Author Topic: RUBBER SEALS  (Read 3698 times)

TATO

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RUBBER SEALS
« on: February 03, 2012, 22:29:11 »
I'm about to paint my 230 sl 1965, and replace all the rubber seals, trunk, hard and soft tops, doors seals, etc. There are two different kinds in the market, the OEM and the reproductions. Any recommendations, are the reproductions good enough?
Thanks

bogeyman

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Re: RUBBER SEALS
« Reply #1 on: February 04, 2012, 00:04:12 »
No.
Spend the extra and get originals.
Rick Bogart
1970 280SL Black(040)/Parchment
1969 280SL Silver(180)/Green
1993 500E
1972 350SL
1995 E320 Cabrio

Garry

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Re: RUBBER SEALS
« Reply #2 on: February 04, 2012, 00:50:05 »
Some are very important that they are OEM as experience here amongst members is that in some areas the Repros just do not cut it.

My experience has been that any glass seals needs to be OEM. That includes the one at the front pillar to door glass rubber with cloth coating.  I would also add the soft top hatch seal.

Garry
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Melbourne/ Kyneton, Brisbane. Australia
1969 MB 280SL 5 speed RHD SOLD.
1965 MB 230SL Auto RHD Lt Blue 334G, Top 350H, Tourist Delivery.
1972 MB 280CE Auto RHD 906G
2005 MB A200
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Cees Klumper

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Re: RUBBER SEALS
« Reply #3 on: February 04, 2012, 07:49:56 »
... And just to add from experience, having a proper seal with good weatherstripping can make a huge difference in driving comfort, as wind noise (and draft) are minimised.
Cees Klumper
1969 Mercedes 280 SL automatic
1968 Ford Mustang 302 V8
1961 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Coupe 1600
1962 FIAT 1500S OSCA convertible
1972 Lancia Fulvia Coupe 1.3
1983 Porsche 944 2.5
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Iconic

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Re: RUBBER SEALS
« Reply #4 on: February 04, 2012, 16:44:26 »
Tato,
You ask are the reproductions good enough?

I agree with what has been said... and....
Here is how I look at it. Since I am doing the work myself, I buy parts from the MB Classic Center. It is easy and I believe it gives me the highest chance that the install will go smoothly, the part will fit, the part will function as intended, and the part will last as long as a new part is supposed to.
If you buy a non MB part, you are taking a chance with all of those points.
Of course, there are exceptions to everything, but I simply take the route that I believe will give me the highest probability of success.
I buy from the MB Classic Center.
Now my decision is based on the fact that I want the car to outlive me or to pass on a car that is as good as I can make it.
If your motives are profit driven, or you just want to get by as inexpensively as you can, then you will use different decision criteria.
Good Luck and Enjoy the Ride.
1970 280 SL Automatic, USA version, Grey-Blue (906G/906G), Blue leather (245)
1968 SS396 Camaro Convertible (owned since 1977 -- my first car :D)
1984 Porsche Euro Carrera coupe, LSD, SlateBlueMet/Blue
1998 BMW M-Rdstr Estoril Blue
1970 280 SL Automatic, Anthracite Grey-173G, Red Interior-132 - sold

TATO

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Re: RUBBER SEALS
« Reply #5 on: February 04, 2012, 21:49:39 »
Thanks everybody for the comments. I already took a decision based in your experience. I will go with the OEM
Thank you again.