horsehair seat pads

[rmmchl]

does anyone know if they make a molded pad instead of the horsehair pads (that will break down with time)? Who has the best prices on the horsehair pads.Bud's are 114.00 each. Who makes them for these middlemen?

[George Davis]

Check out this discussion thread:

http://index.php?topic=1722

In summary, aftermarket horsehair pads are made in Mexico and (in my opinion and experience) are not as comfortable as the genuine MB pads.

George Davis
'69 280 SL Euro manual

[graphic66]

Does anyone know the Mercedes part numbers for the OEM pads and who has them in stock. Also is there a difference from the earlier version seats to the newer taller seats. Also I have purchased covers from Buds and they didn't specify early or late version. I'm guessing if you replace the covers you will have to use the later taller seat pads.

[Jonny B]

The German group catalog has the bottom pad listed as 113 914 0314 (left) and 113 914 0414 (right). The back pad as 113 914 0116 (no distinction for right or left)


SLS lists them for sale, but there is no indication of the source. (Euro 116).

I checked at Millers as well, they have pads listed, bottom right, bottom left, and back, each at US$ 110 (as of the last update of the catalog) You can call Kevin O'Brien and he should be able to give you the scoop on the origin and latest price.


Jonny B
1967 250SL Auto

[Arjun]

I recieved these pads from Caliber.
They are now made in the Czech Republic. Can anyone confirm whether these are the originals.

1967 250SL 5-Speed

[AGT]

Arjun

Yes. These are originals.

I bought new horsehair pads from my local Mercedes dealer and they are marked as made in the Czech Republic. The price was much the same as SLS by the time I added SLS shipping charges and took account of my "frequent flyer" discount with the local dealer.

There is a lot of horse in these pads and shipping costs will be high.

Regards
Andrew

[66andBlue]

I bought mine from K&K and at a lower price (<$100).
Those sold here (by Bud's, Millers, GAHH, K&K, etc) are made in Mexico. The price may be higher for 230SL pads. Pads for the 230SL backs are narrower and have no slots for the headrest guides. If you buy the 250/280SL version for a 230SL seat you'll need new covers ("MB-Tex" substitute or leather) that fit.
I have not noticed a difference to those made in the Czech Republic.

Alfred
1966 blue 230SL automatic

[Chad]

I remember thinking the price of these pads was very high, so I had a furniture restorer/upholsterer we have used in the past tackle the rebuilding of my seats. I bought the seat cover kit and seat back carpet from GAHH and took out the seats and gave them to him. He rebuilt the padding and the seats feel great. Firm but softly yielding and convey the road the way car seats should.  This turned out to be less expensive than buying the seat pads myself and the work was done beautifully by a pro and all I had to do was remove and install the seats. If you know of a fair and good furniture guy, then it might be a good option.

Of note, the seat springs were luckily in good shape, if your springs are in bad shape then it's not so simple I imagine.

1967 230SL (Manual, rustless driver)