Grille star

[280sl1968]

I noticed that the grille star on my SL appears to  have been carefully glued in place at each of the three points. It is only noticeable up close, but I heard from someone who deals in parts from broken up classics that these broken grille stars are very common.

While I can see that the three points of the star are going to be inherently weak bits of metal, are broken ones really that common? I can't see how they could break other than in a collision, someone trying to force the emblem off, or plain old corrosion.

It's no big deal, but if i come across an original intact star and surround I will probably replace it. Just curious that's all.


David

[stickandrudderman]

Lots of them have been broken and repaired in this way, some more effectively than others!
The stars are very expensive.....

[tel76]

When i purchased my project/rust bucket i was pleased to see that the grille star was intact,the feelling of elation was short lived.
When i removed the grille assy: the star fell out,someone had glued in the star from a 107 model. The first of many bodge ups.
It is a good fit and if someone cannot get a good replacement or afford MB prices it is a good temporary measure.

[lurtch]

Hello David,      check out this post of mine. It describes how I made an acceptable repair, in lieu of buying a new star.

http://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=11408.msg76429#msg76429

Regards, larry in CA

[280sl1968]

Nice fix Larry.

I know I shouldn't be, considering the inherent deign flaw of having the star anchored by just the three points, but I'm still somewhat surprised that so many of these ended up broken. Other than accidents or plain old vandalism, I wonder what might cause them to break? Overzealous washing and polishing maybe?



David