Author Topic: Question on original 230 passenger door trim (Read 20949 times)

Chad · « **on:** January 30, 2006, 22:10:27 »

I've seen several 230 SL that have a pull handle on the passenger side door trim, similar in shape to the grab handles on the hardtop interior. Is this something that is common and original to the 230 SL? There is no such interior pull handle on the driver side, of course.

Just wondering if this is an example of something that was added and might need removed. You will notice the vintage Virgin Islands registration sticker and the shabby wrinkled dash covering which has been since removed in this pic.

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J. Huber · « **Reply #1 on:** January 30, 2006, 22:53:02 »

Chad, if I am reading your post correctly, you are asking if certain 230SLs have grab handles like the hard-top ones. Mine does -- and on both passenger AND driver doors. Similar to your picture.

James
63 230SL

rwmastel · « **Reply #2 on:** January 30, 2006, 23:20:29 »

Chad,
Your pull handle is normal stock standard item.

James,
I've not seen one on the driver's side. Did you get a left hand door from a British car?

Rodd
Powell, Ohio, USA
1966 230SL, Euro, Auto, Leather, both tops
1994 E420

Chad · « **Reply #3 on:** January 30, 2006, 23:46:02 »

Thanks Rodd.

J. Huber · « **Reply #4 on:** January 31, 2006, 09:33:13 »

No, but if you ever see me dance you'll swear I have two left feet!

James
63 230SL

113gray · « **Reply #5 on:** January 31, 2006, 12:19:09 »

Mine also has a grab handle on both sides.-JP- '66 230SL Euro 5 Spd ZF

Chad · « **Reply #6 on:** January 31, 2006, 12:21:41 »

James, which left foot works the clutch and which left foot works the accelerator?

Or do you have an automatic?

quote:
Originally posted by J. Huber

No, but if you ever see me dance you'll swear I have two left feet!

James
63 230SL

J. Huber · « **Reply #7 on:** January 31, 2006, 13:57:09 »

Automatic, Thank Goodness!

James
63 230SL

gugel · « **Reply #8 on:** January 31, 2006, 15:17:03 »

My February 1965 230SL has the handle just on the passenger door. It is original

Chris

Chad · « **Reply #9 on:** January 31, 2006, 20:18:34 »

quote:
Originally posted by J. Huber

Automatic, Thank Goodness!

James
63 230SL

How can that be James - don't you need a right foot to drive an automatic??('

')

KevinC · « **Reply #10 on:** February 01, 2006, 07:26:33 »

Same for my October 1966 production car. No handle on the driver's side.

quote:
Originally posted by gugel

My February 1965 230SL has the handle just on the passenger door. It is original

Chris

Kevin Caputo
Boca Raton, FL
1967 230 SL Automatic
670 Light Ivory
113 Bronze/Brown MB Tex

paults1 · « **Reply #11 on:** February 01, 2006, 13:17:20 »

I have an early '63 230Sl, body no.312, It has grab handles on both doors.

Jonny B · « **Reply #12 on:** February 01, 2006, 14:13:33 »

To throw one more example.

I have an early 250SL (before the 2980 VIN change) and it has no handle for the driver door (LHD).

Jonny B
1967 250SL Auto

Chad · « **Reply #13 on:** February 01, 2006, 19:28:14 »

Looks like it's 5 to 3 so far (with the edge to only passenger side)

CarlG · « **Reply #14 on:** February 01, 2006, 20:23:42 »

My 230sl is also an October '66 build and only came with one on the passenger door.

1967 230sl (stick)

enochbell · « **Reply #15 on:** February 01, 2006, 21:15:30 »

The door pull is standard on the "off" side only. I learned this the hard way. If you put the handle on the driver side it will be in the way of your knee movement with the clutch (LHD) or foot rest (RHD). Bud's Benz in Atlanta pointed this obvious ergonomic fact out to me only after I had installed the pulls on both doors. I now have screw holes in the leather on my driver's door to remind me of my error.

Best,

g

'64 230sl, fully sorted out...ooops, spoke too soon

rwmastel · « **Reply #16 on:** February 01, 2006, 22:01:30 »

My September 1966 build 230SL only has a passenger side door pull.

Rodd
Powell, Ohio, USA
1966 230SL, Euro, Auto, Leather, both tops
1994 E420

rwmastel · « **Reply #17 on:** February 01, 2006, 22:03:06 »

quote:
Originally posted by enochbell

If you put the handle on the driver side it will be in the way of your knee movement with the clutch (LHD).

Get one of those smaller Nardi steering wheel to provide more space between the wheel and door pull handle. Would that work for you?

Rodd
Powell, Ohio, USA
1966 230SL, Euro, Auto, Leather, both tops
1994 E420

113gray · « **Reply #18 on:** February 02, 2006, 07:43:31 »

Interesting topic. My questions are: What was originally installed on the DS (left) & what was removed later for whatever reason? And were euro cars different from US delivered cars? Or were DS handles installed for auto trannys only? The reason I ask is that the DS handle on mine has threaded fittings beneath the door panel for installation that are almost certainly original. Why would they be there if not to hold a pull handle? Has anyone who does not have the DS handle looked for these fittings? Without the handle, there's not much else there to pull with unless the window's down. I don't have a problem with the handle in operating my clutch, but if I forget to move my knee from beside the steering wheel when I close the door, ouch! -JP- '66 230SL Euro 5 Spd

Chad · « **Reply #19 on:** February 02, 2006, 08:30:42 »

I think we're waiting for someone with knowledge of the custom for this to weigh in, if there was a specific policy. My suspision is that both door panels had the ability to accept the grab pulls, but that it was only customary to place one on the passenger side, at least in the US. A number of sporting (and less expensive) British and Italian cars of the era had no pull handles, so it seems reasonable that there be none, in deference to the spartan sporting nature. These cars were somewhat notable for their inclusion of comfort trim, however, so who knows. But the driver's door without the grab handle is certainly a cleaner appearance to me.

A Dalton · « **Reply #20 on:** February 02, 2006, 08:46:59 »

<<on mine has threaded fittings beneath the door panel for installation that are almost certainly original. Why would they be there if not to hold a pull handle? >>

The reason is b/c the factory only made one door for each side , regardless of LHD/RHD. When the car came down the line , the fittings were there for either option. [ look at parts book and you will see only one door listed per side.]
Also look at the handle part# .. it states one part # and a footnote *- Right side for LHD/left side for RHD.

waltklatt · « **Reply #21 on:** February 02, 2006, 08:55:04 »

My 1963 230SL had the grab handles on both doors and I don't think they are good to have.
I sat in the '63 and closed the door, the space between the steering wheel and the handle was very tight and would block the passage of the hand to the turn signal stalk and light control switch beyond.
So it would make sense that they always were on the door opposite the steering wheel.
Walter Klatt
1967 220SL-diesel
1963 230SL-gas

J. Huber · « **Reply #22 on:** February 02, 2006, 10:02:06 »

Prior to this thread, I never gave the pull handles a second thought (I have both). Mine is an automatic so the clutch is not an issue. I must confess it is a little awkward to pull the door closed with the handle but I do it. I use the hard pocket ocassionally. As far as it being in the way -- once i am in, I am plenty comfortable. Walt, are you a NFL lineman in the off-season? (just kiddin' -- in case you are! :? )

James
63 230SL

waltklatt · « **Reply #23 on:** February 02, 2006, 10:20:18 »

Why James, you are halfway correct. I am a big hulk, crowding the tiny cockpit space in the pagoda, but am not a NFL player. Did a very short stint in High School.
If I continue to grow, I'll have to drop the whole pagoda thing and move onto the next bigger model. The W111 convertibles.
Walter Klatt
1967 220SL-diesel
1963 230SL-gas

Walt, are you a NFL lineman in the off-season? (just kiddin' -- in case you are! :? )

KevinC · « **Reply #24 on:** February 02, 2006, 17:02:45 »

I just opened a vintage MB brochure for the 230 SL and interestingly, it describes a door "holding grip for passengers".

Kevin Caputo
Boca Raton, FL
1967 230 SL Automatic
670 Light Ivory
113 Bronze/Brown MB Tex

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Author Topic: Question on original 230 passenger door trim (Read 20949 times)

Chad

Chad

113gray

Chad

Chad

KevinC

Chad

CarlG

enochbell

113gray

Chad

A Dalton

KevinC