covering around windshield frame

[Benz Dr.]

I'm ready to cover the interior side of a 230SL windshield frame but I have been unable to source the correct material. I believe it's vinyl, kind of gray or beige in color, and looks to be the same material that's used on the soft top frame header.  Any help would be great.

[RBurritt 99780]

Hi Benz Dr.,
I just checked both windshield frames, soft top and hard top of my original 230SL, build date 12/66. My coverings are not the same color; below the hard top is the interior MB Tex color, in my case it is Caviar (116). The soft top material has the texture of the MB Tex but the color is beige; this color does not match the soft top color which is Black (720). The texture is not as rough (grainy) as the later Tex found in the 280SL.

I have tried to find a source for matching the Caviar texture but so far I've been unsuccessful. I've not call Bud's but I understand they may be able to match the finer texture.

Good luck with your project.

Bob

[Benz Dr.]

I talked with Gernold at SL Tech today and he told me that 230SL's had whatever interior material that was used as the surround material for the windshield frame. So, that's what we are going to do.

[114015]

Yes Dan,

That's correct what Gernold was saying.
The 230 SLs (and early 250ies of course)
had the inner side of the windshield frame covered in MB-Tex or leather matching the interior.
Saying so, the upper horizontal windshield frame together with perhaps the first 8 - 10 cm (3 - 4 inches) of the A-pillar sections of the windshield frame is covered with the relevant hide.
The remaining of the A-pillars are covered with the separate wooden screwed-on covers which are themselves glued with MB-Tex or leather.
There is no foam or whatsoever under the leather...; directly glued onto the frame.

Best,

Achim

[Benz Dr.]

I have no reason to disagree with any of this except for one thing. This car didn't have any of that on the frame when I took it apart. It looked a lot more like a beige or cream colored material glued on to the frame and it definitely wasn't leather. I would find it hard to imagine that someone would remove all of the hardware on the windshield frame, pull the windshield out, and then remove the leather covering to install something else. If they did, they certainly went to a lot of bother to do a good job done incorrectly.

[pj]

Hi Dan and Achim,
I know this thread started with discussing the material covering the long, horizontal upper piece across the top of the windshield, but I don't have a photo of that. However, I do have these two photos of the vertical pieces that cover the A-pillars, left and right. These photos show the covering before the trim shop tackles replacing the covering with new cognac leather.

[Norm]

I had these pics from when my top was replaced....

Norm

[Benz Dr.]

If you look at the top of the windshield frame you can see the beige material I'm referring to. The A pillar coverings are done in interior material but that's not in question.

[RBurritt 99780]

Hi All, Interesting discussion and it seems only a little confusing however I'm in agreement with Gernold and Achim. In my case the material on the horizontal, windshield header (frame) is MB Tex matching the color and texture (grain) of the rest of my car's interior.

Norm's fine pictures show a color, I'm calling cream (the car's interior color), fixed to the horizontal windshield header that the rear view mirror and other roof hardware are attached. This cream colored material, MB Tex or leather, is also found on the A pillar covers, same as mine. The material I'm calling beige, fixed to Norm's soft top frame, at the windshield header, appears to be the same color and material  as on my ST frame. This material is like my MB Tex in texture.

As Achim indicates my MB Tex is glued to the windshield header but only at or under the chrome molding(s) at the top and under the windshield seal at the bottom; there may be a thin foam backing because there seems to be a slight cushion when the Tex is pressed against the metal header. It may be like the thin foam backing on my B pillar MB Tex which is original and degrading (turning to dust).

Unfortunately I've not yet found a source for the earlier, fine grained textured MB Tex that my car interior has or the material found on the ST frame. I have not perused this site to see what others may have found; a link would be appreciated if someone has found a source.

Bob

[Sead]

My 230SL 64 has cognac leather. The top of the windshield frame was also covered with same material. Cognac leather.
same with soft top frame.

[gtait]

I am not sure if this will answer your question or not.   I ordered a complete leather interior package from KHM in Germany and I received two pieces of leather cut with a slight curve to them.This if for the top of the windshield frame from side to side.  They are each 3.25" x 22.25" and are the same colour leather as the rest of my interior.  If this is what you are after I would be happy to template them and send you it in the mail. If so, please PM me.

Hope this helps.

Gil

[mrfatboy]

It would be great if you templated them and posted them in the tech manual for everybody 👍 Scan them to a PDF. I can show you how to do it or you can email them to me and I can do it. PM me.