Firewall Pad_Tag

[Concept 42]

I have been looking at various Pagoda cars, particularly 280's. I have noticed some cars have what appears to be a VIN Plate or something like that on the passenger side of the firewall. In fact a rectangular cut out houses this particular Tag. But I have not seend it on all cars? Can someone tell me what this is or why only some of the cars have this? I appreciate any information.

[Richard Madison]

Euro versions of 280 SL's have a VIN plate on the top right side of the firewall.

Euro version 280's do not have metal data plates on the Left door frame as found on USA models.

Some early 230SL's also have the left side Firewall plate.

Richard M, NYC

[114015]

http://www.sl113.org/wiki/DataCard/BodyandPaintNumberPlate

http://www.sl113.org/wiki/DataCard/VIN

[Concept 42]

OK, well does anyone know why a US Car would have the type of firewall pad? I have been looking at this car with all original paperwork and a HARD METAL credit card type data plate that reminds me of the GM Protecto Plates. The guy says that belongs in that space? The car has the door plate as well. The car is a 1971 SL 280 all matching numbers with all service records and manuals? But it has that spot on the firewall pad? Is there something wrong here? Thanks for the help.

[66andBlue]

It would be a lot easier to give you an answer if you could post a photo of this "GM Protecto Plate" look a like
and where it sits on the firewall.

[zoegrlh]

Yes, please tell us what this credit card like plate has stamped on it, then we can help you out.   Sounds to me that this is a US destination 280SL, which the correct place for the vin plate of US models is on drivers door jam, as in all MB cars today.  A prior owner might have had reproduction vin plate made (there are companies that can do this for our members) and attached to firewall to fill the void.  The original firewall pads for European and export models were cut the same.
Bob

[Garry]

It may also be a Tourist Delivery in Germany where they fitted the data plate on the firewall.

Garry

[Concept 42]

The metal card is about 4 1/2 " long and scalopped on the top and bottom with straight sides. On the left side of the card is the first owners name and address, under that is 834, under that is 141834, under that is 49602 I. On the right side of the card is 05-14-71, under that 280 SL, under that is 113044-12-023144, under that is 130983-12-015698. Does that help? I will try and get a photo and learn how to post as I am new.

On the firewall pad it just looks like someone cut a 4 1/2" spot out of the pad. It is firewall underneath nothing else. I must also learn how to post a photo and then I can post one of that as well.

Thanks for all the help.

[49er]

Sounds like the original "owner's plate" that was issued to the owner upon delivery. It was used by the dealer to make an imprint on the service work order and kept in a clear plastic pouch along with the other owner's manuals. Not  sure why the owner would want to have it on the firewall?
John

[66andBlue]

John,
I agree, it sure looks like the  owner's plate was mounted on the firewall.
Concept42 did you get the Service Booklet with the car? This plate is in a pouch at the end of the booklet.

[Concept 42]

That is it! So is that normal for a US Card? Maybe the pad just has a hole cut in it any way? Thanks.

[49er]

The metal owners plate was kept with the other manuals, not on the fire wall. The original pad also had no cut out so the pad on your car might be a later replacement "one size fits all" pad that did have the cutout and the previous owner filled the space was the owner's plate. Only a guess.

John

[Concept 42]

Thank you John! Do you happen to know what the numbers referr to on that plate?

[49er]

Owners name and address, date of delivery, paint color code, upholstery code, model, VIN, motor number

John

[Concept 42]

Thanks again John. Can you tell me which number is which? Also, I have been told you can obtain a replacement data card from Mercedes, do you or anyone else know anything about that and the procedure?

I am in So. Cal and looking for someone or business to install a complete interior, anyone have any suggestions? Also, a mechanic who knows 280 SL's? Thanks for any help.

[Concept 42]

I have been told there is usually some sort of id in the glove box, does anyone know if there is anything like that and what or where I would look for it. Also where are the important numbers located to prove the car is matching numbers? Thanks.

[66andBlue]

It is this owner's plate that we are writing about and that I showed in my earlier post.
If you have the service booklet that the 1st owner received with the car then take a look at the cover page at the end. There is a pouch - hope you can see it my photo - that should have the plate.
To check for matching numbers you need the data card for your car which you can get from the Classic Center in Irvine.
Anything you need to know about the data card and what the codes mean is explained here:
http://www.sl113.org/wiki/DataCard/Start
Don't be afraid to look at the technical manual, lots of useful stuff there.  

[Concept 42]

I want to thank everybody for all the help it really has been great! I am still trying to find out what the number on the bottom left portion of the warranty card means? It is actually right below the interior/paint code. The number is under the number #141  834 and is #49602 I. Can anyone tell me what that number means? I have everything else on the warranty card.

I have found some other numbers if anyone knows what they mean that would help.

On what appears to be the engine pan - #108  014  03  02.
On the valve cover # 153624.
On the head # 130  016  33  01  280 SE/A.
On the rear axle cover on passenger side of cover: #110  357  00 17 and below those numbers (hard to make out) appears to be SWS and below that appears to be 851.

I am also looking for a pair of wiper blades for a 1971 280 SL. The previous owner replaced them with some after market black wipers and threw away the original metal ones. Any help in finding a set would be appreciated.

And is there some place I can get the necessary stickers for a 1971 280 SL? Trunk and stuff like that?

Thanks for the help.