Deleting the door moldings

[Pinder]

I have always hated the side moldings on the 280sl. As I am about to paint the car I was thinking of keeping the moldings off and not installing; removing all sign of holes etc. Everything else will stay the same. I would like to hear views on this. I know its not original and I probably ger flamed for saying this. and it lkely will devalue the car but I think it will look so much cleaner. I am prepared for harsh comments so feel free to express your views.

[DaveB]

W113s & W198s look really good  with no bumpers or trim but I wouldn't recommend it for a road car. And in any case the side trim does protect the doors.

[Pinder]

Now that I have them off the car I can see it may look odd and as they are in really good shape i will put them back on.

[enochbell]

I think that is a good choice.  To my eyes they add quite a bit to the lines of the car, same with BMWs of the same vintage.

Best,
g

[Jack Jones]

I like the mouldings and will install them to complete my car but that is my choice. I have removed the side marker lights to give it the Euro look along with adding chrome wipers, euro headlamps etc. Again my choice and any of these changes just like removal of the mouldings can easily be reversed if you change your mind.

[perry113]

It would be bad idea in my mind to delete any of the moldings on a W113.
Any time I see one without the side moldings makes me frown.
Best to keep these cars by their original design.
Just my perspective.

[Pinder]

Ok I agree with keeping them as original also considering they are in very nice condition t makes sense to keep the car complete.

[DickLewis]

Just to jump in I was on Buds Benz website recently as I just acquired a 560SL and needed some parts.  In the restoration area David has pictures of a 560SL that was customized and it took off the side trim.  You might find it interesting.  But I agree for the 113 leave it on.

[Pinder]

Ill check it out. thanks for the info. I do plan to leave the trim in place.

[alchemist]

Leave them on, it won't look vintage.

[cfm65@me.com]

Hi Peter,

I rescently acquired a crappy Pagoda,(very, very crappy).  The previous owner left her at a high class panel shop for a mega buck respray. Unfortunately most of the ally/chrome trim was misplaced and lost forever, therefor, the side and door trim disappeared(as I said, forever)

I have owned a few of these magnificent cars in South Africa, and trust me, they look best the way they were designed.
Please, reconsider 'shaving' the door and lower body trim strips.
Regards
Chris
Cape Town

[Pinder]

Yes. Ive decided to keep it original.