my 1970 280SL does not have any rubber plugs on the fenders or front

[Pinder]

May be a silly questions but I thought Id ask before I order rubber plugs that go along the side of the fenders and front. should a 1970 SL have plugs there or not?

[lreppond]

I believe these were only on the 230’s and not on any 280’s.  Not certain about 250’s? 

[johnk]

My 68 280 doesn’t have them.

[Pinder]

My 1969 280sl had them. My 1970 280sl does not have them.

[Pawel66]

Discussed may times, e.g.:

https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=28278.msg204238#msg204238
https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=20934.msg148619#msg148619

In essence: once the holes were introduced for better undercoat painting inside, so were the plugs. The plugs are usually body color (e.g. The Holy Grail).

[Pinder]

Thanks for posting this information.

[doitwright]

The body plugs are discussed on Motoring Investments "My mink" restoration. MI believes they are missing on most cars dues to deterioration caused by engine heat.

[Shvegel]

Absolutely sure no plugs on a 1970 US spec car.  Not painted in place. Not black not missing or lost.  No plugs.

[Jonny B]

Ya made me look.

My 1970 280 SL (Sept 1969 build date) has the plugs in the front fenders. I am reasonably sure these are the original fenders.

[dpreston Virginia]

Plugs in my fenders. 1969 45,000 mile example.

[neelyrc]

I think I posted these pictures when this was discussed some time ago in an earlier thread. My 1969 280SL, 007749, January 1969, build, USA spec, came with the plugs painted body color when delivered at the factory.  I don’t know if these were only provided during a specific period of time.

[Pinder]

I think 1970 does not have them, 69 does.  Would be interesting to know if any 1970 or 1971 has them.

[do8erman]

I purchased my inner fender from mercedes in Hertford UK which was ordered from Germany along with two front fenders . I have attached photos which show a hole above the shock turret which I have left . If this was a spring perch I would have welded a plug and cleaned up'  but 1  as it came from mercedes like this I decided to leave it and 2 didn't think a shock tower would put to much stress on it and put the plugs  in before paint . The car is a 66 230 R/H drive auto with no holes in the original inner fenders

[do8erman]

Apologies for photo 2  just showed mercedes stickers

[dirkbalter]

I purchased my inner fender from mercedes in Hertford UK which was ordered from Germany along with two front fenders . I have attached photos which show a hole above the shock turret which I have left . If this was a spring perch I would have welded a plug and cleaned up'  but 1  as it came from mercedes like this I decided to leave it and 2 didn't think a shock tower would put to much stress on it and put the plugs  in before paint . The car is a 66 230 R/H drive auto with no holes in the original inner fenders

Same here. My original inner fenders didn’t have holes. The Mercedes replacement fenders had holes. I liked the holes, it allowed me to spray the inside of the upper inner frame members with a protective wax.