Author Topic: Trunk Side Boards/Panels (Read 13509 times)

Jordan · « **on:** February 17, 2018, 18:31:49 »

Did a search and found no previous discussions on this. On the passenger side of my trunk I have a board/panel (same type of material as the under dash panels) that runs from the trunk floor up around the inner fender to just inside the lip of the trunk lid. Its contour follows the sheet metal beautifully. I do not have one on the drivers side.

Should I have one on the drivers side? Who supplies these as I have not been able to find them from the usual sources? Were these found on all Pagodas? Appreciate any assistance. Thanks.

Tyler S · « **Reply #1 on:** February 17, 2018, 18:37:33 »

Yes the drivers side should also have te liner
http://www.authenticclassics.com/Mercedes-230SL-250SL-280SL-Left-Trunk-Liner-p/auth-003072.htm

All pagodas have them with the exception of the early 230's that have vertically mounted spare? Or these use a different shaped panel

66andBlue · « **Reply #2 on:** February 17, 2018, 18:40:40 »

If you want to make one yourself I believe "mrfatboy" has a template.

mrfatboy · « **Reply #3 on:** February 17, 2018, 19:18:26 »

I did recently make my own as 66andblue states. I used an 1/8" ABS material sheet that my wife brought home from her work. It had a very similar pebble finish. Then I adhered 5mm foam on the back like the original. The ABS material conformed perfectly in the fender as it should. Maybe you can find a flexible pressboard material??

The ABS sheet can be ordered online.

The original panel material is indeed similar/same as the underdash panels. I would describe it as a cardboard/press paper board.

I have the PDF template that I found on this site but I found it difficult to get correct due to printer differences. I ended making my own.

I could send you a paper template that would be correct and easy to use if you like.

PM me if you would like either. 👍

Scottcorvette · « **Reply #4 on:** February 17, 2018, 20:23:29 »

I have a new one you can have if you want it. I bought a pair for mine thinking I was missing one but because mine has a vertical spare tire on the left it is not used. You may as well make use of it. PM me your address and I'll ship it to you.

Jordan · « **Reply #5 on:** February 17, 2018, 21:38:55 »

I don't believe this. After I posted asking about the board I went back out to do some serious cleaning up in the barn as I had run out of shelf space and the place was beginning to look pretty cluttered. I started going through old bits that have been sitting on shelves untouched for at least 8 years collecting dust; old trunk mats, floor mats, seats, rails, under dash boards and some stuff I couldn't identify. I threw some of it out and was going to throw the boards out but decided to keep the one I couldn't identify, at least until I knew what it was, and left it on my work bench.

Came back in and saw Tylers post and clicked on the link for Authentic Classics. That looks familiar I thought so went back out to the barn and sure enough, it was the left trunk board/panel, bent in the wrong direction (from hanging off a shelf) and no foam backing. The board is still in good shape so I'm going to slowly bend it the correct direction and get some new foam.

What are the odds. It's been sitting on that shelf for years and every once in awhile I would think about that missing board and that I would need to get a replacement. Had it all the time.

Thanks everyone for your assistance and generosity in supplying the actual board (Scott), templates (mrfatboy) and the link showing me what I needed to get. Not very often I get a task taken care of so quickly. This site and the people that make it continue to amaze me. No other like it.

Garry · « **Reply #6 on:** February 18, 2018, 05:49:45 »

Scott,

Do you know if that one you have will also fit a RHD car. If so I would be happy to purchase it from you and can pick up via another member at the Euro Tour in September?

Garry

Pawel66 · « **Reply #7 on:** February 18, 2018, 14:34:39 »

I have a confession to make with regard to topic related to these side panels. I have been thinking if I should share it for a long time, and I decided to do so as, surprisingly someone may benefit from it, at least short term.

I bought both of those panels from MB three years ago. The right hand side one came, certainly, with the cut outs for the fuel tank breathing reservoir.

As I had the reservoir out to install the panel (quite a physical exercise), I flushed it, refreshed the fuel lines and I wanted to fit one of the clips I had missing as I had just one left of the old ones.

I tried MB clips, SLS clips and Authentic Classic clips. None of them fit. Either slot in the panel or the stud in the reservoir or both.

I figured that really the best fitting clip in that place is the smaller one for wire harness. You just need to open it a bit. It is really a perfect fit.

For purists: apologies...

Delvis · « **Reply #8 on:** February 19, 2018, 06:36:56 »

Hi mrfatboy,

i'm in need of a right hand trunk side board. are you able to share the PDF or Paper Template for the trunk boards? i need my next project. also where did you find your 5mm foam backing. i've been looking everywhere and can not source. any suggestions would be greatly appreciated

thanks.

Devlin

Tyler S · « **Reply #9 on:** February 19, 2018, 14:39:16 »

Delvin, Here is the foam backing. You may also be able to get directly from MB dealer. I believe MrFatBoy also has a lead on it. Wait for him to chime in.

http://www.authenticclassics.com/Foam-Insulating-Lining-Material-Sheet-5mm-p/auth-004674.htm

Delvis · « **Reply #10 on:** February 19, 2018, 20:12:48 »

Thanks for pointing me to the foam backing. much appreciated. i missed that listing on authentic's website. just aded to my wishlist.

cheers

Dev

mrfatboy · « **Reply #11 on:** February 19, 2018, 21:57:25 »

@Delvis

Sorry for being slow to respond. I just returned from vacation last night and have been looking for the PDF file today. Bad news is that there is no PDF. The PDF files I have were just of the under dash panels. Good news is that I have the actual paper pattern that I made

I could just trace it and send it to you if you would like.

Tyler already posted the foam from Authentic Classics. They state that it is OEM (5mm) but actually is 3/16" grey charcoal (see their item notes). I believe Mercedes only sells the charcoal grey now. I don't know if it's 3/16" or 5mm but I don't think it matters at that point. The original was a greenish color. Dave Gallon had some VOS (very old stock

) that he gave me that would have lasted about another 3 months. LOL. I didn't bother with it.

He also gave me these part numbers for it. Contact a dealer and check availability.

Foam
5mm
000 983 35 98 9004
10mm
000 983 35 98 9005

I believe I ended up finding some on Ebay. Much of it comes out of China but you have to be careful of size unless you are going to piece together.

EBay search "5mm eva foam"

Another source I found was "The Foam Factory"

http://www.thefoamfactory.com/opencellfoam/opencellfoam.html

Look at the charcoal grey firm and regular sheets. They will send you free samples if you call them.

Also Grainger sells foam.

https://www.grainger.com/

So basically you will be looking for 1/4", 3/16", or 5mm charcoal grey. In this particular application the softer (regular) might be better so it will smush up into the fender and "stay" like the original. The firmer foam might want to force the panel out. It's only held in by friction. Firmer might be better for the under dash panels.

You are going to find all sorts a prices out there. You know you can buy the finish product from AC for $159+shipping. It just your time or money

I should look into scanning my pattern and posting to the tech manual. Then maybe people could print out the complete pattern at a FEDex or UPS print shop.

Let me know if you need more info

Scottcorvette · « **Reply #12 on:** February 20, 2018, 05:55:21 »

Garry I cant imagine that it wouldn't fit a RHD car, you are welcome to it but I have a doubt in my mind over whether I should have it fitted to my car now, maybe someone could verify this before I potentially make a mistake and give away something I need.

My car had no LH board in the trunk and there were no fixing tabs on the floor panel there as there were on the RH side, see bottom two pictures.

On the genuine replacement LH trunk floor panel there were two tabs for a trunk board which I have since removed and will weld on the jack retaining clip off my original panel. Im not even sure that with the jack in place the board would fit and with no tabs in place there is nothing to hold it surely? I noticed on Andy Burns thread his LH trunk floor is the same as mine with no tabs and I found another picture online the same.

What do you think, should I have a LH board or not?

66andBlue · « **Reply #13 on:** February 20, 2018, 18:39:21 »

Can't look at my 230SL at the moment but I believe that there are no tabs and the panel is just wedged under the inner lip of the fender top.
I can find out in a few days if you got the time.

Garry · « **Reply #14 on:** February 20, 2018, 20:22:24 »

On my 230Sl ’65 it appears to be just wedged under the lip of the boot. It is a pain as it doesnt tend to stay in place anymore.

Garry

mrfatboy · « **Reply #15 on:** February 20, 2018, 20:38:48 »

Quote from: Garry on February 20, 2018, 20:22:24

On my 230Sl ’65 it appears to be just wedged under the lip of the boot. It is a pain as it doesnt tend to stay in place anymore.

Garry

I solved the "stay in place" problem by placing some U channel rubber moulding to the top of the panel that tucks/wedged under the fender. It creates more friction and allows it to stay in place. YMMV. See photo for example moulding. Easy to buy online or hardware store.

Jordan · « **Reply #16 on:** February 20, 2018, 22:04:27 »

Delvis, I don't know how important it is to have the correct colour since no one sees it. If unimportant you could just call an upholsterer (furniture or auto) and ask if you can have a small piece of 5mm (or 1/4in) foam you could buy off them. Most will do it and often don't charge for it since it is in most cases scrap to them.

Delvis · « **Reply #17 on:** February 21, 2018, 04:23:00 »

hey mrfatboy,

thank you for responding and welcome back from your vacation. hope is was enjoyable. would love to receive a traced paper copy of your template. i will pm my address and hope i can repay the favor.

Hi Jordan, great idea. I will pest some local shops and see if they can assist, failing that, the folks at Authenticlassics have always been good.

happy Feb 20th everyone.

cheers,

Devlin

mrfatboy · « **Reply #18 on:** February 21, 2018, 04:29:32 »

No problem. Send me your info. Try fabric store for foam also. Might not be 5mm but they should have close.

Scottcorvette · « **Reply #19 on:** February 21, 2018, 06:24:18 »

Id be interested to hear from someone with a 64 or earlier car that has the upright spare tire to see if they still have the LH trunk board in place.

Charles 230SL · « **Reply #20 on:** February 22, 2018, 23:35:39 »

Quote from: Scottcorvette on February 21, 2018, 06:24:18

Id be interested to hear from someone with a 64 or earlier car that has the upright spare tire to see if they still have the LH trunk board in place.

Scott, I've got chassis #003548; no tabs on the floor and the panel is simply wedged under the top lip of the fender. It's wedged pretty good and has remained securely in place since I've had the car.

Charles 230SL · « **Reply #21 on:** February 22, 2018, 23:37:16 »

Four (4) more Trunk Pics..

Charles 230SL · « **Reply #22 on:** February 22, 2018, 23:38:15 »

last two..

Scottcorvette · « **Reply #23 on:** February 23, 2018, 07:07:02 »

Charles thats great, thank you. Looks like I slipped up there...Sorry Garry I'm going to have to use this after all.

FYI mine came from this place:

http://www.cbs-autoteile.de/

Garry · « **Reply #24 on:** February 23, 2018, 08:34:17 »

No worries, thanks Scott for the source.

Garry

mrfatboy · « **Reply #25 on:** February 23, 2018, 13:40:56 »

I have patterns for the three underdash panels as well as the left rear fender panel. In the next couple of days I'm going to take them all down to FedEx office to have them scanned to PDF. They have big scanners👍

I will post the PDF's in the tech manual. You will then be able to download the desired pattern and take to your local FedEx Office(or printer) to print out the complete pattern. This will eliminate the home printer problem.

The right side trunk panel is basically the same with some slight modifications. Does anybody have one of these out and can measure and tell me where the holes are for the expansion tank? This would be a good time to have the info to add it to the master pattern.

RonB · « **Reply #26 on:** March 23, 2018, 19:51:01 »

I found K &U K are a good source for under dash panel. They have a very nice fit on 71 LHD.

Very satisfied on mine.

Shvegel · « **Reply #27 on:** April 12, 2018, 17:42:17 »

I made a couple today out of 3mm expanded PVC sheet. I figured it will hold up better if it ever gets wet.

You need 2 sheets:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00K2Q73UW?psc=1&ref=yo_pop_mb_yo_pop_mb_pd_t2

I used a heat gun and heated up the top before fitting it into place.

johnk · « **Reply #28 on:** April 13, 2018, 01:45:30 »

I cant wait to see your car when its done Shvegel. Everything seems to be done so well starting with the amazing all metal body work and everything youve done since then. Of course I'm afraid it it will make me go back and make me wonder if I'm doing everything right on my own..actually no kidding. It challenges me to do a better job than I may have otherwise.

Everyone on this site will enjoy your detail pictures when its done.

Shvegel · « **Reply #29 on:** April 13, 2018, 02:08:37 »

Thanks John. My bodyman Rick ruined it for me. The shell after 12 years came back so nice that I had to do the rest well. I made brake lines for under the hood yesterday and threw away far more than I kept.

Funny you should mention "All Metal" bodywork. Years ago Rick did a Porsche 356 for a guy and he insisted that there should be no filler in the car. Being a rough car it had to have some filler in order to make it right so Rick used an Aluminum based filler called All Metal so when the customer asked he could say that the car was "All Metal".

450sl · « **Reply #30 on:** April 13, 2018, 08:47:11 »

I used 3mm Black Pvc-Foam sheet a bit oversized ; it flops in perfectly without pre-bending.

ja17 · « **Reply #31 on:** April 13, 2018, 13:48:25 »

When I use the original material, I use my sheet metal slip roll to form a nice smooth even curve in the material where it turns in at the top. It comes out perfect. In addition Mercedes W126 sedans of the era used an almost invisible metal clip to keep the panels from sagging down at the top. These same clips work perfect on the W113 cars also. No holes or adhesives needed to make them work.

114015 · « **Reply #32 on:** April 13, 2018, 14:04:14 »

Quote

Id be interested to hear from someone with a 64 or earlier car that has the upright spare tire to see if they still have the LH trunk board in place.

Quote

..., I've got chassis #003548; no tabs on the floor and the panel is simply wedged under the top lip of the fender. It's wedged pretty good and has remained securely in place since I've had the car.

One thing to mention.
Original sparewheel well cars (until serial no. 007204) clearly came without the left trunk cardboard panel.
Only cars with the flat sparewheel (6069 & from serial no. 007205) had the left cardboard piece in place.
The parts list clearly indicates that.

That doesn't prevent anyone to fit one for the later style into his earlier car.

Achim

johnk · « **Reply #33 on:** April 13, 2018, 23:48:31 »

I've been to two high-end restoration shops lately, one that has my Porche and the other with the likes of brass-era Packards, a mid 30 Delehaye and similar mystical cars in their shop for a local MBCA event. None of them do full 100% metal refinishing regardless of how many hundreds of thousands of dollars they charge. Having attempted it myself with embarrasing results I am in awe with those that have that have the skill and patience to successfully complete the almost lost art of full metal finishing. I would almost pay to just watch someone do it.

Shvegel · « **Reply #34 on:** April 15, 2018, 01:46:02 »

John,
Keep in mind all the steel panels on my car are new so it is much easier that bringing back something that is pounded. Rick (my bodyman) is an artist at what he does and there are few people who rival what he does which is why I was willing to wait 12 years to get the shell back because I knew it would be right. I know another guy who is way out there beyond even Rick. His name is Cass Nawrocki. He builds bodies from scratch and at one time actually made complete door skins for or cars. Rick and I have the forms etc. Cass used to build perfect bodies and one day he said that the bodyshop was just going to bondo it from end to end anyway so he stopped making it as perfect as he could.

The car he is leaning on on the right is the body I watched him work on during the time I knew him. He did the wooden frame then made the panels, grill etc etc. He built two of them. One in steel and one in Aluminum. Both have sold recently in the millions of dollars. I heard the story of the "Belly tank" in the other photo. A guy brought in an old tank he wanted to modify and Cass just built a new one instead. One sheet of Aluminum. I have his book here if you want to borrow it.

specracer · « **Reply #35 on:** April 15, 2018, 11:21:55 »

Has anyone had luck "straightening" / reforming these? One of mine I'm sure has gotten wet, and the top has sagged. Would prefer not replacing it. Any tricks, successful ideas?

johnk · « **Reply #36 on:** April 16, 2018, 01:54:09 »

Pat,
Do you have the pictures you were referring to?

neelyrc · « **Reply #37 on:** April 16, 2018, 02:22:18 »

Quote from: specracer on April 15, 2018, 11:21:55

Has anyone had luck "straightening" / reforming these? One of mine I'm sure has gotten wet, and the top has sagged. Would prefer not replacing it. Any tricks, successful ideas?

On a couple of occasions over the years I have had a go at straightening mine. Place the panel on a clean and smooth flat surface with the concave curved surface down. Place a piece of rigid plywood or similar of about the same size over the panel and add sufficient weight on the plywood to press the panel almost flat. Add some support (piece of wood) under the concave surface so as not to press it completely flat. Leave it for a few days until it has assumed the flattened shape and then reinstall. Not a permanent fix but resolves the problem for a while. Obviously this will not work if the back is broken.

The metal clips from the W126 mentioned by ja17 sound like a great help. Oh to own a salvage yard!

mrtzmd · « **Reply #38 on:** April 16, 2018, 05:04:26 »

Pawell,
Would you happen to have a picture or part number of the clip you used to hold the breather tank?
Thanks,
Mauricio

Pawel66 · « **Reply #39 on:** April 16, 2018, 05:45:47 »

I finally used the one I attach the picture off. I used ones` ordered from MB, not SLS. Just had to open it a bit more than it is on the panel holding side. But it is acrime against originality and correctness.

I had the brather tank with the attachable hoses, wich has the rods (top and bottom) thicker than the last type of tank. The clips from MB were for the thinner rods.

I have the side panels also from MB, I bought them 3 years ago. The clips from SLS did not fit the cut openings in the side panels (I do not remember exactly what was not fitting). Therefore I ended up with the electric harness clips.

mrtzmd · « **Reply #40 on:** April 16, 2018, 07:06:12 »

Thank you very much. (Sorry I misspelled your name).
Mauricio

mrfatboy · « **Reply #41 on:** April 16, 2018, 07:36:04 »

Mauricio,

When you are ready, I have an extra pair of panels for you. We can meet up when the fuel pump tab washers come in. Just PM me. 👍

Pawel66 · « **Reply #42 on:** April 16, 2018, 07:51:08 »

Quote from: mrtzmd on April 16, 2018, 07:06:12

Thank you very much. (Sorry I misspelled your name).
Mauricio

No problem!

I think it would be better if you fit the clips there that are meant for this location. I just lost patience on mine.

mrfatboy · « **Reply #43 on:** April 16, 2018, 08:38:27 »

Here is an approximate profile of the clips for the right side evap tank. You need two of them. One for top of tank and one for bottom.

I also attached a pic of the tank and bottom clip and a pic of clip for the hoses.

Pawel66 · « **Reply #44 on:** April 16, 2018, 16:04:39 »

I have the same type of the tank as mrfatboy is showing. It has thicker rods top and bottom, I think, then the last version. What MB sent to me did not fit on the these rods as if it was for the narrower rods.

I am attaching the picture of the clip for pipes/hoses from SLS (last picture of mrfatboy's post).

mrtzmd · « **Reply #45 on:** April 16, 2018, 18:17:13 »

Excellent pictures, thank you very much.
Mauricio

Shvegel · « **Reply #46 on:** April 17, 2018, 02:04:55 »

John,
Here are the pics. Oops.

http://www.cassnawrocki.com/index.html

Scottcorvette · « **Reply #47 on:** April 18, 2018, 04:22:38 »

Quote from: 114015 on April 13, 2018, 14:04:14

One thing to mention.
Original sparewheel well cars (until serial no. 007204) clearly came without the left trunk cardboard panel.
Only cars with the flat sparewheel (6069 & from serial no. 007205) had the left cardboard piece in place.
The parts list clearly indicates that.

That doesn't prevent anyone to fit one for the later style into his earlier car.

Achim

I was unclear on this and a few guys with earlier cars all said theirs had the LH board and it looked original. I had a look in my two small parts book and they both showed the same listing for trunk boards despite the spare tire arrangement. Is this conclusive on no trunk board? Mine didn't have one and I just assumed it was missing. It was missing the under dash boards too.

66andBlue · « **Reply #48 on:** April 18, 2018, 05:08:18 »

My April 1964 230SL does not have the left side panel behind the upright spare tire.
But as Achim typed there is no harm done putting one in.

kampala · « **Reply #49 on:** June 03, 2018, 00:37:44 »

Ordered new foam from Mercedes 5mm thick one meter square. Can't beat the price - under 9$US. Also went ahead an ordered a square meter of the 10mm thick foam for under-dash pads - under 14$US.

5mm 0009833598 9004
10mm 0009833598 9005 (photo in plastic bag)

mrfatboy · « **Reply #50 on:** June 03, 2018, 01:24:24 »

That is a fantastic price. Certainly not the price I was quoted by my local Mercedes dealer.

News:

Author Topic: Trunk Side Boards/Panels (Read 13509 times)