230 SL instrument gauge removal inquiry

[Louis]

Hello ,
How difficult is it to remove the instrument gauges from a 230 SL for the purpose of painting the surrounding painted area....?
                          Thanks , Louis

Louis Kovach

[Paddy_Crow]

I will be interested in reading this thread because I am contemplating the same thing. Just as important as removing the instruments, I think, is how difficult it is to remove some of the bezels.

Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch...

[Louis]

Paddy_Crow ,
Good ,we can learn something about it together....

For all the others on this forum who are probably tired of this question, forgive me....I just did a search and I found many threads regarding this subject. I guess all I can add is that if anyone wants to elaborate further on this topic I am all ears....Lastly , how much time should be involved with this whole process...?

Louis Kovach

[J. Huber]

While I have only removed the tach (a number of times now), I don't think the others are that much more difficult. The main heads-up I know of is: be very careful with the small oil capillary tube that hooks to the center gauge. It must not get bent or crimped. Everything else is a step-by-step disassembly from behind, starting with the tach and moving inwards. Naturally, pay attention to orientation of things and plan to change bulbs while you are in there. Oh and there are some hot wires in there -- might want to disconnect battery first.

As for bezels. They can be carefully pried off once the unit is out of the car. If you are sending the unit in for service, let them do the bezel (they usually put a new one on).

James
63 230SL

[JimVillers]

Removing the instruments is not too bad.  James is correct be careful and replace all bulbs while you are in there.  Remove the tach, and then use the tach "hole" to access the instrument cluster retainers and then use that hole to access the speedometer.  You might have the speedometer rebuilt while it is out because you might not want to do the job again.

Jim Villers
190SL, 230SL 5-Speed, 190E 2.3-16, MGB 5-Speed

[Jonny B]

To clarify, it is the temperature gauge that has the capillary that is all one piece and you must be careful with. The oil pressure gauge is a direct line to the engine as the gauge is mechanical. You need to be careful with that one more from the standpoint of mess (when taking out) and real mess & hot liquid if not put back in tightly and correctly.

Jonny B
1967 250SL Auto

[graphic66]

I find it a good idea to attach a note to the keys when doing work like this. This note would read "hook up oil line". When changing the oil or other things like that I will just gently clamp the keys in my bench vise to remind me something is unhooked or removed. I get easily distracted and as a kid was reinforced to remember things, I had ADD, "acquired discipline deficit", I needed to get my ass kicked by my dad when I forgot things, now it just costs money and time