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Author Topic: Hardtop Chrome Strips - history?  (Read 6509 times)

dtuttle123

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Hardtop Chrome Strips - history?
« on: November 19, 2007, 17:20:58 »
What's the history of the 2 chrome/aluminum strips on the top of the hardtop roof?  They look like they were standard from 1969 to 1971.  Were they optional before then?  Were they available in the 230/250's?  I've seen European 230/250's that had the strips.

Thanks, Doug

1967 250SL 4-Speed, Orient Red

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don p

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Re: Hardtop Chrome Strips - history?
« Reply #1 on: November 19, 2007, 17:51:30 »
I have a late model 250sl vn 4113 The hard top has the two strips.

Don Pemberton
1968 250SL
113.043-10-004113
190g Graphite gray                     Connecticut
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Douglas

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Re: Hardtop Chrome Strips - history?
« Reply #2 on: November 19, 2007, 18:40:49 »
They were optional throughout the production of the vehicles, but the late-model US-spec 280 SLs came "loaded" so they were usually on the cars.

They changed over the years from really nice chromed brass to aluminum towards the end of production. I think your '67 takes the former.

Finally, you should know that they're not purely decorative. They incorporate mounting points for the optional Orus ski rack and roof rack.

Douglas Kim
New York
USA
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dtuttle123

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Re: Hardtop Chrome Strips - history?
« Reply #3 on: November 20, 2007, 03:38:10 »
Thanks Don & Douglas for the information!  Again I learn from the experts!  Have a great Thanksgiving!
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dtuttle123

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Re: Hardtop Chrome Strips - history?
« Reply #4 on: November 24, 2007, 06:45:02 »
How were the 2 stips attached to the roof?  Was there a mechnical fastener, or adhestive?
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hkollan

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Re: Hardtop Chrome Strips - history?
« Reply #5 on: November 24, 2007, 17:49:44 »
Hi,
The early original ski-racks where made by Eckel, at least the 2 sets I have are. Well actually one is for the 107, with a slightly longer bar to accommodate the wider 107 HT moldings. The moldings are fastened mechanically. To remove or install the modlings the headliner will have to removed.

Hans
« Last Edit: November 24, 2007, 17:52:42 by hkollan »
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Hans K, Cuenca, Spain
1968 280 SL 387 Blue met., parchment leather
1971 280 SL 462 Beige met, Brown leather
1968 280 SL 180 Silver, Red leather
1964 300 SE Lang 040 Black w/Red leather
1985 500 SL 735 Astral Silver w/Black leather
1987 560 SEC 199 Black met., Black leather

rmmchl

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Re: Hardtop Chrome Strips - history?
« Reply #6 on: November 24, 2007, 19:32:55 »
does anyone know how to take off hardtop chrome strips for painting withut removing headliner------------i quess they screw in from inside
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michael romeo           
1967  250sl
signal red

Chad

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Re: Hardtop Chrome Strips - history?
« Reply #7 on: November 25, 2007, 15:00:57 »
quote:
Originally posted by rmmchl

does anyone know how to take off hardtop chrome strips for painting withut removing headliner------------i quess they screw in from inside


I do think it involves removing the headliner - this becomes a big job that can involve the side windows/etc.  I would mask/tape the strips and chrome and hope for the best. I have no interest in this work myself after reading Gernold's article about the effort required.  I have plans to dye/paint the stains out of my headliner someday and hope that works sufficient enough to leave the headliner on another twenty years.


Do you always have the hardtop fitted?  It's a calculation of benefit vs. effort needed to do it.




1967 230SL
« Last Edit: November 25, 2007, 15:02:31 by Chad »
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