tacho & speedo cover in wood

[Flyair]

For wood lovers:

I just spotted a rather pleasant "modification" which is a wood dashboard (actually tacho and speedo part cover).

The seller says they can supply matt or glossy 3 or 4 kind of wood veneer finish.

[jmbour]

Very nice, although not quite original.
My cover is a little bit damaged, but I am not ready to try to dismantle all the dashboard cover.
Is it possible to change the tach and speedo cover only , Is it indpendant from the two other (right and left) covers ?
Jmb

[w113dude]

Yes, the three black tabs that you see in the back is what holds this piece in place.

[jaxxonia]

Hello Stan,

Considering the existing crack I have in the vinyl cover over the dash instruments, I would like to learn more about the wood alternative.  Could you provide contact information for the vendor?  I do appreciate originality, but I am also open to "personalization" within reason.  Thanks for your help!

Jackson

[jmbour]

Hello Shaun,
So how do you take it off ?

[w113dude]

This is a few years ago on a project car, I was able to rip the original skin off with a heat gun very gently and cover it with new MB tex material, it's a bit tricky as it has a lot of tight contours, using a heat gun again and the material has to be pulled very hard to look right. If I had the choice today I would send it out to a professional place to have it re-covered.

[66andBlue]

... Is it possible to change the tach and speedo cover only , Is it indpendant from the two other (right and left) covers ?

No! In order to remove the cover over the instrument cluster you must first remove the wood trim along the windshield and then the piece to the left and the one to the right. Then you will have access to the screws that hold down the cap.
Also if you have a 280SL (what model do you have??) you should not try to remove the MBTex layer because you will most likely destroy the foam layer underneath.

The photos in these topics might give you a better idea of what is involved:
http://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=17386.msg120249#msg120249
http://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=11853.msg116502#msg116502

[jmbour]

Thanks, Alfred.
So, this is not a simple job.
My pagoda is a late (1971) 280SL. The blue dash covers are cracked.

[Raymond]

No this is definitely not a simple job.  If I ever try to do it again, I'm just going to remove the windshield.  Putting the seal and trim back in will be less frustrating than trying to work under the angle of the glass. 
I did send my instrument cluster hood to a professional.  After looking at it, he put the new MB Tex right over the old.  I was not happy, but needed to put the car back together.  Now that it's in place, it looks fine. 

[jmbour]

Some time ago, I bought a "dash cover repair kit" with the intention of repairing the cracks on my dash (mainly on the middle of the right side and on the instruments cover).

This kit is composed of a foam used to fill the cracks, and colored paste, meant to cover the repair, which should be hardened by heating.
There are several colors that you have to mix to fit the original color.
I tried on a corner, but it was not convincing, and I will not continue on more visible areas.
Has anybody tried this ?
JMB

[Flyair]

Jackson,

sorry I missed your post… here is the link:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mercedes-Pagode-W113-Oak-or-Walnut-Instrument-Panel-Cover-Superb-NEW-/300850444880?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&fits=Plat_Gen%3AW113&hash=item460c157a50

I also saw this item offered by some other shops but the price was always the same…

If you buy it, don't forget to share a pic or two with us

good luck.

[66andBlue]

The wood looks nice - perhaps on a W111 220SE or 250SE. 
But why on a Pagoda? 

[Flyair]

Alfred,
I agree, that's why I put the post in research and development, as it contains non original "deviations" so to speak. But in this perspective, peple putting the wooden ball on the gear lever are also deviating from the norm.... And somehow there are many of them

[rmmchl]

Our wood is lamenated and frequently will come apart when trying to remove the old leather, or vinyl. I had to be real careful , when  I recovered mine. This piece would be useful to buy, just to recover it in the original vinyl or leather. I don't know if the chrome would fit over it. If it is an exact fit , it should work. I'm not sure if we can buy the original wood piece.