time.

Enjoy …

 

[Reddwarf]

Very nice. I'm really impressed with the way the air cleaner turned out. It looks brand new. I would have probably tried to buy a replacement but you showed how that is not necessary. Excellent!

You going to detail the rest of the car?

 

[audiboy]

Very nice work. I would have never guessed that engine could have looked like that after I saw the before pictures.

 

[BLACKWRX]

nice job ...... do you have any issues with the engine mechanically after the cleaning

 

[Clean Dean]

BLACKWRX,

I never had a problem with these bullett proof cast iron block 4.5 liter Mercedes V8s. I have probably detailed at least a hundred of these over the pst 8 years, and even more of the later 5.6 liter V8. Never had a problem.

 

[9D4E420]

Wow what an unbelievable turnaround. I bet the guy was really happy with the engine. Let us know how you make out with the rest of the car. I'm very interested to see some pics and what products you used.

 

[CBlakeNS]

Wow, very nice turn around!

Looks 100% better!

 

[bigron62]

dean youre the man ...looking good

 

[The Chee]

The car is as old as ME and you made it look new. Appreciate you sharing with us :rockon:yourrock

ps:Lurve you avatar