What is this?

[AndersO]

Probably another stupid question from me, but is this spring rod part of my 280 SL hood? I just refitted the hood and didn't know where to fit it in.

[114015]

Hello Anders,

Strange ...
Looks to me to be most likely the center part of the engine hood torsion bar with cut off ends.
A bit too polished but the size is about halfway correct.

Don't know currently of any other part of the car that looks similar to that bar. Had most of the pieces in my hands throughout the last 5 years...
However, could also perhaps be one of the bars  in the hardtop headliner... But I don't know for sure..., I think not.

If it is/were the engine hood torsion bar you need to get a new one.


Achim

[AndersO]

Thanks Achim,
The hood torsion bar is intact and in place. Could i be a "service" bar for holding the hood open when the torsion bar is unhooked? The curved end fits in the plastic holder in the engine room, and the other end in a hole in the hood. But why is it made of spring steel? And where should it be stored?
Any other suggestions out there?

[Tyler S]

Is most likely something somebody made to keep the hood open because of a weak torson rod or broken/worn plastic detent. Its not original to the car.

[AndersO]

Thanks,
I tend to agree, especially because of the pointed top of the curved part, which seems strange to me.