Starting Restoration of my 250SL

[promedical]

Question.
I have the numbers in my book and I just find out my car doesn't have the original color. The second plate in the side has some number. I hope you all can help me to find out what is which one.

113-043- 12 0  335H  335H  5
6  00027  00777  426

I just could find out that the 335 is a blue color but no idea what's the H or the rest.
Two locksmith people came and they couldn't make the keys. I am still open to more suggestions.

Thanks to all

Gus

Gus

[Jonny B]

To offer a little help, the H stands for the manufacturer of the paint, Herberts I think (the other you will see is G for Glasurit). The double 335 indicates that the top and body are the same color, which Meredith's book lists quite succinctly as "blue". The first string of numbers is the body (113), the 250SL (043), Left hand drive (1) and automatic (2). the last there digits, if this is from the plate on the left front inner fender are the body numbers which should match up with the number stamped on the upper edge, left, of the hood, the hard top, and the soft top cover. Do not confuse these with the VIN number, which is stamped on a plate located on the A pillar, for the 250. The VIN should also be stamped on the right front engine subframe under in the intake runner.

Jonny B
1967 250SL Auto

[jeffc280sl]

Gus,

Regarding keys for your car.  I used the local Mercedes dealer to obtain a key.  It was 7 or 8 years ago.  All they needed was the VIN to make the key.  I don't know if they made it on site or at a distribution center.



Jeff C.
1970 280SL 4-speed

[mdsalemi]

don't bother with locksmiths they are useless on these cars.  I have read posts where people have sought out expensive blanks and had expensive keys made all to simply avoid going to a dealer--and in the process they've spent a lot of time and more money then simply going to MB.

Keys are ordered by an MB Dealer and are not very expensive; I think around $12 each from Caliber.  You need the VIN number and they'll give you original keys--which are great unless something has been changed--say the gas cap replaced, or a door handle.


Michael Salemi
1969 280SL
Signal Red w/Black Leather
Restored

[promedical]

Hello all: Ok Key's problem was solve. Following your advices I got the codes from MB and keys are on their way. Great!. Now does anybody has the blue color (335) and can send me a picture to see how it looks like?

Thanks

Gus



Gus

[Jonny B]

You can try www.paintscratch.com. They have a list of paint codes and a sample of the color. The computer is not the optimum way of seeing the colors, but it should give you an idea. Or you could order a small bottle of the color from them to see for yourself.

Jonny B
1967 250SL Auto

[hauser]

What level restoration are you planning to do?  Have you taken a look at Jans pics?  That car is really nice!  Keep us posted and we want to see your progress.  Good luck and have fun with it!

1969 280sl 5 spd        1999 ML320          Gainesville,Fl.

[promedical]

Hello Everybody:

Well, keys came from the dealer. They didn't work (Not ignition switch, nor glove compartment, nor gasoline cover, the only worked was the trunk key and doors).

I guess we might have to order a new ignition switch? or another suggestion? I am a little sad I tought I could start the baby, but not yet.

Regards,

Gus

Gus

[Douglas]

By the way, here's a link to a swtach of your color, 335H:

http://www.190slgroup.com/tech/colors/db335.JPG

Douglas Kim
New York, NY
280 SL #016220

[graphic66]

You have to search out a good old locksmith. My good friend is a master locksmith and can sit in the car with a blank, a magnifier, small vise grip pliers, and a small triangular file and after about an hour he has your key. He won't tell me how he does it but I think he just looks to see where, one by one the tumblers are marking the key by turning it hard with the vise grips then looking closely and filing. Seems to work for him. I also needed blanks and after just one day he had a baggie full of the exact ones I needed. All he said was he found them in Buffalo.

[rwmastel]

quote:Originally posted by promedical

I guess we might have to order a new ignition switch? or another suggestion?

Gus,
Try getting the lock codes right off the lock.  The ignition switch might be pretty difficult, but the glove compartment and gas cap should be easy.  From these codes you should be able to get correct keys.  I don't know if you would get them from the dealer or a locksmith using these codes.

Rodd
Powell, Ohio, USA
1966 230SL, Euro, Auto, Leather, both  tops
1994 E420