My Firewall Pad

[George Des]

Been much talk about the firewall pads and the different "textures". The attached photo shows the factory original firewall pad on my 1967 230SL Euro ZF 5 Speed as it was delivered in Nov 1967 to an Italian physician from Rovigo, Italy. (I still have all the original documentation, bill of sale and Italian registration material.) I purchased in 1976 while in Vicenza, Italy. This photo was taken in 1981 while I was stationed at Camp Darby (Livorno), Italy outside of Pisa. The pad has long since been changed out for one of the newer style pads offered by all the usual suppliers and is noticeably different in both thickness and texture.

George Des

Download Attachment: firewallpad1.jpg
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[Douglas]

Here's the only 230 SL I've ever seen with what appears to be an original firewall pad in decent shape:

http://motoringinvestments.com/C87photo3.htm

Perhaps it was updated at some point when the OEM part was still available.

[66andBlue]

quote:Originally posted by Douglas

Here's the only 230 SL I've ever seen with what appears to be an original firewall pad in decent shape: ...

Not only does it have the original firewall pad, this is the 1st time that I have actually seen a cover over the large fuel pump - but then I am a Newbie (or greenhorn if you prefer) to these cars. And I am awed by these fire-red trumpet horns in the engine bay  

Alfred
1966 blue 230SL automatic

[Tom230sl]

early style pad pattern.  Was made of a rubber slurry over the fiber insulation material.  This caused the rather undefined pattern.  Later style is made with a machine pattern.


Download Attachment: earlya.jpg
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Download Attachment: earlyb.jpg
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[Tom230sl]

quote:Originally posted by Douglas

Here's the only 230 SL I've ever seen with what appears to be an original firewall pad in decent shape:

http://motoringinvestments.com/C87photo3.htm

Perhaps it was updated at some point when the OEM part was still available.

does not seem to have body color(red) under pad??  or anywhere in engine compartment. Not a good example.

[Ben]

quote:does not seem to have body color(red) under pad?? or anywhere in engine compartment. Not a good example.

..........I agree, this car has clearly been painted by someone who is NOT familiar with the factory look, even the bonnet spring has been careful !

quote:Not only does it have the original firewall pad, this is the 1st time that I have actually seen a cover over the large fuel pump - but then I am a Newbie (or greenhorn if you prefer) to these cars. And I am awed by these fire-red trumpet horns in the engine bay

.........I dont see any cover, are you looking atv the fluid resevoir ?

Regards,
Ben in Ireland.
'64 230SL 4sp.

[Douglas]

quote:Originally posted by Tom230sl

Originally posted by Douglas

does not seem to have body color(red) under pad??  or anywhere in engine compartment. Not a good example.

Tom,

I was merely calling attention to the OEM pad, not the car. Obviously, the car went through a color change.

Douglas Kim
Mahopac, NY

[Jonny B]

If you open up the link Doug listed, and scroll down, there are a number of good undercarriage photos. They also show the smaller fuel tank discussed a bit in another post about 230SL on ebay.

Jonny B
1967 250SL Auto

[Tom230sl]

Hey Douglas, I understand.  I guess my point was that its probably more likely that the engine  compartment was sprayed black  since under the hood was also.  And the firewall  being black., someone probably replaced the pad at some point  so it may not be the original to the cars build date.

[66andBlue]

quote:Originally posted by Ben

.........I dont see any cover, are you looking atv the fluid resevoir ?

Hi Ben, I am not sure what I am looking at but it sure looks like a pump cover. Take  a look:
Download Attachment: PumpCover.jpg
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Alfred
1966 blue 230SL automatic

[Ben]

quote:Hi Ben, I am not sure what I am looking at but it sure looks like a pump cover. Take a look:
Download Attachment:  PumpCover.jpg
30.26 KB

OOOOpps !   Yeah I see it now, it IS a pump cover, I was looking at a different photo !

I believe they should have that, mine doesn't either !

Regards,
Ben in Ireland.
'64 230SL 4sp.

[TheEngineer]

Here is a pic of my car with the original firewall pad in good shape

Download Attachment: MyEngine.JPG
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[113gray]

Originally posted by Douglas

Here's the only 230 SL I've ever seen with what appears to be an original firewall pad in decent shape:

http://motoringinvestments.com/C87photo3.htm

Firewall pad looks great; not as sure about the horn trio [:0]  -JP-

[JPMOSE]

George,

Could you repost the photo of your original firewall pad?  It doesn't open to a photo anymore.   Thanks!

Best Regards,

J. P. Mose
1968 250SL
1987 560SL