Cover Plate for Radio

[TOM250SL]

Hi All.

My '66 250SL had an after-market radio installed, which I hate, and never use.  I was thinking I'd like to just replace it with a blank cover plate (signal red) with the "250 SL" letters.  Has anyone done this?  Any suggested sources and how difficult (or easy) it may be to replace?  Thanks!

[Pawel66]

Full price option would be to get this:
https://www.authenticclassics.com/Radio-Delete-Plate-Model-Sign-for-Mercedes-250SL-p/auth-006132.htm

and this

https://www.authenticclassics.com/230SL-250SL-Radio-Delete-Plate-early-p/auth-003180.htm

and paint it, then fit with this

https://www.authenticclassics.com/Radio-Delete-Plate-clip-Mercedes-230SL-p/auth-006062.htm

Or search on ebay probably or Wanted To Buy section of this Forum.

[lreppond]

I’ve seen delete plates for sale on eBay on numerous occasions. Signal red is also a very popular color on Pagodas.  As long as you're patient, I’d opt to go this route especially if you can find one in the right color.  I think Pawel’s suggestion of posting on here is a good move too.  For what it’s worth, I like seeing cars with the radio delete plate!

As for difficulty, the hardest part will be removing the old radio and that’s not difficult at all.   

[zak]

Yes when I bought my 250 SL back in 1989 it had an aftermarket radio that we loose fitting and rattled around and made me crazy.
I never listen to the radio in my 2 classic cars anyway.
A member here was selling an extra radio delete plate for a 250 SL complete with all the fittings for $ 50.
I had it painted Horizon Blue to match my color and it looks great ( I think ).
The one funny thing is that my car originally came with a radio and antennae, so I removed the antennae and covered the hole with a round chrome blank out cover.
Not one person has ever questioned why the cover is there.

I recently also was able to buy an original type ivory stick shift 4 spd ball from a member here to match my ivory steering wheel.

Yes, as Len said, keep your eyes pealed on our for sale section and Ebay and one will pop up.

Best,

jz

[getsmart]

It may or may not be as easy as you think, I had to fabricate an entire new radio dash panel, it was in such poor condition (they can be purchased too) and quite flimsy. I bought a 2nd hand delete plate too off ebay for about $80usd maybe a year ago but was looking for a couple of years. It wasn't my colour which coincedentally is signal red so I had to remove the 230sl emblem to paint it. I had to carefully dremel the rear retaining clips off as they refused to budge.

Good luck!!!!

[ctaylor738]

When I bought #133, it had a later Becker installed and the center dash piece had been enlarged to fit it.  I bought a center piece and delete plate from Authentic Classics and had them painted by a body shop.  Gernold at SL Tech supplied a badge.  I'm really happy with the result as IMO the even the correct radios simply clutter the dash.  With wireless, here are lots of non-invasive options for excellent sound.

Cheers,

CT