Classic Workshop
Whether limited in scope or involving your entire car, we offer a broad range of restoration services. We are proud of the fact that the majority of our restoration tasks are performed in house by our very own technicians. This allows us to maintain the highest quality as well as a uniform appearance of the end result.
There are two basic phases involved in any restoration project: Function and Appearance. We believe that appearance should follow function. Therefore, the drivability and usefulness of the vehicle is attended to before anything else. Function encompasses all of the mechanical systems: engine, transmission, driveline, suspension, brakes, electrical, and so on. Appearance involves the soft items: paint and finish, chrome, interior, leather, convertible soft-top, etc.
Once you have selected a Mercedes for restoration, we can help to prioritize the restoration process for you. If you need help finding the perfect classic Mercedes to restore contact our sales division Parsifal Classic.
Restoration projects are usually best addressed in phases, (such as over the winter months). This approach helps to minimize the time that your Mercedes-Benz is off the road. In addition, it spreads the cost of the restoration over the course of a few months to even a few years (depending on the scope of the project).
Both the function and appearance phase of the restoration process should be carefully planned and researched. This ensures every client receives a classic Mercedes done to the level / condition that they desired and years of enjoyable ownership.
EXTRA TEXT = Once you have selected a Mercedes for restoration, we can help to prioritize the restoration process for you. It often works well for our clients to address specific issues in phases over the winter months. This helps to minimize the time that your Mercedes is off the road. In addition, it spreads out restoration costs over several years in some cases.
Both phases of the restoration process should be carefully planned and researched in order to efficiently return a classic Mercedes to the condition you desire.
Restoration Projects
The Black Forest Classic Workshop Gallery
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About the Classic Workshop Gallery
At Black Forest, we always have several active Classic Workshop restoration projects underway. This gallery contains a comprehensive collection of our current, recent and past projects.
The photographs in these albums were taken by our technicians and may not b
Restoration Gallery
About the Classic Workshop Gallery
At Black Forest, we always have several ongoing restoration projects. This gallery contains a collection of our current, recent, and past projects.
Follow us on social media for even more fun albums and updates.
Services for Mercedes-Benz
Classic vehicles (pre-1980)
Lubrication Service
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Engine oil and filter change
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Check and correct engine compartment fluid levels
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Check condition of v-belts
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Check and correct tire inflation pressures
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Inspect tires for wear and damage
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Check thickness of brake pads and condition of brake rotors
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Verify proper operation of lights, horn, and wiper/washer system
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Recommended at 3,500 mile intervals
Brake Fluid Flush
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Completely evacuate old brake fluid from reservoir
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Refill system with fresh fluid and pressure-bleed lines and calipers
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Recommended every year for vehicles built prior to 1998
Cooling System Service
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Drain radiator, engine, and heater core of old coolant
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Refill system with fresh Mercedes-Benz Antifreeze / Anticorrosion agent, diluted with water to proper strength
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In cases where the vehicle is presented to us with coolant of the incorrect type, we will completely flush the cooling system with Mercedes-Benz flushing agent followed by water until completely clean. Only then will we refill the system with fresh Mercedes-Benz Antifreeze / Anticorrosion agent, diluted with water to proper strength. If this procedure is required, there will be an additional parts and labor charge.
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Recommended every three years
Rotate & Balance Tires
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Perform computerized spin balance of all four wheels using proper Mercedes-Benz two-piece wheel weights
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Rotate tires upon re-installation
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Road test vehicle
Automatic Transmission Service
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Drain all old fluid from transmission and torque converter
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Replace transmission oil filter and oil pan gasket
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Refill with Mercedes-Benz approved ATF
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Recommended every 30,000 miles
Differential Service
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Drain old lubricant and inspect its condition before disposal
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Refill with appropriate type and weight gear oil
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Recommended every 60,000 miles
Air Conditioning Service
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Recover all refrigerant in system; record weight of refrigerant removed
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Place system under vacuum to check its integrity and prepare for recharge
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Refill system with factory-specified quantity and type of refrigerant
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Test for proper operation and check for leaks
Note: It is a common misconception that R-12 “Freon” refrigerant is no longer available and that older cars must be converted to operate with R-134a refrigerant. Not true! R-12 and R-134a have different heat transfer and oil transport properties. Each type works best in an A/C system designed specifically for it. Although R-12 is more expensive when the time comes to recharge your A/C system, we believe this doesn't justify the tremendous cost and somewhat reduced performance associated with a conversion to R-134a.
Pre-Purchase Inspections
If you're considering the purchase of a pre-owned Mercedes, a pre-purchase inspection is a wise expenditure. We can give you a clear picture of the car's overall condition and point out specific issues that will need to be addressed. The two most obvious benefits to you are:
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We can protect you from purchasing a misrepresented vehicle with hidden problems and / or requiring expensive repairs.
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We provide you with knowledge that will help you negotiate a sensible price with the seller.
For all vehicles 1995 and older, we perform a comprehensive one-hour inspection followed by a road test and a 30 minute consultation with you.
Beyond the basic inspection described above, we can investigate specific items in greater detail if needed. Let's say, for example, you've found a car you like but the air conditioning doesn't work. The seller tells you, “it just needs a Freon refill.” Do you believe him? We can test the A/C system thoroughly and tell you what the problem really is. Are you looking at an '80s car that shifts a bit hard? We can test the transmission operating pressures to see if someone has cranked up the modulator to conceal a shift slip. Beyond that, we can test cylinder compression, fuel pressure, cooling system efficiency, or just about anything else that concerns you. Such services will be billed to you on an actual-time basis at an hourly rate of $110.00.