Wooden console box

[Dehcho]

Hey guys,

I need to spruce up the centre box.  Any advice would be great. stain, varnish etc..

Thanks Brett

[Dehcho]

I have also noticed that some of these boxes have a black vinyl mat in them (mine has that) some have matching interior carpet.

Does anyone know which is correct?

Thanks

[Jack the Knife]

My research on here indicates that it depends on the year for your car. My 230SL had a little piece of MB Tex sitting in the box that I threw out since it was in very poor condition. Later cars came with the carpet piece. I don't think this is something that people generally care about very much. If you really want to spruce it up, consider one of the nice cupholders made by a few of the vendors on here. I had one made recently that I'm very happy with -- looks OEM and fits wonderfully. Some owners also get little matching coco mat inserts, which does look very natty. I'm sure one of the more experienced members can give you a year breakdown on what's what and when.

[Lorsar]

My car came with this tray that is the same color as the visors

[Jonny B]

The vinyl insert in the box is listed in the set of changes for the 280 SL. It was changed to carpet on 280 SL vin ending 12089.

This is per the listing done by Engelen.

[BobH]

Hey guys,

I need to spruce up the centre box.  Any advice would be great. stain, varnish etc..

Thanks Brett

Use the search button above, quite a bit written about refinishing these and the rest of the wood trim, search "wood" or "wood trim", example on this link

https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=34661.msg254193#msg254193

[Dehcho]

Thanks all..

[Pinder]

Just be very gentle with sanding the box.  there is Vaneer used that is very thin. Your box looks like the Vaneer is in good shape so dont over sand it.  Use the stain and poly. then finish it off with light sanding and 0000 wool to give it a sheen and some wax for protection etc.

[BobH]

Hello, i haven't looked at mine closely, but is the top dash grill piece veneer or solid?  i can't see how they could veneer such an intricate piece

Thanks

[lreppond]

Hello, i haven't looked at mine closely, but is the top dash grill piece veneer or solid?  i can't see how they could veneer such an intricate piece

Thanks

The two dash/windshield strips are also veneered.  The outer part of the speaker grille is veneered as well while the slats of the grille are solid wood. The veneered wood was applied to a plywood base.  It is far more stable than solid wood with respect to expansion and contraction. 

[BobH]

That makes sense, just seems very fiddly to veneer such small surfaces

Thanks Len