Author Topic: Vin plate location  (Read 1721 times)

jan lauwers

  • Full Member
  • Senior
  • ***
  • Belgium, Antwerpen, Geel
  • Posts: 162
Vin plate location
« on: May 14, 2021, 19:34:49 »
Gentlemen,

I am almost done with the full restoration of my 280 SL, Jan 1969. 
My question is about the exact location of the thin black and silver ID plate. I am aware of the difference in location of this plate between US and European versions (fire wall vs doorpost). With the restoration I have converted my car from US to European version and I have changed the color, so obviously, wherever I put this plate, it is never going to be correct.... never mind. The thing is, I can not remember exactly where it was before I started the restoration. I'm almost certain that it was on the B post on the driver side...and I guess the best I can do is to put it back there. I have searched this forum and I see that in some cases this plate is on the A post... but is that not just on the older cars? Has it later not been moved to the B post?

Can somebody please send me a pic of this black and silver plate on the B style? Even though I know it is never going to be correct, I'd like to put it back there....just to be as close as possible. If I am completely wrong on this (but I think I am not), please tell me. 
Thanks guys! 

Jan
Jan Lauwers, Geel, Belgium 

White 280 SL 1969

kampala

  • Full Member
  • Platinum
  • ******
  • USA, CA, Beach Cities
  • Posts: 1247
Re: Vin plate location
« Reply #1 on: May 14, 2021, 21:22:42 »
Jan

Motoring investments has photos of a very very original 1969 280sl. See photo of vin plate on a-pillar.  See VIN on this car. If your VIN is earlier than this, A-Pillar  is probably correct. 

http://historic.motoringinvestments.com/images/Z104/vin%20plate.JPG

http://historic.motoringinvestments.com/MainPage.htm

According to Pagoda Notes the change from A-pillar to B-pillar occurred at VIN 10704
250sl - later - manual
280sl - 1971 - Auto - LSD

neelyrc

  • Full Member
  • Platinum
  • ******
  • USA, AL, Birmingham
  • Posts: 1240
Re: Vin plate location
« Reply #2 on: May 15, 2021, 01:46:00 »
My VIN plate is on the A Pillar. 1969 280 SL, Chassis 007749, January, 1969 production. 
Ralph

1969 280SL, 4 Speed Manual, Dark Olive (291H), Parchment Leather (256), Dark Green Soft Top (747)
1972 Mercedes-Benz 280SEL 4.5
1988 Mercedes-Benz 560SL
2007 BMW 328xi (E90)
Italy
2004 Toyota HiLux D4D Pickup
2008 BMW 330xd Futura Coupe' (E92)

jan lauwers

  • Full Member
  • Senior
  • ***
  • Belgium, Antwerpen, Geel
  • Posts: 162
Re: Vin plate location
« Reply #3 on: May 15, 2021, 09:18:34 »
Thanks guys!
Jan Lauwers, Geel, Belgium 

White 280 SL 1969

Shvegel

  • Inactive
  • Platinum
  • ******
  • USA, OH, Cleveland Heights
  • Posts: 2978
Re: Vin plate location
« Reply #4 on: May 16, 2021, 09:32:11 »
Mercedes added a US EPA compliance tag that is about the same size as the VIN tag at the beginning of the 1970 Production (mid 69 ish).  I would assume they moved the VIN tag at this time to make room for the 2 tags.