Original Cigarette / cigar lighter

[benzportland]

I'm tinkering with a few things while the rain persists here and got to the lighter.  Is it original for a 65 chassis 009988 (March 65)?  At first I thought not because it looks so different not to mention smaller, then someone mentioned the earlier ones are smaller, and someone else mentioned they thought the early ones were chrome.  The only marking I can find on it is "autofum."  Any help would be appreciated, pics attached.  

P.S.  Yes that is Grace Jones in the picture.  I figured her name had to come up at least once around here....

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Download Attachment: MVC-791F.JPG
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[waqas]

Does not look original to me. Mine is basically like the fan control knob.

[Bob G MN]

This is definetely not original. Mine is Feb 65 and like Wagas it is the same as the fan control.

Bob

[J. Huber]

I think it should look more like this:

[waqas]

Whilst we're on the subject, that white mustache on Grace is not original either...

[benzportland]

Not by nature but it is original to the photograph by the artist.

[benzportland]

quote:Originally posted by J. Huber

I think it should look more like this:

Are those coco mats?  They look great!

[J. Huber]

Good eye! Yes, thanks to the encouragement of other owners here, I added them. Very nice quality.

[Richard Madison]

Is the "230SL" on the glove box lid origanal to that spot? I don't remember seeing this on other cars...

Richard M, NYC

[rwmastel]

James has the correct lighter.  And no, but I've seen the emblem put there by a few owners.

[J. Huber]

I imagine the 230SL emblem was transferred over from the radio delete plate at some point. This is one of several nice interior touches that came with the car when we got it almost 30 years ago. The others include the matching blue MB-tex handbrake skirt, the smooth chrome shift-gate, and the chrome MB shift knob. While I have seen a few of these things on other cars -- never all of them on one... so that's fun. I added the cocos and a leather wheelskin just this year.

Here's a more recent shot showing all of the above goodies...

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[thelews]

quote:Originally posted by J. Huber



Here's a more recent shot showing all of the above goodies...

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I see you did a nice job on the wheelskins upgrade.  Much better!

[J. Huber]

Thanks John. Your car was my inspiration. Still is!!

[benzportland]

quote:Originally posted by J. Huber

Thanks John. Your car was my inspiration. Still is!!

Okay here is the tough question, but if we get the answer, we'll officially have a "tour" so to speak on lighters.  Gernold mentioned to me that the early lighters (230sl) look the same as the later ones, but that the early ones are smaller.  I figure as long as I am shopping for one, I might as well aim for the correct one. So, would you be willing to measure yours?  I am assuming it is smaller in diameter at the handle.  And if anyone has the later one, could they measure that as well for comparison?  

Greatly appreciate any further help!

[J. Huber]

I'll be glad to measure mine -- but I think what Gernold may have meant is a little more known than meets the eye. The earlier cars had smaller knobs, period. They were smaller on the Becker radio, smaller at the window cranks, and yes smaller at the lighter. The later cars -- late 250s I think and definitely 280s had larger knobs.

For comparison -- if you look at my last photo (interior.jpg),  you'll see all small knobs. If you look at this picture I pilfered from Ebay, you'll see the larger knobs.

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PS don't be confused by my inline photo earlier -- that one has larger knobs just on the radio...

[benzportland]

quote:Originally posted by J. Huber

I'll be glad to measure mine -- but I think what Gernold may have meant is a little more known than meets the eye. The earlier cars had smaller knobs, period. They were smaller on the Becker radio, smaller at the window cranks, and yes smaller at the lighter. The later cars -- late 250s I think and definitely 280s had larger knobs.

I really appreciate any measurement because when I see them on Ebay for example, the seller usually has no idea of whether it is the smaller or larger, and doesn't have another one to compare too.

[J. Huber]

Hey BenzP. Check back tomorrow around 9 AM (PST) -- I'll have some numbers. If I go out tonight Dog will wake up the mama bear -- not good!

[benzportland]

quote:Originally posted by J. Huber

 If I go out tonight Dog will wake up the mama bear -- not good!

Thanks again, and I definitely don't want you ending up in the dog house  

[J. Huber]

Ok. Here is what I came up with. Early knob is 21mm in diameter and 48mm long. Later radio knob (and assuming cigarette lighter) is about 28mm. I include both a later knob and an earlier one for reference.