All Red Tail lights

[Tom230sl]

I have two sets of non-perfect original (non-Buds glue jobs) red tail lights. They will eventually go onto ebay. We could talk.

leclerc@earthlink.net

[hauser]

One set was just sold on ebay for $2005.00 [:0]

Gernold and Buds carry reproductions.  I have the repros on my car which I got from Gernold.

1969 280sl 5 spd
Gainesville, Fl.

[Tom230sl]

quote:Originally posted by Jonny B

Red lenses is one of the items I am always curious to keep an eye on. Well, I was plussed (this is beyong nonplussed) to see a set just sell on ebay for US$ 2005!!!! Is this craziness of the highest order???

Maybe we should all forget about the stock market and invest in 113 red tail lights?!?

Jonny B
1967 250SL Auto

There is no sustitute for NOS.

It's the "NewOldStock market".

[JPMOSE]

OK...back to the red tail light subject.  My 1968 250SL has near perfect red lenses (since my Oregon car never was in the sun much).  The reflectors and light assy. are also in great shape.  The chrome however has a dull lifeless appearance (I would state the nickel is showing though).   There are no pits but next to the re-chromed bumpers and new  chrome strips (between tail light assy and trunk lock bezel), the dull tail light chrome stands out.  

  Is there a successful method for removing the original lenses so I can send the bezels for replating (or replace them with new ones)?

I suppose I could try very carefully and if I end up ruining the original lenses, just buy repro red lenses (I am not interested in going with the amber ones!!!) for replacement.



Any suggestions for on my attempt to do this will be much appreciated!  

Best Regards,

J. P. Mose
1968 250SL
1987 560SL

[Jonny B]

I will be curious to hear more about this. It was my understanding that the original style lenses could not be removed from the chrome surround in one piece, that is, they were glued into place.

Jonny B
1967 250SL Auto

[114015]

J.P.,

Basically the (red) lenses <<can>> be separated from their chrome bezel ... you just have to cut it out carefully from the inside, e.g. with a Dremel, a small drill machine.
However, the inner "glued-in" edge of the lens is then gone away. After rechroming you then need to glue the lens in again - basically in the same way as the new reproductions.
I have not done it yet but will try in the future.
It is probably best to try it first with a less valuable older SL lens before you use your fine flawless ones.
 :oops:

Best,

Achim
(parts & knowledge collector)

[JPMOSE]

Thanks Achim (and Michael Salemi who send me a message)!  I was successful at separating one side.  I then decided to place to old ones aside and purchase the repro. all red tail lights, along with new bezels , seals and reflectors.  I know this is more expensive but I am very fortunate to have a Pagoda with near perfect chrome.  Hence the total outlay really isn't that bad.  Thanks again for the help!

Best Regards,

J. P. Mose
1968 250SL
1987 560SL

[Bob G]

You will find a lot of vendors selling reproduction red taillight lenses for our cars. The problem I have seen with this is the shade of red is sometimes too dark or too light. Also look for the casting numbers and prefit the lenses before you commit to using silcone glue. I do not know as I stated know why these lights complete are so darn expensive. Every time you mention SL, pop, the price shoots up. I guess that means we are a target to the vendors selling them.
One of the NLA parts I was thinking of having made is the plastic thin gasket that runs along the rear chrome trim and the top of the tailights on later 280SLs.
What do you think its worth to reproduce a copy of the orginal gasket material not the rubber stuff, but the orginal with the channel??
Bob Geco

[hauser]

Bob, the strip of plastic trim is available from SLS.  Dig around their website and you'll find it.  I believe it is sold by the meter.

I also have a set of reproductin all red tail lights on my car as well a an original set I have stashed away.  It is difficult to tell the difference between the two unless you know what to look for.  Both have the exact same markings and are of the same shade of red.  In fact my reproduction lenses are so good that it even fooled a parts expert as an original set.  BTW the repros I got from Gernold.

1969 280sl 5 spd
Gainesville, Fl.

[JPMOSE]

SLS is who I purchased the repro. red lenses from, as they are only 95 Euro (about $145).  Even with shipping, it is less than any other vendor.  I hope they are of the quality Bob mentions and not too dark or light!  I should have them late next week.

Best Regards,

J. P. Mose
1968 250SL
1987 560SL