GAS CAP LOCK

[68_white]

I found a gas cap from a 71-280SE, very nice. Before I send it to the chorme shop I gave it to a local ocksmith to change the lock to fit the ignition key of my 280SL. Unfortunately, the locksmith could not remove the mechanism. I tried another locksmith with no luck.

Does anyone ever dealt with these type of locks?? See photo.

Download Attachment: GAS_CAP.JPG
61.76 KB

HARRY

68_WHITE

[Raymond]

Use the search function.  Someone recently did a whole tour of a cap dissassembly including photos.  You can do it yourself or take the photos and text to a locksmith.  However, are you sure you can fit the length of an ignition key into the cap?  

And, what's it cost including, time and shipping, to re-chrome and re-key vs. the cost of a new one?

Ray
'68 280SL 4-spd Coupe

[hands_aus]

http://index.php?topic=2623,cap,


Bob Smith (Brisbane,Australia)
RHD,1967 early 250 SL, auto

[philmas]

Harry,I'm not sure of that, but I think you will have trouble finding the lock that fits your ignition key as a separate part.
Do you intend to fit in  the original lock that was on your former gas cap?
Do you have only one key for the car (as it should be on a 71 280sl)?
Last year, I had my whole set of locks changed in order to have one single key for all.
SLS germany sells a complete set including the ignition switch, and the gas cap.
A bit pricey, though...higher than a chrome plating process,indeed,  but it might be the only way of  solving the key issue.
In my case, the gas cap was'nt the original one, but an awful plastic black...thing, coming from who knows where, and so I had no metaphysical question on throwing it away.

Philippe from Paris
'71 280SL manual 4sp

[68_white]

Thank you all for your input.

In the photo, the key in the lock is from the 280SE ignition. The other key is from my ignition. My key goes all the way into the lock but will not turn it. The locksmith assured me that he can change the pins in the existing lock if someone can take it apart. The cap comes from a junked car ($5.00). The local chrome shop will charge $50 max. Although not OEM, it will still look better than the plastic one in my car now.

I have two keys right now. Ignition key door key.

I will check the previous forums (I should have done in the first place).

HARRY

68_WHITE

[glennard]

Does the cap have a (key) number stamped on it somewhere?

[114015]

Hello Harry,

Sorry about that, but it won't work with the sedan fuel filler cap you found.
Yours is already a later style cap - Huf or Ymos - used on e.g. sedans like W108, W114/115 and so on. It's not correct for our SLs.

Since you have a 1968 (or 1967) SL you should have three keys:
a large one with plastic handle for the ignition lock;
a "T"-marked little rectangular one for doors & fuel filler cap and a round "K"-marked little key for glove box and trunk. Please see your owner's manual how they should look like. For your 250/280 SL you should be able to get new original MB keys from the dealer with the number codes on your data card.

It's more difficult with the fuel filler cap.
Try to order one from MB with "your" correct lock number. The MB parts number is 0004702030. Maybe you are still successful to get one (at a price of course). Most likely you can only get one with a non-matching number.

Please see also Bob Smith's link on the ff caps.

If you want to go a convenient way ... polish yours thoroughly and repeat it from time to time.
It'll look nice on your car.

Best,



Achim
(Magdeburg, Germany)

[68_white]

Thank you for your input Achim.

There are no numbers stamped on the cap. I do however have the key from the 280SE that I can use (shown in photo). No doubt the cap is not correct for our cars, but it fits perfectly. It is usable as it is, but would like to have it chromed and to work with my ignition key. If the lock cannot be changed, then how do I get it chromed without taking it apart??

Yes, the car originally came with three keys, but I changed the locks to work with only two. Ignition key works with glove box, other square top key works the door locks and the trunk lock.  Plastic gas cap came with its own key, but was changed by the locksmith to work with my square top key.

When I get tired of fiddling with this cap, I'll go buy a new original ($180+)??

HARRY

68_WHITE

[hands_aus]

I posted a link to an earlier topic with pictures and additional information telling how to dismantle these gas caps.



Bob Smith (Brisbane,Australia)
RHD,1967 early 250 SL, auto

[68_white]

Bob,

I did check the link and also searched this site. Although the cap itself is exaclty the same as the one shown on your link, the cylinder on my gas cap is very different.  No 3mm holes. It looks that mine is pressed into place, because there are four oval marks leading me to believe that this is the case. Thank for your help though.

HARRY

68_WHITE

[hands_aus]

quote:Originally posted by 68_white

Bob,

I did check the link and also searched this site. Although the cap itself is exaclty the same as the one shown on your link, the cylinder on my gas cap is very different.  No 3mm holes. It looks that mine is pressed into place, because there are four oval marks leading me to believe that this is the case. Thank for your help though.

HARRY

68_WHITE

Hey Harry,

Do you have a pic? I thought MB used a system until they HAD to change it, maybe double sided keys were the impetus.

Bob Smith (Brisbane,Australia)
RHD,1967 early 250 SL, auto

[68_white]

Bob:

Here is the photo of the cylinder. You can barely see the oval press points.  I have already taken out the lock ring and spring.

Download Attachment: GAS_CAP_2.JPG
79.08 KB

HARRY

68_WHITE

[hands_aus]

Hey Harry,
I can see a round mark on the side of the cylinder.
MB must have decided on a 'replacement' concept for the Gas Cap in lieu of changing keys.

What does that coiled spring do?

Bob Smith (Brisbane,Australia)
RHD,1967 early 250 SL, auto

[68_white]

Bob:
The coiled spring holds the ring that latches to the neck of the gas tank.  On top of it fits a cover that in turn is held down by the clip that sits on top of the cylinder. I have taken these prts out already before I took the lock to the locksmith.

The oval press points or dimples appear to be the areas where they pressed the cylinder in place. No way to take it apart.

Thanks for your ideas.

HARRY

68_WHITE