Wood Box (no question just funny error)

[acbrock]

I am working on the wood during breaks from other things.  I took the center box apart today to start stripping it.  It the light I noticed a that when they wrapped the veneer they just gave up when grain it did not match at all at the join!  Love that these cars were all built by hand!

[rwmastel]

Interesting!  I'll have to look closer at mine.

[lreppond]

All the wood trim in the w113 is veneered. Because these center consoles need to be wrapped rather than laid out straight, matching grain was essentially impossible.  The wood was originally a dark walnut stain and that obscured the differences. As the wood aged and faded, it becomes a little more visible.  It’s just one of those unique design elements that make these cars special. 

The attached shows where the veneer clearly meets on my console. 

[acbrock]

wow same spot on that one!  I just figured they would do it on one of the ends or a a corner so less noticeable. 
Mine will be that color again soon!

[lreppond]

Putting the seam on the ends or corners would have been problematic because of the sharp bend and keeping it glued.  I would imagine the veneer was steamed, shaped and allowed to dry in place before glueing…at least that’s how veneered furniture is done. 

[acbrock]

Interesting. Learn something new everyday on this Board....

[LA280SL]

Len,

What is the part with the driver side knob that is sitting behind the ash tray?  I have that also but it was not connected to anything when I received the car. 

Thanks.

[Bonnyboy]

That knob is the switch for the defrost on the hardtop -  1971 only I think

[Pawel66]

Len,

What is the part with the driver side knob that is sitting behind the ash tray?  I have that also but it was not connected to anything when I received the car. 

Thanks.

Maybe look at the options you have on the data plate or in the datacard - if you have there e.g. rear fog light or heated rear window in the hard top - this is it. It is a switch for one of these.

I have two of these switches, as I have both options in the data card.

[LA280SL]

Thanks I will check that out. 

[lreppond]

That’s a push-pull switch for the hardtop’s window defroster.  There is a female connector that runs from under the dash and then under the transmission tunnel carpet to the console box.  Behind the drivers seat (just below the seatbelt top attachment) is flap covered connector from the hardtop.  It was only offered in 1971 for US delivery.

[LA280SL]

Thanks Len.

There was no wiring into that switch housing.   Maybe the center wood storage is a replacement. 

[Pawel66]

Or someone deleted wiring. Check the options for your car on the plate or data card. If indeed it is an empty switch - you can do the box without it or keep it - you may foind use for it in the future.

[lreppond]

I’m assuming your car is a US-destined 1971?  If so, look at the hardtop on the left side close to the b Pilar. There should be a wire with a male connector. 

[LA280SL]

This 1969 car was delivered to Honolulu.  Brought to Los Angeles in 1994 by original owner’s nephew.   I’ll check the B pillar.

Thanks Len.

[lreppond]

I doubt it’s for a rear window defroster but it might be for fog lights as suggested by Pawel. 

[zoegrlh]

The switch in the picture has white , this is for heated hardtop rear window, switch with green is for rear fog lights.