Fender Notches

[TobaccoRoad]

New member here with a question:
A MB tech that I have used for work on my older MB cars recently told me that there are some very late production 1971 280 SL cars that came from the factory without the often discussed "fender notches". All of the material I have read suggests otherwise and that the notches were always present on factory original cars but would be missing on MB replacement fenders. Can any of the more knowledgeable members here give me some insight into this. I am actively looking to purchase a car soon and want to have as much information as possible.
Thanks
John

[jameshoward]

An anorak will be along soon to answer the specifics of your question, but you should note that (a) the notches are very easily reproduced and (b) because of (a), I'd concentrate on the overall condition rather than the notches, which folk get hung up on. I'm sure you've done your reading, but a really good thing to look for is the repeated numbers on the bonnet, softtop hood and transmission support plate underneath. That's a really good place to look and then barter on as far as price is concerned.

Good luck with your purchase. Post photos here and ask questions before you buy would be my advice. There are plenty of ninjas who can help.

[zoegrlh]

You can also spot replacement fenders if the weld points along the seams at the hood are not present.
Bob

[stickandrudderman]

If you're looking to buy a car then fender notches should be way down on your list. There are far more serious things to worry about.
I would never dismiss a 113 if its only fault was a lack of fender notches; they are relatively easy to install when compared to new floors, sills, wheels arches, boot floors, rear panels, engines, transmissions, brakes, steering, suspension, interiors, chrome etc.

[49er]

Had to google "anorak". Now I know.

John

[sandcrab59]

Many years ago I was informed by someone , that the factory leaded in the notches and then filed them out to give the appearance of a notch which lined up with notch in the chrome around the headlight.
But I agree with everyone else, it is a very low priority item on your list.
Tom

[mbzse]

Many years ago I was informed by someone , that the factory leaded in the notches and then filed them out to give the appearance of a notch which lined up with notch in the chrome around the headlight.

perhaps Someone was me. See: http://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=17199.msg118810#msg118810
/Hans in Sweden

[Baybear]

I don't know how "late" those 280SLs were but mine is 139th from the end of production and it has the notches.
Baybear

[mbzse]

.../... mine is 139th from the end of production and it has the notches

All W113 Pagoda's had fender notches when they left the production line in Sindelfingen
/Hans in Sweden
.

[TobaccoRoad]

Thank you to everyone for the information. I wanted to be clear on the fact that the notches were present on all 113's from the factory. The lack of notches wont be the determining factor in any purchase but would be one more reason to carefully inspect the nose, fenders and hood of the car. The learning curve is steep for me at this point and I'm sure I will have many more questions.
John