back seat compartment covering--vinyl or carpet??

[rmmchl]

did the early 250sl's come with carpet or vinyl on the back seat area where the soft top compartment release handle is?? Gahh sells the vinyl or leathwer for this area. Mine is carpeted

[thelews]

Not sure whatcher talkin' about Willis...  

[J. Huber]

I have a 230 but mine is mb-tex in that area. The carpet runs along the back... Just so you know it does exist.

[thelews]

I'll double check mine tonight.

[thelews]

Not losing my mind...

I'd like to see a pic of the area with vinyl and how they did that.

[badali]

My 66 230 is like John's.

[bogeyman]

They might be referring to 107s.  They have vinyl in that area.  I think all 113s have a single piece of carpet that covers the bulkhead area up to the front corners by the doors.

[J. Huber]

This is the original vinyl on my early 230SL. The carpet is replacement square weave from Miller's in 1997 -- (and very dirty now that I look closely!) The center piece came with the set and was preformed to fit as you see it.

[menesesjesse]

I have a 1966 230SL and these peices were leather and original as the numbers on the back of the leather were still written.  I also had a 1967 early car that had black leather on those pieces.   Hope this helps

[jacovdw]

They might be referring to 107s.  They have vinyl in that area.  I think all 113s have a single piece of carpet that covers the bulkhead area up to the front corners by the doors.

Not entirely correct.

There are two distinct samples as seen in the photos James Huber and John (thelews) posted.
The earlier cars have a vinyl/leather (depending on interior options) panel as James's car and that the chassis number cut-off is up to 042 004963.

From chassis number 042 004964 onwards, it resembles John's car where the panel is smaller and the area under the release lever is carpeted.

[thelews]

But, the REAL question is....

whose release handle is pointing in the correct direction?  I'm not sure if mine has ever been off.

[jacovdw]

Yours is correct John...  

The release handle should point downwards.
I guess James has some explaining to do...   

[J. Huber]

Well, not sure why I am upside down. I don't believe I have ever had that lever off. On the flip-side,   it seems easier to use my way... Is it complicated to turn around?

[jacovdw]

James,

It should not be that difficult to turn the lever around.

If you look inside the soft-top compartment, you would see a 8mm bolt that needs to be undone to allow the lever to slide out.
Just note the correct orientation of the relevant parts and flip the lever 180° and reassemble.

While you are at it, you may also consider a good clean and lube...

[114015]

(Fully support Jaco's explanations here.
Just my 2 cents ...
Achim)