Trunk closure

[ronaldwardmd]

My 280SL's trunk lid was pried open with a crowbar. Repairs done. All parts replaced with OEM. However trunk lid does not close completely. About 1/2 to 5/8 inch open when latch engaged. Lock works fine. All my efforts to get it to close completely have failed. Problem with the lid mounts? Any ideas? What am I missing?

[Kevkeller]

Can you include some pictures including the locking mechanism?

[mdsalemi]

My 280SL's trunk lid was pried open with a crowbar. Repairs done.

I guess that means your stolen car from the driveway as reported in November, has been found but damaged?

[mclewis]

The MB trunk rubber seal can be stiff when new. It took several months for mine to settle in before the trunk lid closed properly and stayed closed.

[66andBlue]

My 280SL's trunk lid was pried open with a crowbar. Repairs done. All parts replaced with OEM. However trunk lid does not close completely. About 1/2 to 5/8 inch open when latch engaged. Lock works fine. All my efforts to get it to close completely have failed. Problem with the lid mounts? Any ideas? What am I missing?

That gap of >1/2 inch seems a bit high. Make sure the seal was installed correctly as shown in the sketch here: https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=14415 (reply #6 by mbzse). It is possible that it is turned inside out?
If the seal wasn't pressed deep into the channel then the top flap can be too high. Post a photo taken at angle from the side similar to those in reply #2, it will help in the diagnosis.

[lreppond]

The MB trunk rubber seal can be stiff when new. It took several months for mine to settle in before the trunk lid closed properly and stayed closed.

I had the same exact experience.  After the seal was first installed it took considerable effort to close the trunk.  This was especially true on cold days.  Now, some six months later, it operates effortlessly. 

[ronaldwardmd]

Thank you for the reply.

[ronaldwardmd]

Thank you for the reply

[ronaldwardmd]

Thank you for the reply

[ronaldwardmd]

Yes. Found by Berkeley Police within one week. Not reported on Fastback crossing the bay bridge for five days even though the record showed its was driven to Berkeley the day following the theft. Minor interior damage. The trunk lid had been crowbarred open. Shop replaced all of the OEM hardware. Will check the seating of the weather strip.

[ronaldwardmd]

The locking mechanism was the same in all of these vehicles. I checked whether or they were year-specific. Will check seating of weather strip. Was concerned ass to whether or the lid braces were damaged/bent.

[waltklatt]

Check the straightness of the trunk latch brace on the trunk lid.  Might be bent downward after being crowbarred.
Walter