Center Console Box

[Ed Cave]

What do you think is the best solution for the "mat" that lines the bottom of the center console box? If I'm not mistaken, the original piece is no longer available.

I guess options include carpet to match the floor carpet, leather to match the seats. Any other thoughts?

What was original? Vinyl? Even with leather interior? What color? Does anyone know which parts supplier may offer an aftermarket piece that replicates the original?

Your thoughts are appreciated. Thanks.

Ed Cave
Atlanta, GA

1964 356C
1971 280SL

[Tom]

Ed,

I've been told that some came with leather (early).  I am certain that the tray in later cars came with carpet matching the rest of the car.

Best,

Tom

1971 280sl Tunis Beige Metallic (restored & enhanced)
1971 280sl Tobacco Brown (low mileage stock)
1970 280sl Deep Red (Project Car)

[hauser]

I have leather in my console box.  Most of what I seen is matching carpet.


By the way, how was your trip to California?


1969 280sl 5 spd        1999 ML320          Gainesville,Fl.

[Douglas]

Tom is correct. I believe earlier 280 SLs get a vinyl insert and later ones like yours get matching multi-loop carpet.

Douglas Kim
New York, NY
280 SL #016220

[Ed Cave]

Thanks for the feedback. Although not specifically correct for the 1971 I own, I've opted for the wool German square weave carpet that was found in earlier Pagodas so that is what I will have in the console.

Thanks again for your responses.

Ed Cave
Atlanta, GA

1964 356C
1971 280SL

[hauser]

Ed, since you are haveing a complete job done on your car you might as well have them make a spare for you.  In the event the other one gets dirty or stained.  It's just a thought.

1969 280sl 5 spd        1999 ML320          Gainesville,Fl.

[Mike Hughes]

My car has a square weave carpet insert that matches the rest of the carpet AND an early style M-B Tex insert in a medium brown color.

- Mike Hughes  -ô¿ô-
  1966 230SL Auto P/S
  Havanna Brown (408)
  Light Beige (181)
  Cream M-B Tex (121)

[Douglas]

Mike,

Is your carpeting original? Do you still have the orignial rubber floormats instead of carpeting in the front footwells?

Douglas Kim
New York, NY
280 SL #016220

[Mike Hughes]

No. The original square weave was replaced 15 years ago.  The original owner had removed the original rubber mats and had some matching square weave front carpets made up many years earlier in order to limit the possibility of condensation build up under the rubber mats.  This seems to have worked a treat because the floor boards appear to be completely rust free 38 years later.

- Mike Hughes  -ô¿ô-
  1966 230SL Auto P/S
  Havanna Brown (408)
  Light Beige (181)
  Cream M-B Tex (121)

[Mike Hughes]

One detail about the M-B Tex piece in my center box.  The color and texture is the same as the padded insert on my window cranks.

- Mike Hughes  -ô¿ô-
  1966 230SL Auto P/S
  Havanna Brown (408)
  Light Beige (181)
  Cream M-B Tex (121)

[Douglas]

Mike,

I would guess that the center console carpet insert was made at the same time as the new carpeting.

Douglas Kim
New York, NY
280 SL #016220