Latches on Air Filter Canister

[batman]

Hello all,

I am removing some small rust spots on the top of the air filter canister and will repaint satin black.

However, from my picture you can see that the 3 latches are also somewhat rusted/corroded. Can someone tell me how these latches were originally finished on 1968 280 or post a close-up picture of them (one of the latches (not in the photo) has been previously painted black). I cant seem to find a close-up of them on the forum.

Cheers.

[280SE Guy]

Does this help?



Regards,

280 SE Guy

[mdsalemi]

I believe new latches are available relatively inexpensively.

[PIP1947]

Hi Mark

Interesting query. I have just noticed how corroded is the air filter canister on my early 1968 280SL auto and decided to clean and paint the the lid. My latches look every bit 46 years old, but I won't replace them. Rather, I think it probably best to retain the originals. At most, I might just prime the latches and apply a couple of spray coats of black paint to them.

Regards

Philip French
Tunis Beige Metallic 1968 280SL Auto
Sydney

[batman]

Thanks 280 SE.

Mike - After some searching I did find replacements at Authentic Classics @ $3.25 each (http://www.authenticclassics.com/Air-Filter-Housing-Clamp-for-Mercedes-190SL-230SL-p/auth-005572.htm).

However, these are somewhat different (newer type?) in that they don't have the solid metal "pull-down" lever on the clamp that mine has.

On this basis - Philip - I agree with your view to keep the original version and thus I will clean mine up (wire brush, steel wool & a coat of Eastwood clear satin finish to protect the "wire" section) and repaint the solid lever section satin black.

cheers

[114015]

However, these are somewhat different (newer type?) in that they don't have the solid metal "pull-down" lever on the clamp that mine has.

Yellow cad (zinc) ...., at least that's what I did with mine. It appeared as if they were like that before.
Or perhaps silver cad ... but I'm not sure about that.
No paint - for sure.


Achim
(parts aficionado)

[49er]

Yellow cad (zinc) ...., at least that's what I did with mine. It appeared as if they were like that before.
Or perhaps silver cad ... but I'm not sure about that.
No paint - for sure.


Achim
(parts aficionado)

 Yellow for sure. Still a faint bit of plating on mine.

John

[batman]

Thanks 49er.

Phil - I cleaned off all corrosion with light sand paper, finishing with OOOO steel wool and a satin clear coat to protect. The latch at the front of the car was in worse condition and the pitting was deep I guess because it received more moisture directly through the grill over the years.