Nardi Wheel, muffler tips, period correct?

[Jkalplus1]

Gents,

I see a lot of people putting Nardi wheels in their cars.  Was this something that "people would do" to their SLs in the 60s?  Or is it just a preference to some owners today? 

What I am getting at is I know some minor changes like that were performed by owners and are "period correct", even though they are not factory -or dealer- installed items.

Another example:  my car has the muffler chrome tips that redirect the exhaust gases downward to protect the paint and back of the car.  Is this gizmo period correct?  What about the Nardi wheel? 

Any other "fun" items like that?

[114015]

I see a lot of people putting Nardi wheels in their cars.  Was this something that "people would do" to their SLs in the 60s?  Or is it just a preference to some owners today?

Jerome,
well yes.
That "thing" was already available in the 60ies... an aftermarket item. 
Many owners like that "thing" because it may give them a - uhem - "Ferrarri-like" or so feeling and especially because of the smaller diameter of the wheel compared to the original one(s).
Personally, I like the "huge" Factory wheel much more because it is a) original, b) fantastically anachronistic with the "modern" car for the time and c) provides easy turning.
What do you need the Nardi for? If you have power steering the handling is so easy and quick with the original st. wheel, and on pretty straight roads you can even steer with your knees!
In contrast, the Nardi just does not look correct for the period Mercedes passenger cars and the hub has mostly been reported to have a poor fit or causes problems with the indicator switch cancellation.
What else? Do you do rallies?
Eugen Boehringer did not want it for his 1963 Spa-Sofia-Liège Rally car; so, what would you need it for - other than the usual "pimp-my-car" idea??

my car has the muffler chrome tips that redirect the exhaust gases downward to protect the paint and back of the car.  Is this gizmo period correct?

Yes, they are. Were/are factory available and carry a 109 parts number (A109 492 00 14). Have become pretty $$$ lately.
My recommendation: keep them! Even rechrome them if in bad shape. They are worth it today.

IMHO...
Achim

[Jkalplus1]

No, no rallyes for me, and I will think twice before I fix something that works!  I like the original wheel too.  I was just wondering about the Nardi since it seems so popular.  I am discovering my car and its particularities, and the wealth of knowledge of this forum.  I just acquired the car from my father's estate.

I think I will just replace the red/amber taillights with the correct all-reds once I have the money...that will be enough tinkering for me: I prefer to drive!

[114015]

Sounds great, Jerome.

Very well inherited.
Please, how about a few pics?

Best regards,

Achim

[al_lieffring]

When I got my 230sl in the mid 70's the hard plastic steering wheels were out of production and a Nardi wheel was just about the only replacement choice. The mounting adapter my Nardi came with was made for the /8 models with some modifications that were supposed to make work on the earlier cars. It was awful, the metal contact strip made a scraping noise as it rubbed on the horn contactor, it would honk when the wheel was turned and the contactor touched the adjustment screw on the switch, and the hub had the wrong offset. placing the wheel way too far from the turn signal switch.

I installed lots of these on 280sl and they worked great on these cars, because that is what the hub was designed for.

I ended up having to reverse the polarity of the horn contact switch, machine material off of the hub to get the correct offset, eliminate the contact strap,and solder a wire to the contact bearing that the original chrome horn ring pressed the switch,  cut a notch for the wire to run through and add insulation around a spring i installed  to press against the bearing. I think it would make more sense if I just showed the mods.

I have since switched back to an original wheel.

The turn down exhaust tips didn't show up until the extended bumpers were fitted on the USA cars, shortly after that the straight tips were dropped form the parts catalogs. I have no idea if they are currently available, I removed my old straight tips and put them on my new muffler (using pop rivets).



 

[114015]

The turn down exhaust tips didn't show up until the extended bumpers were fitted on the USA cars...

The trun down exhaust tips are already included in the 1967 230SL parts catalogue.
May have been introduced for the new 1965 300 SE W109 chassis, therefore the 109 parts number.

IMHO...
Achim