Trunk lock for 230SL mystery

[justken2u]

Hey guys ... during the restoration and transformation of my 230SL, it was necessary to replace the tail panel of sheet metal that contains the tail lights, trunk lock, etc. Once all was done and painted, it was discovered that the trunk lock that I had for the car is now too big for the hole that was there in the new metal. In discussions with others, I was told that the new sheet metal with the small hole is the only part that is available today. It seems that simply drilling out the hole to a larger size is not an option since enlarging the hole to the size of the lock will destroy the curved "lip" just below the bottom of the existing hole. I ordered a new lock, but the one that came in was still too big. One of the parts places I have dealt with informed me that apparently there were three different lock sets for that car. Yikes. I don't know what to order or where to order it since most part dealers are unfamiliar with the three versions explanation. And knowing the serial number of my car isn't helpful since the new tail piece isn't from the generation of vehicle that I have. I have included a picture that shows my current lock and current hole in close proximity to each other to clearly show my problem. Solutions?

Heeeeeeellllllpppp!!!

Thanks as usual,

K

(since I originally posted this request, I decided to put up a couple more pictures showing the tail piece being installed. The three bottom photos show the inner and outer tail piece before and after installation. The top photo shows one of the current locks. Of course it never occurred to me to test all of the trim on the car until this point ... why would I? The sheet metal that I purchased to replace the rusted out pieces were all from Mercedes. This has GOT to be the correct tail piece for this car, I just can't understand why the hole is the wrong size for all of the available locks. )

[justken2u]

Well, I've made dozens of phone calls and sent countless emails around the country trying to solve this mystery and basically ran out of time ... I had to get this piece installed. The solution? We VERY CAREFULLY enlarged the hole (couldn't simply use a step drill since the needed hole was not concentric to the existing hole) using a grinder and a TON of patience.

I'm still perplexed how it is that Mercedes could do this to the poor owner population for 230SLs and 280SLs ...

No doubt there are a good number that get crunched in the back to the extent that the tail panel needs to be replaced. Why there was no mention or information on the smaller hole for the trunk lock and the best way to get around it is truly a mystery.

Anyhoooo .. if anybody ever encounters this perplexing issue, the only way around it is to make the hole bigger ... very carefully so as not to destroy the curved lip below the lock. As far as I know, the smaller lock is the Holy Grail of Mercedes parts.

The end.

[Bernd]

One suggestion...next time you need to drill a hole up or move the center of any large hole...clamp a larger waste piece of sheet metal behind OR in front the existing hole, mark your new center, predrill then use your hole saw. it usually works very well. I don't know if that would have solved your question, and unfortunately i saw your posting too late.

Bernd

[justken2u]

Hey Bernd ...

Typically a GREAT suggestion ... unfortunately for me, this little wrinkle wasn't discovered until after all the metal was in place, body work completed and car painted! There wasn't anywhere to clamp anything. Imagine my dismay when, during the re-installation of the trunk lock, I discovered that the hole was far too small for the part I had. The flurry of emails began, other parts were ordered (none of which solved the problem) and hair was pulled out. We REALLY didn't want to take the chance of going to work on that metal with a grinder. My body guy (a very particular, detail-oriented Italian guy) bit his lip hard and resisted until it was obvious that this was the only pathway. All in all, it worked out ... I just wanted to provide some insight to those who might ultimately have to walk this path. I can virtually guarantee you that if you have to replace your tail piece, you will be walking a stressful mile in my shoes. Ultimate advice? Check your trunk lock in the new sheet metal BEFORE you install it. Cut any holes well in advance of installation. You'll thank me later.

[Shvegel]

I am wondering if the later cars used the smaller lock? I think all the Mercedes panels are made by Tom Kidder at K&K Mfg.

 I am sure he would know if you could just order a later lock from a 280SL.

[114015]

I am wondering if the later cars used the smaller lock? I think all the Mercedes panels are made by Tom Kidder at K&K Mfg.

Are they?
I am NOT sure about this.
The original sheet metal parts for the 113 were certainly stamped by Mercedes-Benz themselves. During more recent years they might have given the original press tools to a contractor (heard stories of that) but not during the 1960ies, 70ies and 80ies.

The trunk lock is basically the same for all pagodas. At least the outer large chrome part is. Only the lock cylinder is different for the one-key-fits-all against the three-key-locking-system of earlier cars (up to 280 SL serial no. 010355 or so).

Or, in summary,
the holes in the new replacement panel for the trunk lock are just too small and need to be widened by grinding.

Achim
(owner of several old & shabby trunk locks)