Broken Heater Control Unit Plastic Piece

[ChrisInNashville]

After being absent for several years, I'm back on the forum.

I have a classic and chronic problem.   It's the upper right heater control unit slide.   Several years ago, I spent a relative fortune to buy an extra unit to get the plastic interior pieces that the levers attach to.   At the time, the interior plastic parts couldn't be sourced.   I'm wondering if they are more readily available without having to spend several hundred $ on ebay again (Millers has a unit right now for >$600... but that's a lot for a small plastic part...)

Now, I have the problem again where the round plastic piece on the bottom of the right side is broken leaving the upper right slide unoperational
https://www.dropbox.com/s/25n1t1tsryyoesu/Heater%20Control%20Unit%20Leaning.jpg?dl=0

The good news is that I have a couple of spares from the unit I previously purchased...but I'm trying to see if there's a good source available now so I can be prepared...this is the only chronic issue I've had to address in my car...
https://www.dropbox.com/s/ylsj0vobb6sqhnn/Heater%20Control%20Unit.jpg?dl=0

Thoughts?   Ideas?

[66andBlue]

Note sure which part you want to buy. Is it the clear round tube in your first photo?
if so it is available from Buds Benz:

[Raymond]

If it's the black bakelite looking part in the second photo, I'm a bit stumped.  I haven't heard this is a problem.  However, It doesn't look as if it would be all that difficult to fashion out of metal.  Maybe better photos of the broken part would clarify that  If you have the plastic one for a template, try finding a local machine shop that could make it out of aluminum or could suggest another option.  If it was metal, you'd never need to replace it.

[ja17]

Hello Chris,

Many of the plastic bits and pieces were the same in common sedans of the era. Just post a pic of what you need. I am sure there are many of us that can help you out with the part for little cost.

[ChrisInNashville]

Thanks guys.  The idea of fashioning something in metal had occurred to me.  The part I seek is the back bottom piece as shown in this picture



https://www.dropbox.com/s/ylsj0vobb6sqhnn/Heater%20Control%20Unit.jpg?dl=0

[ejboyd5]

I'm  still not sure which part you need to replace, but if it is any of the flat disks they would be quite easy to duplicate with sheet aluminum stock which would never break.

[Raymond]

Chris, please copy and post the photo here in the forum instead of using Dropbox.  It's easier to view, everyone can see it without a download, and it becomes part of the thread on our server for future reference whereas Dropbox may delete the photo or break the link at some time.

[ChrisInNashville]

Sorry guys...it's been a LONG time since I've posted anything on a forum.

Here's the picture (I hope...):

[66andBlue]

Sorry guys...it's been a LONG time since I've posted anything on a forum.
Here's the picture (I hope...):

Chris,
did you read this: http://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=15055.0
Anyone who can handle flickr can figure out how to post photos here. 
BTW, already your flickr link does not load !

[ChrisInNashville]

ugh....a humbling experience...

[66andBlue]

Congrats!
Next one will be a breeze!

[ChrisInNashville]

The picture that I (finally) posted above is the broken piece I fished from behind the dash as well as my remaining spare (that I bought on ebay years ago for a small fortune).

Here is the current situation  -  I stuck my phone behind the dash and snapped the picture.   It shows the upper right slide tilting forward as a result of the missing/broken piece.   I guess it's time to blow the dust off the admins service manual on heater lever repairs and scratch up my knuckles!

 

[ja17]

Looks like the clear acrylic cylinder is broken this time.  (Same as a lot of sedans of the era W108, W109)

[rwmastel]

The broken part appears to be the jagged black plastic around the screw head inside the clear acrylic.