1974 Mercedes 450SL Convertible

1974 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Additional Info:

This 1974 Mercedes 450SL is a running/driving project with a solid body.
The 4.5L V8 runs well and pulls strongly.A Pertronix Ignitor unit has been installed to replace the old transistorized ignition unit and provide reliable spark.The automatic transmission shifts reliably and smoothly.The tires are 4 years old and have about 90% tread remaining.The brake master cylinder and front left caliper were just replaced, and brakes work well.The fuel gauge, temp gauge, and speedometer all work well.All lights work.A new convertible top was installed on the original frame about 7 years ago. It shows some signs of wear, but has no tears. The mechanism for lowering/raising the top works perfectly. The hard top is also incuded (pictured).The vacuum-lock system works.Both power windows work.The car has minimal rust. No structural rust. Rockers are solid.The AC system is not charged, but has been tested with a vacuum pump for leaks. It holds a vacuum without issue, and the compressor sounds good when engaged, so it should be able to be recharged with Freon (R12 for this car) and work.
Needs:
When the car has been driven for a while, and then stopped for, say, 20 minutes and restarted, it can have trouble idling initially (for about 5 minutes). Someone with more D-Jet experience than me should be able to address this.There is a loose heat-shield on the driver's side of the engine (over the engine vibration damper) that rattles a bit.The timing chain and guides should be replaced soon (chain noise can sometimes be heard while accelerating).The transmission leaks. I believe it is the front seal.The dash is cracked.The rest of the interior is in decent shape, but colors are faded due to sun exposure.One of the plastic/chrome covers for the driver's seat hinge has broken and come off.I can see two places where some body work was performed. The paint on the driver's door below the door handle looks a little different from the rest of the car. There is also evidence of a repair on the side of the car just above the passenger-side rear light.The convertible top frame has some rust, but works/folds just fine.Some of the clips for the driver's outer door trim don't want to stay attached, so it has to be pushed back in from time to time.The blower for heat/AC no longer works. A replacement unit will need to be installed. Fortunately it is easy to access from under the hood.The turn signals flash too quickly. I believe it to be a ground problem somewhere.The tachometer needle sometimes jumps around. Again, I think this is a ground issue.Sometimes a clicking noise can be heard from a relay near the passenger footwell. I haven't narrowed down the cause.
If you have any questions, or if you'd like to come see and test drive the car, please send me a message.