Pagoda SL Group
W113 Pagoda SL Group => Electrical and Instruments => Topic started by: sammyr on October 19, 2004, 15:57:12
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Does anyone know where I can get the all red 280SL tail lights?
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I think Dan Caron (Benz Dr.) has reproductions available...the originals are not available as far as the folks here have found.
Ricardo
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Bud's Benz sells the all-red lens at their online site. Instructions are to 'pop' the old lens out from the chrome bezel and glue the new lens in. Sounds scary to me. Not sure if they are reproductions or originals.
Dan, how much does a pair go for?
'68 280SL
'82 240D
'90 260E
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The all red lenses are no longer available. They are reproductions of the original lenses. The raised markings and numbers are on my reprodutions. I purchased mine from Gernold as complete units. In the photo gallery there is a rear shot of my car and which you can check out for yourself. They are secured with glue/silicone and work pefectly. The only sources I know of are from Dan, Buds & Gernold.
1969 280sl 5 spd 1999 ML320 Gainesville,Fl.
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My car has the original red lens' that I would like to replace with the brighter and more current amber ones since I drive the car a lot. I'm assuming it is the same procedure as changing from the amber to the red. My thought was to keep the red ones in storage just to be sure I still have the right stuff to offer if I ever sell the car. However, wouldn't it be easier to get the complete assembly and just bolt it up? In this way one could avoid the possibility of damaging the rare red lens and tail light assembly.
Chuck
68 250SL
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You might also want new chrome housing before you put in new lenses. but make sure the chrome housing for the tailight you get are for a 113 SL and not a later 111 coupe and converible. The difference is the housing will not align with the holes and you will have problems fitting them.
Reproduction red lenses vary in price from $120 to $300 each depending on who you get them from. Remember you will need the bezel gasket and maybe the grey gasket on the blub holder as well. Knobs are still available only in black.
Van dijk Classic SL parts one of the vendors on our Database list sells the lenses and chrome housing but not the bezels that house the tail light bulbs. These go on after the lens has been put in and are held in place by four clips that are plastic and are melted in place.
The cost is about the same as if you went to the later style taillights from the later 1969 to 1971. Only the bulb housing is different. You might want to contact Gernold at SL Tech to see if he has any used good condition lamps units and buy these as a fixed assembled set.
All of the people who are mentioned in these post are qualified to help you replace your early red tail light units.
Bob Geco
1968 280SL
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The ones I can get are $179.00 each. Not sure how that compares with the other guys.
I think I have a few bulb holder assembys around here as used parts for these older style lights.
You can't use the ones from a 111 Coupe even though they look the same. There's an area near the corner end that dips in and the SL is flat. The lense and other internal parts are pretty much the same. Only the chrome bezzel is different.
Daniel G Caron
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http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=2497584462&category=34207
These will not go for short $$$$
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How can you tell if these lights are in fact original? I know the seller states "NOS" but how do you tell the difference without inspecting them up close?
1969 280sl 5 spd 1999 ML320 Gainesville,Fl.
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I think there's supposed to be a date stamped into the plastic of the lens, or so I've been told.
Douglas Kim
New York, NY
280 SL #016220
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I'm try to compare these to the ones I purchased from Gernold.
1969 280sl 5 spd 1999 ML320 Gainesville,Fl.
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The red taillights on e-bay appear to be new old stock all black rear reflector housing back with nice new chrome taillight surounds. Rare in that they have not been around for along time. If the price is right it certainly would be a good investment to hold on to as spares.
bob Geco
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I sure do not know if this price is right. But I just checked and the pair is now up to $1625!!! And there are still a few days left on the auction.
Jonny B
1967 250SL Auto
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Johnny check again! Now over 2025.00 with three days to go!!!! I bet the seller has one big smile on his face right about now!! :D
1969 280sl 5 spd 1999 ML320 Gainesville,Fl.
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I personally fail to see the fascination with all red tail lights. OK, if you have an original car, and they are original in great shape, I probably wouldn't change them. But I wouldn't spend $1,800 on a set either--not when plenty of amber ones are around for what amounts to a pittance.
However--there is a bit of a safety issue with all red, IMHO. Today's drivers (as opposed to those 35 years ago) are not used to seeing these things so G*d only knows what the idiot driving behind you is thinking. Directionals are amber, tail lamps are red; side markers are red in the rear and amber in the front and that's the way people are used to seeing things. I can just see getting rear ended and some insurance company starts laying blame to the "irregularity" of the lamps in the rear. Stranger things have happened.
I changed mine to amber, as this was a safety concern on my part. I only got $850 for my set of all red--someone on eBay must really want them--or is it a buyer's scam? There's been an awful lot of things bid up to astronomical levels and then the deals never seem to materialize. The sale of mine helped to pay for a few other more important things.
In the stringent world of MBCA judging you won't be deducted for safety related items that are not original. At Starfest I got dinged points for replacement vacuum hose but not for my tail lamps! But I suppose if you really must have them to sleep at night...
Michael Salemi
1969 280SL
Signal Red w/Black Leather
Restored
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Hey Michael, I'm with you. (partly because I changed to the Amber ones as well!)
When I changed mine back in '90s, the general consensus was the Reds were NOT available. This was pre-Ebay and 113 sites... So I got shiny new multi-colored ones and think they look great. They brighten up the rear-end a lot. Now, if I had a perfectly restored 1963 230SL and wanted to get top-dollar, maybe I'd get the Reds again. This scenerio, by the way, is highly unlikely!
I do still have the old ones -- left is a 6/10 - right a 3/10 (no lens!).
James
63 230SL
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Hi,
Due to changes in the law in the UK you need indicators on vehicles. It seems that orange indicators are required now. My 62 MGA had "white" front indicators which would not pass the MOT (vehicle inspection). I got away with using orange bulbs in white (clear) lens as per the original build.
I understand this and while originality is very important for some people I think safety comes first, so as the rear lens on the old girl are broken I will go with orange ones..
Just a comment
Malc
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quote:
Originally posted by Malc
Hi,
Due to changes in the law in the UK you need indicators on vehicles. It seems that orange indicators are required now. My 62 MGA had "white" front indicators which would not pass the MOT (vehicle inspection). I got away with using orange bulbs in white (clear) lens as per the original build.
I understand this and while originality is very important for some people I think safety comes first, so as the rear lens on the old girl are broken I will go with orange ones..
Just a comment
Malc
Hey Malc--old Brit cars generally all used the same old Lucas stuff despite the marque...I remember the little clear glass (not plastic) markers on our old Austin. My brother ended up finding glass ones in amber! Yep, amber glass to modernize that old 66 Cooper! My bet is that it is the same pieces that were or are on your MG! My brother didn't like the idea of an amber bulb in a clear glass housing...
Michael Salemi
1969 280SL
Signal Red w/Black Leather
Restored
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OK guys,
I just picked up a set of Universal Trailor rear lights , plate bracket and all..so if anyone can match the final bid price of the ones on ebay , I will yank my 113 Reds off for ya and install the Universals...
Lock Your Trunks !!!! At these prices, they are now a better score for crooks than robbing a Bank...
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Well the auction ended and the winning bid was $US 2550!!!!
Jonny B
1967 250SL Auto
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quote:
Originally posted by Jonny B
Well the auction ended and the winning bid was $US 2550!!!!
Jonny B
1967 250SL Auto
More money than sense
Malc
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reminds me of a rear end collision I was once involved in, I do recall something flying by my head, it was later when I was inspecting the damage that I found the cassette tape that had shot from the player in the dash to the rear parcel shelf of my 525i.
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New red taillight lenses incl. chrome bezel,
rubber and reflector are 228,45 Euro each.
(New orig. parts, not repro or overhauled)
(old lenses are taken in exchange)
www.pagodenteile.de/12.htm
The glasses only are 102,59 Euro each.
www.pagodenteile.de/32.htm
www.pagode.info
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Additional Info about the situation in
Germany:
The price for a new pair will be about
650.-- Euro (Dealers who takes old len-
ses back in exchange will ask about 450.--
for a pair.)
New pair means: new glass, new frame, new
rubber, new reflector. No metal bulb hol-
ders. All parts (except the glass) are still
available new orig. Merc Parts. The glass
is a repro-part, made by a german supplier,
who also delivers the german Classic Center
with pre-war and also 300 SL/SC/170/220 etc.
parts. The glass has the same colour, shape
and even the same numbers and stamps on it,
so that You cannot see any difference to the
original glasses.
The price for a pair of "new old stock"
red taillights will be about 1000 - 1200
Euro, if You have the chance to buy one.
One has to deceide between both. Some may
prefer new old stock and accept the higher
prices on the market. Others who only want
new lamps on their cars may go for the new
ones.
I was asked, if Mercedes will reproduce
the red taillights themselves in the fu-
ture. (I do not know.) I don`t think
so. As long as the Pagoda owner`s have
the choice between two different products,
they will not add a 3rd one.
Have a nice day,
Tom
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Hello All,
Bob Geco and I have been having a discussion off line on the requirements for directional indicator coloring on US cars. As we know in mid 1969 our cars changed from the now elusive all red to amber. My Austin cars of the time period, including MG's I had went through a similar change. Bob pointed out that some new cars (like the 2005 Mustang he's drooling over :D )are again, all red! Well, that got me researching...
I don't have all the definitive answers yet, but it appears as if in March, 1989 new regulations went into effect permitting amber or red directionals in the rear and amber only in the front. You can see some of this information here:
http://www.preproassembly.com/tec/cfr49393011.htm
My guess is that somewhere between 1969 and 1989, these regulations were relaxed in the same way that square headlights, and non-sealed beams were allowed.
So, I guess those with the red tail lamps can feel safe as many cars incorporate them now. However, with the recent price of a good set on eBay, I'd pull them off, or at least inform your insurance company that your all-red plastic lenses are worth the price of a Rolex! I guess it is good to know that in 99.99% of the cases if you are rear-ended it is the other guy's fault!
A Dalton, forget the trailer lights, put your all red ones on ebay and get a new set of amber's and take the wife on a vacation to Stuttgart. :)
Michael Salemi
1969 280SL
Signal Red w/Black Leather
Restored
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Thanks; I was going to point out that my "beater" farm-use car - a 1990 Ford Explorer - has all red rear lights, including chimsel and indicators.
LFrank
Washington DC
65 230 sl - auto
DB334/Hellblau
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Tom:
Can you post some pictures of orginal and Lenses and unites your company manufactor so we can see the two side by side?
Bob Geco
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Hello Bob,
I took two pics of a new right side red/red one.
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I also took a pic showing one of the best
used "old" red/red taillight I have in
stock.
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Tom
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Does anyone know if its possible to convert the later lights for use with the old "all red" lenses ??
I had the ols style but they were damaged and I bought the later 280 style units.
Can I just buy the red lens, I know the bulb holder is different but that isn't a problem, is the chrom part the same, will the same gaskets work ?
Does anyone know ?
Regards,
Ben in Ireland.
'64 230SL 4sp.
'03 CLK Kompressor
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You will also need early style inner
reflectors and also early style metal
bulb holders. Frame & Rubber can be
used.
Tom
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Thansk Tom !
I have the bulb holders, why the reflectors ?
Is it because the actual layout is different.........obviously !
Regards,
Ben in Ireland.
'64 230SL 4sp.
'03 CLK Kompressor
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Yes, the layout of the "late" rear
taillights (built from Feb 1969) is
totally different. The "late" reflec-
tors do not match with the "early"
glasses.
I have some friends in Northern Ireland.
Do You know T & D Heaney Motor Co ? If
You are not sure what to do, Tom senior
can help You. Their website adress is
www.pagoda.info (I lead one of mine
Domains onto their website). They are
specializing in Pagoda Restoration.
Have a nice day,
Tom
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Hi Tom,
Yes I know Tom Heaney, and Tom jnr, they have both helped me out numerous times in the past. They are quite a distance from me though.
Still I might talk to them the next time I'm there and order the lenses in the meantime !
Regards,
Ben in Ireland.
'64 230SL 4sp.
'03 CLK Kompressor
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OK Guys now I have the definitive answer on all red versus red/amber lamp assemblies.
Many of you think that this research is "over the top" but that's how we get answers. Call it intense curiouity, but I've owned 4 cars from the 1968-1969 era (Austin America, Austin Cooper S, MG Midget and of course the 113) and all of these vehicles seemed to change from all red to red/amber at around the same time--mid 1968, though at this point in time nobody gives a hoot about all red tail lamps on a BMC product!
I contacted the DOT and NHTSA and it turns out that this is just mere coincidence and manufacturer's choice, not any US regulations for the change. Red or Red/Amber is acceptable and has been for years, for the tail lights. Perhaps there were some European rule changes or it could be simply that both BMC and MB decided to change at the same time for aesthetic reasons.
So, as Bob Geco (krwxbz) astutely noted, the new '05 Mustang is all red. So are many others. The use of red/amber actually adds to the complexity of wiring (per a Visteon engineer) and is done solely for aesthetic reasons.
Michael Salemi
1969 280SL
Signal Red w/Black Leather
Restored
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I still havent been able to find just the red reproduction lenses. The only place that had them was buds bens for 175 each lens. Does anyone know where they have them at a cheaper price?
1969 MERCEDES 280SL
WHITE ON BLACK/ BLACK HARD TOP
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Ok now I am seeing red again! How about I install some of those way out clear lens with orange turn signal bulbs and red stop light bulbs you see the in crowd with the rocket Hondas have Then We can all go to Pepe-Boys and buy them for cheap. That will fix thoses Red tailight hustlers! Now where did I put my percription?
Bob Geco
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quote:
Originally posted by sammyr
I still havent been able to find just the red reproduction lenses. The only place that had them was buds bens for 175 each lens. Does anyone know where they have them at a cheaper price?
1969 MERCEDES 280SL
WHITE ON BLACK/ BLACK HARD TOP
Let me offer that you probably won't find them much less costly, I'm afraid. There was an advertiser in the Star last year that had them for something like $1,000 a set, so considering that and what the real ones cost on eBay, $175 looks to be pretty good, wouldn't you say?
Michael Salemi
1969 280SL
Signal Red w/Black Leather
Restored
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Just remember that the lens from Buds (millers has them too) you will need to break out the old lens to install the new one. Millers and Buds also have the chrome frame and the backreflector. The price, unfortunately, is pretty decent.
Jonny B
1967 250SL Auto
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175 US $ sounds OK. It`s only 45 $ more than
the price, when You buy them directly in Ger-
many (where the lenses come from.)
P.S.:
New frames & rubbers are always Merc parts.
You can buy them at Your local Merc dealer.
By the way: You can also buy the licence
plate lamp glasses as a single part now !
Good Luck,
Tom
www.pagode.info
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quote:
Originally posted by pagode.info
By the way: You can also buy the licence
plate lamp glasses as a single part now!
Great! I recall an old thread on this and it was decided that buying the whole assembly was the only way to get a new lens. Good to hear!
Rodd
Powell, Ohio, USA
1966 230SL, Euro, Auto, Leather, both tops
1994 E420
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Hallo Rodd,
the "official" info, that one has to buy the
whole assembly, is a result of the matter of
fact, that the licence plate lamps are always
parts coming from Mercedes. All dealers have
to buy them at Merc. Because of this You get
no other answers.
Dealers who do not only buy and resell parts
coming from Mercedes, will offer a bit "more"
than only the Merc parts.
There are lots of other bits and pieces on the
market now, that Merc doesn`t deliver.
The glasses are approximately 25 Dollars each.
Have a nice day,
Tom
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www.pagode.info
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Just to keep the group up to speed, there is a set of all red lenses on ebay, currently at US$ 1425, with the reserve not met! The current top bidder is the same person (not me) that bought a set late last year for $2550! and from the same seller to boot!
Silliness abounds.
Jonny B
1967 250SL Auto
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...and to think my set went for only $850 in 2002. Perhaps I should have held on to them longer :D
Michael Salemi
1969 280SL
Signal Red w/Black Leather
Restored
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If, by some chance, these became available again, what do all of you think a fair and realistic price would be for them ? I need to know these things. It's part of my job.
Tom Hanson
Parts Manager
MBUSA Classic Center
Irvine CA
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Hello Tom. What I would personally consider to be a fair price for a new set of rear lights (including the bulb holders, reflectors, gaskets but not necessarily the outer chrome trim - i.e. like one can buy the front light assemblies made by Bosch) would be around $800.
Cees Klumper in Amsterdam
'69 white 280 SL automatic
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The results on ebay are almost unbelieveable
to me. Others may agree.
It seemes to me that a lot of pagoda parts
get different feedbacks, depending only on
WHERE You offer those items.
The discussion regarding the still available
(affordable)new all red taillights shows the
same.
Have a nice day,
Tom
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Cees,
The early W113 tail lights have the lenses and chrome bezel moulded together.
Tom Hanson
Parts Manager
MBUSA Classic Center
Irvine CA
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On e-bay another orginal new old stock of red taillights are up for auction same source Robert Sully.
Bob Geco
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Ok Tom, in that case add $5 ;-)
Seriously I suppose another $100-150 for the chrome would be reasonable to me.
Cees Klumper in Amsterdam
'69 white 280 SL automatic
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FYI, Buds Benz sells these parts:
(prices as currently posted on their web site)
Red lens and reflector - $US 255
Chrome bezel - $us 159
Gasket - $US 39
One complete - $US 453
If you have the old assembly, but do not really want to try to break out the old pieces, they will install the red lens/reflector for and additional $US 25
Jonny B
1967 250SL Auto
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Hi Tom,
If you recall, I bought a pair of brand new all-red tailights from you for my W111 coupe. I think I was charged $275 each, which included the lens, reflector and chrome bezel. Since they are almost identical to that of the W113 (except for the shape of the bezel), I think the price should not be to far off from that figure either.
Martin
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So what is the correct tail light for a 230sl delivered in Germany (all red I'm guessing)? How about for delivery in France (red & amber)?
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quote:
Originally posted by Tom230sl
So what is the correct tail light for a 230sl delivered in Germany (all red I'm guessing)? How about for delivery in France (red & amber)?
Germany = all red
France = all red with amber reversing light (rare)
Tom
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FYI
The set of all red lenses being offered on ebay by R Sully were a no sale at US$ 1625!
Jonny B
1967 250SL Auto
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quote:
So what is the correct tail light for a 230sl delivered in Germany (all red I'm guessing)? How about for delivery in France (red & amber)?
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First delivered in Reutlingen, Germany
Chris
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quote:
Originally posted by Jonny B
FYI
The set of all red lenses being offered on ebay by R Sully were a no sale at US$ 1625!
Jonny B
1967 250SL Auto
It's been a while so I can't be sure, but RSully bought a lot of parts from me. These might be the ones I sold him!
Michael Salemi
1969 280SL
Signal Red w/Black Leather
Restored
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Mike,
If you have any more stashed away, this might be the next best way to save for your children's college fund!
Jonny B
1967 250SL Auto
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Mike,
If you have any more stashed away, this might be the next best way to save for your children's college fund!
Jonny B
1967 250SL Auto
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I was told by Tom Hanson that the company that makes the red lenes for the W111 up to 1969. these I am told are are still availible, at a reasonable price. Now for a car that was limited production Why is it that red tailights for a W111 are still availble and not the W113 pagoda?
Bob Geco
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quote:
Originally posted by Jonny B
Mike,
If you have any more stashed away, this might be the next best way to save for your children's college fund!
Jonny B
1967 250SL Auto
Well, actually I do have one or two stashed away...broken! Seems my uncle was rear ended (or backed into things) regularly and scoured the junkyards of NY back in the 70's and early 80's for taillamp assemblies on a regular basis. I had a bunch of headlamp assemblies as well...and still have some broken ones as well.
Michael Salemi
1969 280SL
Signal Red w/Black Leather
Restored
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Mike,
If the chrome is in good shape, you might consider the replacement lenses that Buds Benz handles. Perhaps there is a long term opportunity there! They will install them for you for a very nomimal fee, $US 25 considering the cost of the lens and reflector US$225 plus another $US 39 for the gasket if needed.
We might be talking freshman year here???
Jonny B
1967 250SL Auto
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Hello. This is not a classified but more of an inventory...
With three kid's educations to pay for, I decided to dig out my original tail-lights and see what I have. Can anyone tell from this picture what I'd need to do to get them complete & usable? As far as I can see, I'd need a reflector and lens on one side, maybe change the lens on the other? Do-able?
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James
63 230SL
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Tom it's great you have the bulb holders! Without these the all red tail light are of no use. The lenses are reproductions as are the reflectors. But when it comes to the holders then only the early ones will do. Should be no problem from here. I believe Gernold seels the complete unit for $1000.00.
1969 280sl 5 spd
Gainesville, Fl.
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The 111 Coupe lense is the same as the 113 lense. The bezel is different. Not sure about the parts inside but I would think that's the same too.
Daniel G Caron
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Buds Benz sells the red lens and reflector unit for $255. Since you have the bezel with the light already out, you should be in a good candidate for the replacement.
Jonny B
1967 250SL Auto
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FYI, another set just sold on Ebay for $760!? I am hard pressed to figure this one out. The pictures looked very good. They were stated to have come from a car that needed to have the amber lights for Austria.
Timing really must be everything.
Jonny B
1967 250SL Auto
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Thanks. The only thing I have not quite figured out is: are the lenses sold separately from the reflector and most importantly, can an old lens be separated from a reflector (so as to reuse reflector with a new lens...) If I understand things, its the metal base part of the lights that is really valuable. To get mine up to speed, I would need a lens & reflector on one side and probably a new lens on the other...
James
63 230SL
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My understanding is that the original lenses were all one piece or glued together in a way that did not allow disassembly. Currently you can buy the separate red lens and separate reflector, but I do not believe you can separate the old reflector from the old lens and still have one piece. Buds benz sells the lens and reflector as a unit for US$ 255. Is the metal base you are talking about, the piece that holds the wiring and bulbs or the chrome reflective piece that mates with the red lens.
Here is the link and picture
http://www.budsbenz.com/cart/showproduct.aspx?productid=5&SectionID=6
Jonny B
1967 250SL Auto
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When I initially refurbished my red tail lights, I found that the plastic reflector was simply snapped in place. It's the lens that is glues to the bezel. I removed the reflector for refinishing by vacuum metalizing. I have since also replaced the chrome bezels and plastic lenses with new parts.
Tom
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Johnny, I was thinking the metal base that holds bulbs is the part that is hard to find.
James
63 230SL
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That is what I supsected, and I have only seen the metal base plate rarely on ebay.
SLS does show one, in metal, but only the LH one. They do not post a price, just a "Contact us". They state it is for the early style lights. Might be worth an email.
Jonny B
1967 250SL Auto
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Sammy, where did you get the set of red tail lights on the 280sl you are selling this week on ebay?
Tom
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Jonny B,
several vendors selling the metal rear
in Germany. It`s not a hard to find item.
Same with the all red taillights. I posted
several pics in this thread.
Tom
www.pagode.info
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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
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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
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One set was just sold on ebay for $2005.00 [:0]
Gernold and Buds carry reproductions. I have the repros on my car which I got from Gernold.
1969 280sl 5 spd
Gainesville, Fl.
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quote:
Originally posted by Jonny B
Red lenses is one of the items I am always curious to keep an eye on. Well, I was plussed (this is beyong nonplussed) to see a set just sell on ebay for US$ 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".
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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
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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
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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)
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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
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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
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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.
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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