Hi SELfor50, please understand that my post was not meant to be critical of anyone, nor was it directed at you specifically nor at anyone else for that matter. When restoring a car, especially 116s, it is important to start off with good mechanicals. Engines are quite foolproof, as are the gearboxes. With the later, of course, you're in the fortunate position that many components are shared with 450 AND even 280 boxes.
Of course, engine and gearbox are just two items in a web full of other mechanical parts. You have engine mounts (not easy to replace), propeller shaft couplings (not cheap) front and rear suspension bushes (again not cheap), ball joints, water pump and so on. Luckily enough, 116 components are long lasting - in fact, they almost last too well and it's only when you get down to the real 'nitty gritty" or start dismantling components, that some of the "unexpected" wear and tear becomes evident. Do you then let it go, or do you carry on ? The main problem, of course, is spare parts prices. Take engine mounts. About $280.00 min. for each one - you might get cheaper, so don't hold me to this price - and you do need two of them, don't you, plus about six hours work. So you can do your own sums. However, if those mounts were $40.00 each (and that's all they're worth, in my opinion), you would have a different playing field and things would be more affordable - and that goes right down the line, with whatever you touch that involves the Australian retail market.
In my view, the cost of interiors is relatively cheap in the overall restoration cost of a 6.9. I will be instituting a substantial discounted savings programme in the very near future on new leather and velour seat coverings, as well as carpets of all description in order to encourage an upward trend in turn-over of goods, but more of that in a few days. Anyway, I must not digress. The saving grace is that you do not need to deal with the parent company. It is a competitive market and there are some really good products about.
Restoration of paintwork can be very expensive, especially if there is rust to contend with, but it is something that one can save up for - or, at least, it may not need doing immediately. Invariably, as Michel says, it is difficult, if not almost impossible, to recoup your outlays on a restoration project. At least, with a 6.9 or indeed a 107, you're in with a chance. Then again, you're not restoring for profit, are you ? You're there for the long haul and the pleasure of enjoying the fruits of your labour in due course. Regards Styria
