Pagoda SL Group

W113 Pagoda SL Group => Body, interior, paint, chrome, and cosmetic items => Topic started by: brettgregor on May 31, 2023, 01:42:30

Title: Replacement rubber for bumper guards is wrong size
Post by: brettgregor on May 31, 2023, 01:42:30

As we all do, I buy parts (original and reproduction) from the very respected available vendors we have access to.

I purchased a set of four rubber pieces for the front and rear bumper guards on my 1968 280SL, some time in the middle of 2021.  I'm only just now needing them (got my bumpers fixed and rechromed).

My current rubber pieces have gone very dry and brittle, so need new ones.

However, the new rubber pieces just aren't the correct size.  The arch isn't long enough, and the arch is too thick, and the insert grommets are slughtly a different shape.  They just dont sit properly...really at all...in the bumper guards Ive got.

Anyone else run in to this?

I have done extensive research over the past few days, looking for other rubber guards.  And where I can find them, I've done the photo-versus-photo comparisons.

What I'm thinking of doing is taking a rubber bumper I already have, and sending it to a 3D rubber printing firm:  they'll 3D scan it, and then 3D print new rubber pieces (black color, and an appropriate type of TPU).  I would be willing then to share that information with everyone here.  I'll pay for the scanning, so anyone else can just order a part if they want.

However, I'm asking you all first if you've run in to this problem too.  It's completely possible it's my guards and rubber, and you all are just fine.

Thanks for any feedback.

Title: Re: Replacement rubber for bumper guards is wrong size
Post by: mdsalemi on May 31, 2023, 11:20:13

Can you post photos of your dilemma?

Title: Re: Replacement rubber for bumper guards is wrong size
Post by: rwmastel on May 31, 2023, 16:54:06

Nice initial post, Brett.  Welcome to the Group and don't forget to introduce yourself & your car(s), pics are always welcome!

Title: Re: Replacement rubber for bumper guards is wrong size
Post by: brettgregor on May 31, 2023, 21:30:16

So, in this photo, on the left is the "original" (has been on the car for well over 25 years, when my family bought the car).

On the right is a 3rd-party replacement.

Notice that the original has:
:  a longer top arch portion
:  a deeper curve in the arch
:  is thinner (you cant really see that in this photo)
:  the protruding grommets are of a different shape also

The new one just wnt fit correctly.

So, I wonder if my bumper guards themselves are not standard, and I have a non standard rubber guard on them, all this time.

Or, has anyone else run in to the problem of rubber guards not fitting properly.

(I have had *all* the chromework on my car...including the bumpers and guards...all removed and repaired and rechromed...so Im not going to go buy new bumper guards).

Title: Re: Replacement rubber for bumper guards is wrong size
Post by: brettgregor on May 31, 2023, 21:40:39

Thanks !

Photos and signature updated appropriately