Pagoda SL Group
W113 Pagoda SL Group => General Discussion => Topic started by: merrill on March 13, 2005, 10:46:27
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On the sdie of my 66' 230 sl I have 2 rows of chrome strips that run the length of the car. the upper set has a rubber insert that has shrunk in length.
Is this rubbber part replaceable or should I just replace the entire part?
K&K has all 3 pcs (front, door, rear) for about $100 per side.
thx
matt
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Rubber is easily replaceable. Check Miller's or any other standard supplier. Often listed on eBay in lengths to do the whole car, both sides.
Rick
Dallas TX
1967 250SL, 4-speed
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Matt -- I'm glad you brought up the shrinking problem with rubber inserts. I've had the same trouble. Probably most of us have. IMHO it just starts to look silly once that linear shrinkage sets in.
Rick is quite correct, though, that it's very simple & easy to replace. But who wants something that shrinks like this?
Does anyone know of a supplier who sells insert material that doesn't shrink?? I've purchased it (in roll form) from my local M-B dealer (twice), and from Miller's and had the same problem each time. I go through that rubber insert material faster than tires.
Tom in Boise
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If you glue a few inches of each end, they will stay the proper length.
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Hi Merrill,
If you compress it as you put it in it should stay put, especially if glued, as AD said. I it's stretched when it goes it it will inevitably shrink back.
DaveB
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quote:
Originally posted by DaveB
Hi Merrill,
If you compress it as you put it in it should stay put, especially if glued, as AD said. I it's stretched when it goes it it will inevitably shrink back.
DaveB
True.. they get stretched when one pulls them in, rather than pushing them in...
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I cut the rubber as long as I think I can squeeze into the chrome piece. I start each end first, then do the center, then the quarter and three quarter areas, and then work in the the remaining sections until the whole strip is installed. I find that a bench grinder is useful to bevel the ends of the rubber like the originals.
Good Luck
Iverson
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If the rubber has been cut to the same
length it will shrink too short. I use
to cut it a bit longer and worm it in
hot water. It will fit although it`s
too long. After a few weeks it shrinks
to the correct length.
Additional Info:
MB Part No: 001 987 2125 - available at
any Merc dealer. Surprising cheap item.
Tom
www.pagode.info
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This rubber insert is a separate part, not included with new chrome. Part # 001-987-21-25 and suggested retail is $12.00 per meter. Any MB dealer can supply it.
Tom Hanson in CA
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I don't get it. If this rubber material shrinks so much after a couple of weeks of being installed into the chrome trim pieces, what's up with that; what's actually causing the shrinkage? If this rubber is so given to shrinkage then why doesn't it shrink while rolled up and setting for long periods on the storage shelves of MB dealers? Why would it shrink only after being installed on the car?
I'm guessing it doesn't truly shrink so much, but instead slowly returns to it original length after having been unknowlingly stressed/tugged/pulled during installation.
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Related issue. Hard to explain. Does anyone know where to get the screws that reside behind this incredible shrinking rubber? My problem is, a few key holes that held the trim no longer hold the screw. I have tried using other screws (larger) but the heads make the rubber protrude out. The originals I believe were flat head with a small taper. I am wondering if I could use a plastic anchor w/the originals?
PS Merrill, I think your quote for 100 a side may be in error. I think the chrome trim is expensive. Rubber is cheap though.
James
63 230SL
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James, not a perfect repair on worn out
key holes, but I was succesful using the
original small srews with very small dowels
on front and rear fenders.
TR, sounds like You pulled the rubber
a bit during installation. This may
be the reason why it seem to shrink
so much.
Tom
www.pagode.info
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Tom -- That's the only thing (unintentional pulling) that makes much sense to me. I mean that rubber doesn't know where it is, so why should it decided to so noticeably shrink only after it's actually installed on the car?
Other possibilities might include exposure to direct sunlight (of which my car gets little), significant temperature swings, etc. However, environmental exposure seems a bit doubtful in terms of being the cause of the significant shrinkage I've noticed.
Oh well, we'll just try it again and see what happens.
Tom in Boise
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If the holes are stripped out you can use a speed clip on the inside of the door skin. A proper fix would involve welding the hole shut and the drilling out a smaller hole. This is something you do while painting the car......
Daniel G Caron
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Thanks Dan -- I thought about that (the speed clip not the paint job! although that would be nice too...) Now I cannot remember -- with the door panel off can I get to the back of the screws to put the speed clips on?
James
63 230SL
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I have seen many that have been fixed by drilling a 1/8" hole next to the original and using flush, aluminum pop rivets.........
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Yes, JH,
You can get to the screw threads with the panels off. Will need another body to help though!
Mine have been drilled to 4.2mm so I guess I'm stuck with pop rivets!
I did manage to find some with a counter-sunk head. Not fitted yet! :oops:
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