Euro Headlights

[hauser]

Bob is your body shop using a lead or plastic filler?

1969 280sl 5 spd
Gainesville, Fl.

[bpossel]

Hi Guys,

My shop is not using lead, rather a modern filler.  Any body experts out there that can comment on the pros and cons of lead vs modern materials?



bpossel  (Memphis, TN.)
'71 280SL  /  '97 E320

[rwmastel]

Is that a brand new firewall??

Rodd
Pagoda Technical Manual
please contibute: http://www.sl113.org/wiki/pmwiki.php
1966 230SL
2006 C230 Sport Sedan

[bpossel]

Hi Rodd,

No, the original.  They stripped it using a soda blaster.
Nice and shinny !
Bob

bpossel  (Memphis, TN.)
'71 280SL  /  '97 E320

[tuultyme]

Bob followup
How did the paint shop make out on getting the fender and headlight chrome to matchup?  Did they work the fender to match the ring or the other way around?  Did they also do a good job with the inner fender notch?


Bruce; 268Blaugrun(green) 1970 280SL; IL

[bpossel]

Hi Bruce,

They spent many hours working in and ensuring the notches were there.  Also a lot of time making the headlight buckets/fenders line up with the headlight chrome trim rings...  We had to "sacrifice" one of the rings to sanding damage to ensure proper fit and finish ...  After going through this, it is easy to see why the factory may have used headlight molds to sand around....

The body shop is still working on the paint and I "hope" to get it back soon so that I can start to put it back together again.

Take care,
Bob

bpossel  (Memphis, TN.)
'71 280SL  /  '97 E320

[Shvegel]

Bob,
Well done lead would be the best way to go but people who still know how to properly do lead work are few and far between.

For my money I don't think there is anything wrong with modern plastic fillers. With all the low buck slap it together body shops in the world when was the last time you saw a car with a crack in the filler or a chunk that has fallen out?

[waqas]

From what I understand, poorly done lead filler (read: insufficient cleanliness beforehand) will eventually lead to bubbling through the paint.  In the absence of the shop's clear experience with lead, I would not volunteer my car as their lead-filler practice run.  

A beautifully finished paint surface usually does not invite questions about type of filler used.

Waqas in Austin, Texas

[hauser]

I decided to revive this topic and share some of my trials and discoveries concerning Euro lights, gaskets and trim rings.

If you order a new set of headlights you'll find out that the chrome ring anchoring point does not have a rectangular cutout.  You'll have to use a dremel tool to open a new slot.

Gasket replacements are also different.  There are two gaskets for each headlight.  The lens gasket is no longer a fitted type but a single over sized strip that will need to be shortened.  The other gasket will need to be trimmed of its rubber nipples and excess flange which are causer by the manufacturing process.  Once installed with adhesive then the trimming process can begin. I used a box blade to trim all the excess rubber for a flush fit.  


The difference in the trim rings is in the clip.  My old originals have a different clip than the newer ones.  The shape and placement of the clips are different.  I have not compared this with one purchased from the classic center.

I hope this helps clear up some of the mysteries and myths about these euro headlights.

[Anfinn]

quote:The other gasket will need to be trimmed of its rubber nipples and excess flange which are causer by the manufacturing process.

Check before you cut!
Some headlights have holes for these nipples, and they do a good job of holding the gasket in place.

[tel76]

Posted 10 Jan 2008 naj informed us that the rubber seals were part number 000 826 6280.I have tried to order these from my local MB dealer,he had to contact the Clasic Centre who informed him they were NLA.Where else could i get a pair?  Eric.

[Naj ✝︎]

quote:Originally posted by tel76

Posted 10 Jan 2008 naj informed us that the rubber seals were part number 000 826 6280.I have tried to order these from my local MB dealer,he had to contact the Clasic Centre who informed him they were NLA.Where else could i get a pair?  Eric.

Hello, Eric,

I may have a couple, new.
Can't check till Wed.
Will let you know.

naj