1971 280SL Rear Side Markers

[RBYCC]

My newly acquired 280SL did not include the rear side markers.
Car was stripped to bare metal and painted by previous owner, but the side marker holes were filled and the markers never put back on.

I checked and saw the wiring lead with receptacle coming from each of the tail light assemblies.

The markers are still available so I'll order them.

I can eyeball the location from photos, but would appreciate if anyone can give a centerline dimension of the marker light from two reference points.

Should then be able to template and drill the mounting holes.


Thanks in advance

ED A.
1971 280SL
1988 300CE TWIN TURBO
1990 C43 AMG
2003 G55 AMG

[J. Huber]

Hey Ed. Just an idea but when my car was repainted, they left the rear most chrome trim off -- and painted over the holes. However, I was able to see the holes from underneath and behind. I wonder if you would be able to see the holes from inside the trunk?

James
63 230SL

[Douglas]

I don't have the exact measurements, but here are some pix showing original placement:



Download Attachment: 606117920303_0_ALB.jpg
23.63 KB

Download Attachment: 995117920303_0_ALB.jpg
28.85 KB

The top of the reflector seems to coincide with the top of the rear turn signal lenses.

The right side seems to go only as far back towards the tail panel as the chrome trim underneath.

Hope that makes sense.

Douglas Kim
New York
USA

[RBYCC]

quote:Originally posted by J. Huber

Hey Ed. Just an idea but when my car was repainted, they left the rear most chrome trim off -- and painted over the holes. However, I was able to see the holes from underneath and behind. I wonder if you would be able to see the holes from inside the trunk?

James
63 230SL

Briefly looked into the trunk area, but based on the pix from Douglas, I may have been looking too forward and low.

Should get the car back from my local MB dealer next week.
They are bringing it back to spec so I can pass emissions and title the car.

Thanks


ED A.
1971 280SL
1988 300CE TWIN TURBO
1990 C43 AMG
2003 G55 AMG

[RBYCC]

quote:Originally posted by Douglas

I don't have the exact measurements, but here are some pix showing original placement:



Download Attachment: 606117920303_0_ALB.jpg
23.63 KB

Download Attachment: 995117920303_0_ALB.jpg
28.85 KB

The top of the reflector seems to coincide with the top of the rear turn signal lenses.

The right side seems to go only as far back towards the tail panel as the chrome trim underneath.

Hope that makes sense.

Douglas Kim
New York
USA

Douglas

You guys are fantastic as usual.
A picture is worth a thousand words...

As I posted to James I was looking much lower and forward, more in line with the front markers.
Should be able to locate the holes in the inner panel when I get the car back next week !!!

ED A.
1971 280SL
1988 300CE TWIN TURBO
1990 C43 AMG
2003 G55 AMG

[Douglas]

Ed,

If it were me, I'd be tempted to leave the rear sidemarkers off, remove the front sidemarkers, delete the bumper guards, and upgrade the sealed beams to the Euro-spec glass headlights. After all, that's how the car was designed to look back. (Yes, we've debated this highly subjective topic here many times, so nobody take offense, please.)

Are the headlights okay? There's often a crack at the top of the plastic ring around the headlight.

Just my 2 cents (on how to spend another few hundred bucks).

Douglas Kim
New York
USA

[RBYCC]

quote:Originally posted by Douglas

Ed,


If it were me, I'd be tempted to leave the rear sidemarkers off, remove the front sidemarkers, delete the bumper guards, and upgrade the sealed beams to the Euro-spec glass headlights. After all, that's how the car was designed to look back. (Yes, we've debated this highly subjective topic here many times, so nobody take offense, please.)

Are the headlights okay? There's often a crack at the top of the plastic ring around the headlight.

Just my 2 cents (on how to spend another few hundred bucks).

Douglas Kim
New York
USA

Douglas...

It's only money....spend it before you die so nobody fights over what you've left !!!

Head lights not that bad...chrome surround decent for the year.
I understand the USA surround no longer available?

I considered the euro lights as they "belong".
Did the euro mod on my 1988 300CE W124 and like not only the look, but the improved light output !!!

Was considering removal of the rear bumper guards ( none on front) if I replace or rechrome my bumper...again chrome in very good condition.

Only problem with removing the front markers is that holes would have to be filled and the panel painted/blended.

It is a thought though !!!

Appreciate all your input as I find "learning' the W113 seems a long but interesting journey !!

ED A.
1971 280SL
1988 300CE TWIN TURBO
1990 C43 AMG
2003 G55 AMG

[Kemal]

Go for it! after all the CAR will be left behind & you would want her to look her best !
I have the side lights & bumpers plus alloy wheels and am considering for the future to add on the fog lights as well . (' ') . Whatever makes you both happy .(' ')

Kemal
280 SL Manual 69


--------------------------------------------------------------------

It's only money....spend it before you die so nobody fights over what you've left !!!

Appreciate all your input as I find "learning' the W113 seems a long but interesting journey !![/maroon]

ED A.
1971 280SL
1988 300CE TWIN TURBO
1990 C43 AMG
2003 G55 AMG
[/quote]

[ami]

what?

quote:Originally posted by kemal shah

Go for it! after all the CAR will be left behind & you would want her to look her best !
I have the side lights & bumpers plus alloy wheels and am considering for the future to add on the fog lights as well . (' ') . Whatever makes you both happy .(' ')

Kemal
280 SL Manual 69


--------------------------------------------------------------------

It's only money....spend it before you die so nobody fights over what you've left !!!

Appreciate all your input as I find "learning' the W113 seems a long but interesting journey !![/maroon]

ED A.
1971 280SL
1988 300CE TWIN TURBO
1990 C43 AMG
2003 G55 AMG

[/quote]

cars including SL's