1971 Rear Defroster

[Concept 42]

I am looking to purchase a 1971 and I noticed on the center console a small black box at the head of the tray. I also thought 71's had a rear window defroster in the hardtop and was wondering if that was it? Thanks for any help!

[Jonny B]

The control for the heated rear window is indeed at the head of the wooden console box, just behind the ash tray. Here is a link on the site for a picture
http://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=4160.0

Or try "heated glass" in the search function

[zoegrlh]

The heated rear window pane (compound glass) was an option.  It is found on data card as #248.  The switch is mounted on the inside of the wooden center tray, as shown in thread that Jonny B gave.  A black box mounted at the head of the ash tray is at the correct location, but the switch mounting is not a box, and not black, it would be in color if interior leather/MB-Tex, with pull switch having white insert, your black box description does not sound original, and I would not know what it is for.
Bob

[Flyair]

Today at the restoration shop, the mechanicians removed my hardtop and I was very surprised to see that my 1971 280SL has a heated rear window. It had a hidden black cable that I discovered only after removal of the top.

I am trying to explain my blindness in not realizing that the car has that option by saying that indeed these heating elements are tiny and almost invisible.
Besides, there is no knob at the central wooden box and I did nor see the switch at any other place. So I concluded that in the past a unscrupulous restorer did his messy job, just leaving the defroster cable unplugged.

Anyhow, I will have to get it redone and rewired, but quite frankly getting an original part with the knob seems almost impossible to me….
    

[Hans2012]

Flyair

I suggest trying the Classic Center.  I very recently bought a control knob for the European fog lamp that is installed beside the rear window defroster switch in a 1971, so perhaps they have the parts you are seeking.

Regards
John

[Hans2012]

Flyair

The attached picture shows what my center switch looks like - the green one is correct for the location, but in my case it conceals an iPod connection. 

Regards
John

[tel76]

Stan,
I can help you with both switch,small panel(in cognac leather) and as i will not be re-fitting these items i will let you have the wiring loom section,i will have a look on monday how far the loom goes (i have the loom out of the car),have you had a look under your carpet your loom may still be there?
Eric.