250SL -> 280SL folding top changes?

[66andBlue]

Checking the part numbers for the front locks for a 250SLin the Edition B (Jan 1968) of the 250SL/280SL spare parts list I noticed that it shows only the 1-part lock with handle. See picture.
250SL left: p/n 113 770 0126
280SL left: p/n 113 770 1126
The Edition C of the 250SL/280SL spare parts list shows that these lock numbers were replaced by
113 770 0963. The footnote indicates this new number was valid until VIN 012192. The list also indicates that the lock now consists of three parts: lock, guide baring and handle.
But it does not indicate when the change from from the single lock with handle to the 3-part lock occurred.
I had always assumed that the 230SL/250SL had 1-part locks with integrated handles and all 280SL had the removable handle.
Who can shed some light on this?

My second question concerns the hinged bracket/locks at the foot of the frame that attaches to the chassis.
Do all 280SL have these latches? If not when do they show up?

[mbzse]

.../...change from from the single lock with handle to the 3-part lock occurred.
I had always assumed that the 230SL/250SL had 1-part locks with integrated handles and all 280SL had the removable handle

I concur with this assumtion, Alfred.
/Hans S

[Tyler S]

They must have updated the part number to include the 3 part lock assy if that's the only offering they made available.
Old part was discontinued so the 3 part is a replacement for the single attached handle type.
Kind of like the tail lights. All Red discontinued so the newer amber are the replacements.

[66andBlue]

 Hans and Tyler, thanks for the reply.
My questions still remains unanswered.
When did the fixed lock handle change to a removable lock handle?
What is on your late 250SL, Tyler?

And what about the latch on the "foot", when did that show up?

[Tyler S]

My late 250sl prod date aug 67 is the one piece design (not removable)
No hinged bracket on mine. Just the fixed L shaped finger.

[Jonny B]

Here is a note from Achim, from 2009:
Top handle admirers,

Yes, that's correct.
My parts list says the following:
113 776 06 17 - Verschlußgriff - 250 SL from #005089, 280SL from 000007 - 012192
107 776 00 17 - Verschlußgriff (lock handle) - 280SL from #012193

Strange ...
I don't know what about the serials between 250SL #005090 and 280SL '000006; pats list doesn't say that.

I also looked at Frank Mallory's list of changes, and he also has the change to the two piece handle listed at 5089. (Engelen's book does not have a listing for any change at 5089)



Achim

[66andBlue]

It is a pity that the Hardtop Group 79 was eliminated in the editions B and C of 250SL/289SL spare parts lists.
The hardtop lock handle changes should go in hand with the changes for folding top.
Anyone having a spare parts list for the 250SL/280SL hardtop?

[Tyler S]

The last 250sl had a vin of 5196 so that would make a total of 106 250sl's produced in November and December of 1967 that had latch 113 776 06 17 installed.
The 250sl parts book 10128 Jan 1967 has part numbers 113 770 01 26 and 113 770 02 26 left and right respectively.

[Jonny B]

I have parts book, 10808 Edition A, printed 11/72 for the 250 SL/ 280 SL USA versions

In the back, Table SA 55 630 is the break down of the parts for the hard top.
It shows

Bolt handle left - 113 770 01 26 , replaced by 113 770 01 63 Footnote 6 (this is the piece with the handle)
Bolt handle right - 113 770 02 26, replaced by 113 770 02 63 Footnote 6 (this is the piece with the handle)

Fastener hard top left - 113 770 09 63 Footnote 4 (this is the spiral cut piece on the hardtop itself)
Fastener hard top right 113 770 10 63 Footnote 4 (this is the spiral cut piece on the hardtop itself)

The 113 776 part number is for the separate handle

Could this be that the soft top mechanism changed at the very end of 250 SL production, and that the hardtop did not change until 12193??
My hardtop has the locks with the separate handle, VIN 12730.

Footnote 4 - On model 113.044  from chassis 12193
Footnote 6 - On model 113.044 up to chassis 12192