Pagoda SL Group

W113 Pagoda SL Group => Electrical and Instruments => Topic started by: TonyJerseyUK on April 26, 2014, 10:25:59

Title: 230SL headlamp query
Post by: TonyJerseyUK on April 26, 2014, 10:25:59

Hi there,

I've just bought my first Pagoda and noticed there's a visual difference between the headlamp lenses.  One looks brand new (and probably is) while the other looks about 48 years old (and probably is!).

Is there a way of effectively cleaning the old one to bring it up to near new levels, or do I have to buy another?  Also, are the lenses glass or plastic, as I haven't taken one out yet to examine. Mine is a RHD UK car built in 1966.

Finally, does anyone have any advice on the fitment of more powerful headlamp bulbs?

Many thanks,

Tony

Title: Re: 230SL headlamp query
Post by: Paul & Dolly on April 26, 2014, 11:10:56

Welcome,

Have a read through the Tech Manual section on here...
http://www.sl113.org/wiki/Electrical/Lights

Lots of info on the lights, and all other things Pagoda.

Enjoy

Paul

Title: Re: 230SL headlamp query
Post by: Markbhai on April 26, 2014, 21:55:01

Hi Tony.

Welcome to Pagoda ownership!

I just may be able to help with your headlamp query.  Your lenses should be glass, although I believe that plastic aftermarket replacements are available.  I noticed 'dullness' in my lights when I bought mine. In addition a fog lamp bulb was not working so I decided to restore both of my headlights.  Its a relatively simple process, but you need to take care when removing the lenses which are held to the lamp chassis by small 'U' clips, which can break the glass.

You may find that the issue you have is rusting of the reflectors (see photo's).  These can be replaces, available from either MB or sls-hh in Germany, but when I priced up replacements I determined it was cheaper to have them re-silvered (note they are slivered and NOT chromed). You can see how bad mine were, and how good they looked after.

I wrote an article for the MB Club Gazette which details most of the things you need to know, I will find this out for you and scan it in tomorrow.

Regards

Mark

Title: Re: 230SL headlamp query
Post by: Markbhai on April 26, 2014, 22:03:36

Just in case I can't find the original article, I remembered that I reproduced it on this forum...

Read this post...

http://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=16187.0

http://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=16187.0 (http://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=16187.0)

Regards

Mark.

Title: Re: 230SL headlamp query
Post by: TonyJerseyUK on April 28, 2014, 16:42:35

Hi Mark,

Many thanks for the advice.  I'm loathe to take it to bits as I'm a mechanical oaf, so think I'll leave in the hands of a specialist classic MB mechanic we have here in Jersey. 

All the best,

Tony