Locating Side Chrome Strip

[Jordan]

When I purchased my 230SL it did not have the chrome strip between the rear tire and the rear bumper.  I would like to install this strip on both sides but I don't know exactly where to place it.  There is no evidence of previous holes on either side of the panel.  I have noticed the placement of this strip is not consistent in some photos I have seen of other Pagodas.  Has any one done this before?  Can someone post a picture of this section of the car so I can get an idea exactly where it should be placed.  Any help is appreciated.
Marcus

[thelews]

Here it is on an original 250 SL.

[Jordan]

Thanks John,  It is hard to tell from the bottom picture but does the strip line up with the bottom of the bumper.  Do you have a picture at the elevation of the strip looking straight on?  It looks like it lines up with the upper strip on the door.  Is this correct?
Marcus

[66andBlue]

Correct. The front is in line with the upper strip on the door and the rear lines up with the bumper bottom.
Here is a photo of a 230SL from the Bob Waldman's ("Cascadia") web site showing the line up.

[thelews]

Here are four I just took for you.  The floor was cold!

[Richard Madison]

There is no evidence of previous holes on either side of the panel.

Anything is possible on these cars but unless the fender is a replacement, a chrome strip was installed at the factory. Even filled-in holes leave some evidence of location.

When my car was painted some years ago, the previous owner removed all the chrome.

The rear fender had no strip and no holes could be seen.

After getting a new strip (an adventure in itself), a friend and I got ready to drill new holes. While probing lightly with a punch tool, we discovered the original holes under the paint. A slight push with the punch and we had the original holes exposed in the correct position.

The holes are small and easy to miss. Before going in with a drill, one more try may be worth it: line up the piece and lightly probe at the location of each hole. Maybe the holes are still there.

Richard M, NYC

[Jordan]

Thanks everyone, especially John for the excellent photo's.  Now to try and find the holes, or redrill  :'(

[DaveB]

The holes should be visible from inside the trunk.

[Naj ✝︎]

Here are four I just took for you.  The floor was cold!

Hello, John,

Could you measure the distance from the waistline crease to the top of strip at each end?

I'm sure Douglas posted these dims. a few years ago but I cannot find the posting.if I remember correctly, the was about 1 inch difference?

Thanks
naj

[RickM]

 Even filled-in holes leave some evidence of location.

Richard M, NYC

Unless they're filled with weld........

If I were permanently removing chrome from a car I'd back the holes with copper and fill the hole with weld and grind.

[thelews]

Measurement is from the TOP of the crease.  I verified that it's the same on the other side.

[Naj ✝︎]

Thanks, John,

I did remember there being a 1" difference but didn't remember which way.

Thanks

naj

[Jordan]

Thanks John and Naj (didn't think that there was anything to measure from).  I've already put on a strip of painters tape to mark the location. 

Now I have to ask how many of you reading this thread and seeing the pictures now go out and measure your own chrome to see if they are the same.  Come on I know I would if I had mine on the car.

Cheers
Marcus

[RickM]

I'll be happy to provide measurements if the 280 configuration is of value......

[LXIX SL Rookie]

Hey, John (280SL71) ... Our '69 280SL is missing ONE wheelwell-to-bumper trim strip.  Re "(adventure in itself") ... where did you finally locate yours ... ?  Pete N., eastern Maryland