Removing Rocker panels ?

[Ben]

How can I remove the outer rocker panels on my 230SL ?

Are they just a bolt/screw on cover ?   I believe someone commented that they can be removed easily ?

Whats involved ?

I'd like to remove mine and examine the metal behind and repair if neccesary then rustproof the area before repainting the outer covers and refitting !

Regards,
Ben in Ireland.
'64 230SL 4sp.
'03 CLK Kompressor

[George Davis]

Ben,

the rocker panels should be just screwed on.  Screws are located in the seam between the rocker panels and fenders, should also be some on the bottom of the car where the rocker panel wraps under the rocker box-section.  The upper part of the rocker panel forms the door sill, so you'll have to remove the outer and probably also the inner door sill chrome trim pieces.  You should have to pull the carpet out of the inner trim pieces to get to the screws.

George Davis
'69 280 SL Euro manual

[rwmastel]

Ben,
I would like to do the same thing this winter, remove panels for inspection.  Please let me know the challenges you encounter.

Thanks!

Rodd
Powell, Ohio, USA
1966 230SL, Euro, Auto, Leather, both  tops
1994 E420

[Joe]

Not exactly on topic, but close.
What material covers the top of the rocker panel (beneath the door when closed), that is between the two chrome strips? I have what looks like floor vinyl of a color similar to my seat covers.
Joe

[J. Huber]

Hey Joe.

Mine is sort of a rubber strip with small grooves. I think they are readily available from SL Classics and others. Yours sounds kind of cool though.



James
63 230SL

[rwmastel]

Joe,
It should be like James describes, rubber with small grooves.  The color should match your rubber floor mats, if so equiped.

Rodd
Powell, Ohio, USA
1966 230SL, Euro, Auto, Leather, both  tops
1994 E420

[Ben]

Mine is the same ....black rubber with grooves. I had assumed this was the only type/colour !

I'll keep you posted on the sill removal, probably wont be for a month or so ! !

Regards,
Ben in Ireland.
'64 230SL 4sp.
'03 CLK Kompressor

[114015]

...black rubber with grooves[:0] ... yes.

Those are still available from Mercedes but have become expensive with the years.  :? About 20 - 30 $$ each. The color is supposed to be the same for all pagodas - dark grey ... :|

... with the exception of some (how many?) early 230ies. :evil:  Those had white (or almost white) rubber sills.
I have seen that twice so far.

Achim
(Magdeburg, Germany)

[rwmastel]

Achim,
My brown rubber floor mats (with 113 part number) and brown rubber door sills match in color.
Download Attachment: mat matches door sill.jpg
66.78 KB

I assume that all W113 cars had matching rubber mats and door sills.  Is this wrong?

Rodd
Powell, Ohio, USA
1966 230SL, Euro, Auto, Leather, both  tops
1994 E420

[Douglas]

So what happened, Ben? Did you ever get those covers off and did you have to remove the inner or outer door sill chrome?

Douglas Kim
New York, NY
280 SL #016220

[Mike Hughes]

My '66 230SL has the same color door sill rubber strips as shown in your picture.  I am told that that replacements in that color are no longer available.  

quote:Originally posted by rwmastel

Achim,
My brown rubber floor mats (with 113 part number) and brown rubber door sills match in color.
Download Attachment: mat matches door sill.jpg
66.78 KB

I assume that all W113 cars had matching rubber mats and door sills.  Is this wrong?

Rodd
Powell, Ohio, USA
1966 230SL, Euro, Auto, Leather, both  tops
1994 E420

- Mike Hughes  -ô¿ô-
  1966 230SL Auto P/S
  Havanna Brown (408)
  Light Beige (181)
  Cream M-B Tex (121)

[n/a]

Ben

I recently removed my rocker covers prior to some fairly extensive rust repairs. It involved undoing the Philips head screws along the bottom and drilling out the rivets that hold the trims beneath the footplate. I used a right angled screw driver to get the two (three?) screws that attach the ends of the rocker covers to the inner wheel arch. It's very tight in there unless you take the wheel off and you may have to prise them off if the are covered in rubberised paint. Good luck! Looking for rust can open a Pandora's box!

Mark


1965 230 SL light blue, auto, RHD

[peterm]

Reopening this topic.   My chrome pieces are fairly well scuffed and I'd like to replace.  Looking at the diagrams it appears as though there are two pieces with the central rubber "mat"  Is this an easy replacement in a 71 280 or will I be better off leaving it alone??

[Douglas]

Peter, you're talking about the threshold pieces of aluminum trim. I just spoke to Ray Paul about them yesterday. The outer piece is $88 and is still available. He said for some reason they're selling like crazy this month. Must be the hint of spring in the air . . . .

Douglas Kim
New York, NY
280 SL #016220

[jsaylor]

Ben,

I have mine off now to replace the main rocker panels.  The covers are supposed to be screwed on though mine were pretty much rusted on.  After removing the under coating you should be able to see the fastenings.  I wish all I had to do was the covers.  I'm doing both rocker panels all 4 covers 3 floor panels & 2 lower firewall panels+++  What are you planning on using as a rust inhibitor? I'm still resurching this but plan on doing the inside of the rockers as well (drill, spray, plug)
Aloha,

Jim Saylor
Kauai, Hawaii
'65 230SL

[Ben]

Hi Jim,
   Thanks for the update !  I haven't made any progress whatsoever ! Did you expect to find rust or was it all hidden ? My floorpans, from inside, all appear thoroughly sound. I know there is some rust at the end of each sill so I expect the worst when I remove the covers.

Are you buying replacement sills ?  I reckon the best rust preventative is to use a zinc rich primer on new/exposed metal and thendo the "drill, spray, plug" thing !

Regards,
Ben in Ireland.
'64 230SL 4sp.

[jsaylor]

Ben,

Yes I knew there was rust, well covered up though.  I'm replacing everything.  I got my sheet metal from K&K and all seems to be going in well.  I should have the car back in a couple weeks.  If I get a chance I'll post some photos.

Aloha,


Jim Saylor
Kauai, Hawaii
'65 230SL

[Ben]

Yes Jim, please do post them and good luck with the job !

Regards,
Ben in Ireland.
'64 230SL 4sp.