Chrome strip either side of trunk lock

[280sl1968]

I have seen some commentary about the rubber strip that sits behind this chrome on later(?) cars. Is this still available from MB and if so, what is the part number?

Also for the corresponding rubber strip that sits along the top of the tail light chrome, is that still available?

Thanks

David

[alaska230sl]

Yes it is...just got some from Bud's benz....the rubber pieces are just SOME of the things that get lost and never put back on when the car was apart....I had to buy the backing rubber for the trunk handle, lock, horizontal pieces you mentioned, bumper guards AND the tail light bezels...all from Bud's.  BUT I also changed all possible incandescent lamps to LED's.  Man, what a difference.  The only ones I did not change out are the 3w marker lights ( one per corner of car) and the fog's.....can't find an LED with that base size...yet.  Oh, and one or two in the instrument cluster.  Everything else is LED....including the ones in the heater controls.  ? Well, we drilled out the black plastic center ( everything is out of the car, btw...) cut off the socket for the little bitty stock bulb, then filed off the mounting pins on the LED, soldered it into place, and Voila! Bob's yer Uncle.  Works great.  We re-wired the entire car.  All factory sockets are in place, mostly new wire, all soldered and shrink wrapped, circuit tested, dielectric grease....a very nice job.  Hell yes, I have Excellent help!  BUT, on the headlights, we have the factory sockets in place in behind the bucket, but we fashioned a bracket behind the headlight bucket proper for the ballast for HID lights.  This way we can run stock or HID's if something breaks.  we can send pictures if you really want to see it...Good Luck, Steve.

[Garry]

There appears to be some differing opinion on whether the 230SL had the rubber backing pieces on the horizontal rear chrome strips or not.  Does anyone have a definite answer or is there an original owner of a 230SL here who can correctly answer the question?

Garry

[pj]

Steve,
why not tell your electrical story in excruciating detail with pictures for Pagoda World? It's a very interesting and ambitious project! If our cars last another 50 years, this might be the only way to go.

[mbzse]

There appears to be some differing opinion on whether the 230SL had the rubber backing pieces on the horizontal rear chrome strips

Well Garry, opinions do come cheap, especially on the Internet... However, the thorough Germans provide a wealth of factory literature.
We are discussing the rubber backing for the chrome trim running between tail light chrome surround, and the trunk lock at center.
Via the literature, fact is this rubber backing piece was introduced on the 280SL early 1969, in conjunction with the orange tail light lens assemblies. Chassis No 7938 onwards
Part No is 001 997 4451, rubber is to be cut to a length of 374mm (one each side)
/Hans in Sweden

.

[Garry]

Thanks Hans,

That is like what I had thought but got thrown when both members below in both a 230SL and a  earlier 280SL indicated that they had installed the rubber thinking that they were there originally.

[49er]

 My early '69 280SL (build date July '68) has no rubber behind the Chrome strips.

John

[Jonny B]

My 280 SL, VIN ending 12730, has the rubber strips all the way across.

[Larry & Norma]

FYI the EPC shows the rubber seal is 'invalid for this model' for 230SL

[georgem]

Well thats a shame.  I guess a PO installed them on our car - a late(ish)  230 - guess I`ll have to rip them off and throw them out....pity as they look pretty good.  Maybe I`ll find a use for them on my Kombi..................

[Garry]

That would make a very good piece of information for a concourse judge.

I suspect a lot of people make the mistake of adding the rubber strip behind the chrome on their cars thinking that it should be there.  I must look more closely next time I am in a group of Pagodas.

Should be added to the Tech Manual.  Will need a photo of the chrome with rubber strip to include.

[wwheeler]

I just took these chrome strips off my '68 W111 for replating and it had no rubber strips. I assume it is a similar situation as the 113. I bought the new rubber strips thinking someone took them off. I wonder if there is a dimensional difference between rubber backed and non-rubber backed strips? If not seems like the rubber would help a potential rattling noise.

[w113dude]

I just took these chrome strips off my '68 W111 for replating and it had no rubber strips. I assume it is a similar situation as the 113. I bought the new rubber strips thinking someone took them off. I wonder if there is a dimensional difference between rubber backed and non-rubber backed strips? If not seems like the rubber would help a potential rattling noise.

Almost in all cases MB engineers made sure chrome pieces do not come in contact with any body parts without protection of a rubber piece to avoid rattle noise and damage to paint.

[wwheeler]

My W111 had some minor collision damage in the rear and I am sure the chrome strips were off at some point. So who knows on mine if they came with the rubber strips or not. The rubber strips do fit in the chrome pieces for sure.

[Garry]

Almost in all cases MB engineers made sure chrome pieces do not come in contact with any body parts without protection of a rubber piece to avoid rattle noise and damage to paint.

I actually think that a large part of the the chrome on a Pagoda does not have rubber backing.
Starting from Front,

Headlight surround, no rubber;
Grill, no rubber;
Fenders L & R chrome trim, no rubber;
Mirror, rubber;
Air scoop, no rubber;
Door top trim, no rubber;
Door handles, rubber;
Door mouldings, no rubber
All opening door chrome, no rubber;
Soft top hatch chrome, no rubber;
Top Down latch, no rubber
Rear fenders L & R chrome trim, no rubber;
tail lights, rubber
Boot/trunk lock rubber,
some models, rear lock horizontal chrome, rubber
rear fender chrome trim, no rubber

So out of 17 that immediately come to mind, 12 do not have any rubber backing.

I am sure some will think of other items?

Garry

[DaveB]

MB emblem at front and 230SL emblem at rear.

[49er]

No rubber around my tail lights.

John