Author Topic: 69 280SE 111 Window Chrome  (Read 4265 times)

dpreston Virginia

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  • USA, VA, Salem
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69 280SE 111 Window Chrome
« on: March 30, 2017, 13:47:34 »
Hello,
I have owned my 69 280SE Cabriolet for around 16 years. Last year I replaced the interior and painted the outside.
The window chrome on my car needs does need some help. I am interested in advice and possibly buying some of the chrome pieces someone may want to part with.
First how do you remove the chrome on the rear windows to send off to be re-chromed or replaced?
I either need to find good quality chrome pieces for the tops of the door windows and the rear window or send them off to be replaced.
If you have any of the window chrome that is driver quality you want to sell let me know and / or who would you send my window trim off to be re-chromed.
Thanks for any help and suggestions!!
190SL 1960 Sold
280SL 1969
280SE 1969 cabriolet
Vette 67
Porsche 912 67

wwheeler

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  • USA, TX, Dallas
  • Posts: 2899
Re: 69 280SE 111 Window Chrome
« Reply #1 on: March 30, 2017, 14:53:37 »
Looking really nice! I can't help you with the rear window because I have a coupe. But one place I have always sent the chrome and turns out beautifully is Graves Plating in AL. http://www.gravesplating.com/

I have used local platers with lesser results. They were more convenient and cheaper though. Over the years there has been a couple of parts that were not quite perfect from Graves and I sent them back. They were fixed quickly no questions asked. So yes I would recommend them for great results.   
Wallace
Texas
'68 280SE W111 coupe
'60 220SE W128 coupe
'70 Plymouth Roadrunner 440+6

hkollan

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Re: 69 280SE 111 Window Chrome
« Reply #2 on: March 30, 2017, 17:39:05 »
Hi,

The windows on the cabriolet and coupe are identical, which means removing the
chrome on the rear windows is the same PITA work on both types.
The chrome is pressed onto the windows and there is a U shaped rubber seal protecting the glass edge of the window.  The rubber hardens and makes removal of the chrome
a bit tricky.  The molding is brass and relatively soft, so try start prying (using some non-metal) at the ends to see if you can get a gap to work with. Applying some gentle heat might help during that part.
Getting them back on with new rubber is even worse. :-)
Thankfully I haven't had the "pleasure" of doing this in a long time.

Regards,

Hans
Hans K, Cuenca, Spain
1968 280 SL 387 Blue met., parchment leather
1971 280 SL 462 Beige met, Brown leather
1968 280 SL 180 Silver, Red leather
1964 300 SE Lang 040 Black w/Red leather
1985 500 SL 735 Astral Silver w/Black leather
1987 560 SEC 199 Black met., Black leather