230 rear lights

[BobH]

Hello all, i was recently reading discussions regarding the rear lights/lenses for the various years.  Before i read this i was blissfully unaware that my 1965 car has later 280 lenses.  Now i know the lenses are incorrect, it's bugging me, even though it's not a show car.  I'm sure it's already been covered in many topics, but my question is, how easy is it to replace the lenses with the correct all red, or red with amber indicator lenses.  I have the plastic 280 bulb holders, so will these need to be replaced with the earlier metal bulb holders, or can just the lenses be replaced?
Sorry if this has been discussed before, i'm sure it has
Thanks everyone

[kampala]

Bob

Congratulations on your first post.  Welcome. 

(Modified after George’s comment)
Well, you  might be  correct in that your car would originally have the all-red if it was a USA car and other countries that had same.    See George’s note — are your lights all red except for amber turn indicators?

The bulb holders are as you suspected not interchangeable.  So yes, you would need the earlier bulb holders to fit the all-red lenses. 

Not to push you into full membership, but you will find such help in the tech manual with full membership.   

Post some photos as most here love to see a variety of pagodas. 

[georgem]

Hmmm - if the car was imported direct to the UK when new and is RHD, I would have thought it would have had  orange indicators

[kampala]

George

You could be right.  If bob provides a photo we can see if his are the same as Australia lights which are as you described and might be same for UK.  I have adjusted my note so as not to confuse. 

[114015]

Bob(H),

These are the correct taillights for your car - if UK version:

(pic from the Web, not mine).

Please see also our Wiki for some more profound explanations:

https://www.sl113.org/wiki/Electrical/TailLights


Best,

Achim

(former allredtaillightcollector)

[114015]

These ones here
are not correct for your 1965 car (230 SL),
but only for a 280 SL from Feb/Apr 1969 onwards.

[BobH]

Thanks everyone, i've read all posts on this subject, who knew so much could be written about rear lights!
My car definitely has the later 280 lights, it's spent some time in Jersey and France, so who knows when and why they were replaced
Now i need to decide if it bothers me enough to replace them, probably with new reproductions, plus the hassle of changing the bulb holders, or i live with what's fitted
With so  much going on in the world it seems very trivial to worry about

[BobH]

Hello Oz, a few pictures

White with blue hubcaps, blue hard top, blue soft top and blue interior

[Garry]

You may like to see if you can do a search and find just the lenses and replace those.  its a little bit of work getting the old lens out with a Dremmel but a correct original style lens will fit i believe.

[BobH]

Hello Gary, i've seen plenty advertised, look like varying quality, my lights are good quality German made, probably been on there a good while, and the chrome is perfect.  If i can ever find some used good condition full sets, complete with bulb holders, i may consider it

Thanks

[Garry]

Authentic Classics has a correct replacement in all red or orange turn lens. 


https://www.authenticclassics.com/230SL-250SL-280SL-Red-Amber-Right-Taillight-Lens-p/auth-003382.htm

[Merc_Girl]

Authentic Classics has a correct replacement in all red or orange turn lens. 


https://www.authenticclassics.com/230SL-250SL-280SL-Red-Amber-Right-Taillight-Lens-p/auth-003382.htm

As BobH is in UK, maybe cheaper to use European supplier, SLS in Germany, SL Shop etc. eBay is also a good source for parts

[BobH]

Hello all

So, i was lucky enough to get some OEM early lenses, complete with chrome surrounds and reflectors, and i've also now bought some metal bulb holders
I assume it's just a matter of unplugging the connector, and changing the bulb holder and lenses etc, but would the connector and wiring have been changed to accommodate the later 280 lenses, or is the wiring and connector exactly the same for all models and years?  I've looked in the technical manual, but still not clear

Many thanks

[BobH]

https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=1350.msg10113#msg10113

Following on from these posts, my 1965 230SL has the later 280SL lights fitted, with the rubber gasket or seal, which is on show, but it doesn't have any rubber behind the long strip that fits between the lights

The early, model correct lights i intend to fit are sealed, with the reflector and gasket in place, and reading these earlier posts it seems that i don't need any other gasket or seal behind the lights, and so when the lights are fitted, the internal gasket makes the unit weathertight, and there is no rubber on show between the chrome light surround and the paintwork

I stand corrected if i've misunderstood

Many thanks

[114015]

Bob....,
That's correct. Absolutely correct.


Achim

[BobH]

Thanks Achim, can you advise on this as well please

So, i was lucky enough to get some OEM early lenses, complete with chrome surrounds and reflectors, and i've also now bought some metal bulb holders
I assume it's just a matter of unplugging the connector, and changing the bulb holder and lenses etc, but would the connector and wiring have been changed to accommodate the later 280 lenses, or is the wiring and connector exactly the same for all models and years?  I've looked in the technical manual, but still not clear

Kind regards

Bob

[114015]

Dear Bob,

Sorry please for my late reply.
No, it should unbolt and bolt on just easily.
No rewiring in the plugs or bulb holders necessary.

Good luck!

Best,
Achim

[BobH]

Thanks Achim, i'll have a bash next year when the weather's better

Take care

Bob

[Duncan200]

Hi Bob,

Where did you find the Original Lights?

I have some replacement lenses and reflectors from Authentic Classics and as good as they are, they are not 100% perfect as the reverse light clear section is smaller on the reproduction replacements compared to OE.

I also had to cut the thread above the plug point for the number plate plug to fit in.

I’d love to get my hands on an original set.

Cheers Doug

[BobH]

Hello Doug, they come up on Ebay from time to time, just got to be patient.  Not to wind you up, but i actually bought mine on Ebay from New Zealand!  Then i bought the metal bulb holders, used, from two other sellers, although these are quite common, used or new

Depending on what you're prepared to pay there's a full set on Ebay now, and has been on there for a while, if they're still there, metal holders, lenses and reflectors, look like new OEM, BUT over $US 2,000 plus of course postage and taxes

As with everything Pagoda, patience or a healthy bank account.  I'll keep a look out for you

Good luck