Rear Trim holes between lights and trunk lock

[dirkbalter]

Hello everybody,
I am looking for help to clarify the holes in the two rear trim pieces between the  rear lights and the trunk lock.
I installed a new rear mask and I am fitting the lights and trim. The trim pieces have two 8mm and one 3 mm hole that I am asking about.
I don't remember unscrewing these.
If someone could take a look under the truck lid and send a pic of the mounting arrangement, I would appreciate that very much.

Dirk

[Tyler S]

No 8 MM holes on my 250sl. Not to say they don't exist on earlier or later models though. The small 3mm hole is for a mounting screw, sheet metal thread type.

[dirkbalter]

Tyler
Thank you. That helps.
Dirk

[Jonny B]

Just took a look at my 280 SL, VIN 12730 and it has both of the holes, the 8 mm and the 3 mm. Only the 3 mm on my car has a screw into the body. The other hole is just there with no corresponding hole in the underlying body work. It is the same on my 250 SL (earlier than Tyler's car) but the 250 SL is a complete redo, so take that with a block of salt. The 280 SL is mostly original.

[66andBlue]

Same story on my 1964 230SL and 280SL (and also the 1966 230SL), the small holes are are used but the larger ones not.
I had a discussion once with Dave Gallon about these larger holes and the thought was that there may have been a drain hole either on very early 230SL or perhaps another model. In any case there is no indication in any W113 parts books that the larger holes were used for a screw or bolt.

[dirkbalter]

Thanks again. Transferred the 3mm holes for mounting into the panel. (Mine is a 66 230sl) 

[Tyler S]

Dirk, Make sure to mock up your tail lights and trunk lock with all the gaskets, hardware, and the trim strip before you set your hole. Its a really tight clearance.

[dirkbalter]

Tyler, just saw ur post. Thanks. You are right, its a tight fit. I am installing a new heck mask and 3/4 rear fenders. The new sheet metal is good but far from great. Fitting everything is absolutely necessary.