Removing tail light lenses

[silver surfer]

Hi all
I would like to remove the tail light lenses on my UK 69 280SL in order to have the frames rechromed. I have managed to seperate the inner reflective part of the lens assembly but cant see a way of seperating the rest from the frame?

Any advice please chaps?

[silver surfer]

Sorry guys I am officially rubbish!

I have just seen that you have a great technical section and it tells me they have to be cut out!!

[Paul & Dolly]

I think you will find the 280 SL assembly will easily separate from the chrome surround frames


Have fun

paul

[hkollan]

Sorry guys I am officially rubbish!

I have just seen that you have a great technical section and it tells me they have to be cut out!!

Hi,

If your car is early '69 you will have the all red taillights, and the lenses need to be cut out of the chromeframe  as you suggest.
Or else see Paul's posting regarding the late style taillights.

Hans

[silver surfer]

Hi guys

Thanks for that.

Mine are the UK style with the amber corner indicator glass. I am trying very hard to remove them but they are very brittle and dont want to budge! The inside flanges just keep breaking off instead.

Oh the joys of car restoration.

BTW has any one bought any of the reproduction lenses as the SL Shop in the UK sell them  and I wondered if they were ok?


Thanks again

[Paul & Dolly]

You can try and establish which type you have from your VIN,

This SLS page may help with the options.

The earlier type (Wide clear section) are difficult to separate, the later type (shorter clear section) are easier.

Read the Tech manual and some clarity may be found ! - but some earlier cars have had later tail lights fitted.

SL shop are very helpful.

Paul
(NB it is nice to provide a name and some car details in the signature section)

[silver surfer]

Thanks Paul

Looking at the picture mine is the early assembly which explains why I am struggling.

Just been to the SLS page and are availible

Much appreciated

Regards
Ashley

[stickandrudderman]

Two bits of advice:
1. Have them chromed with the lenses in, the process doesn't affect the plastic.
2. If you must buy anything I would consider the UK vendors with extreme caution, much better to go to the German ones. (This is the least libellous way I can say it!)

[silver surfer]

Very interesting.... why chrome with the lenses in please?

Think I will use SLS as they have the correct lenses for my model year.

Cheers
Ashley

[stickandrudderman]

Very interesting.... why chrome with the lenses in please?

To save you from having to buy new ones!

[silver surfer]

Oh I see... need new ones anyway as mine have a couple of hairline cracks!

Cheers