Hello,
Yes you guys are right. The winshield does not need to be removed. Also as stated the wood should also be off the car if the windshield is being replaced. I'm sure that it is not always done this way but it is the best way to insure that the rubber windshield seal seats correctly.
The wood on the driver's side is a very, very tight. You must protect the guage cluster from the studs (as mentioned). The wood also needed some minor fitting adjustments to lay down nice and snug. I am sure these pieces are hand fit to each car at the factory.
If you replace the windshield and use a new seal be prepared for a long day. These new seals are quite a challenge to get back on the windshield. The factory new windshield seal from Mercedes was around $80.00 US. I thought that to be reasonable.
Hello Chad,
The owner of the car went to Mercedes and ordered the new wood. He got a slight discount but paid less than $500.00 for both right and left. He also got the wood speaker cover for around $240.00. Yes the speaker cover is as original with all the parts and pieces glued together. Since the wood was recieved Mercedes raised their prices, so they will cost more now.
One other note the owner also went to Mercedes and ordered a new original rubber driver's side floor mat (230SL). It came in and is beautiful for only $75.00 !
Some parts from Mercedes are outrageous, but always check since other items are quite reasonable. Also what's not available from the factory today is often available later!
Some dealers are not set up to order parts for older models so they automatically tell the customer they are not available.
If you can supply part numbers to the peson ordering the parts you'll be amazed at what you can get but always check the price.
Another nice feature of ordering from the dealer is that the parts will be shipped in without charge for the customer to the dealer no matter where they are coming from.
Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio
