Pagoda SL Group

W113 Pagoda SL Group => General Discussion => Topic started by: 230SL on August 26, 2025, 13:11:54

Title: Door Card replacement- Advice gratefully received!
Post by: 230SL on August 26, 2025, 13:11:54

Hi there

I'm after a bit of advice with changing the door cards on my 1964 230 SL. The original one (particularly drivers side) has pulled away from door as the bottom corner has rotted, so won't grip on the chrome edging.
I decided to but new ones which are only available in Tobacco which I assumed was my colour. It would appear that the new ones don't match close enough so, I have a decision to make. Do I use the new backing board and cover with my old covering (possibly Cognac), or repair my old ones which are pretty bad and rippled. The colour may be correct , but when compared to the rest of the interior, which has faded, its too bad a match for me..

Thanks in advance

Title: Re: Door Card replacement- Advice gratefully received!
Post by: rwmastel on August 26, 2025, 14:12:35

Regarding your original color:
- the color code can be found on your data card.
- Even if you know your color code & name, it doesn't mean that the materials in your car are original.  Maybe replaced decades ago with some similar color (best attempt).
- Even if you still have original materials, they will be damaged by age, sun, water, etc.  New materials will not match other old materials.

Title: Re: Door Card replacement- Advice gratefully received!
Post by: Leester on August 26, 2025, 14:45:47

Not sure if the new parts you have are returnable or not. If you can return them and if you believe your old Tex or leather is in good enough shape, one option would be to buy new raw door cards with no covering on them and swap over the covering to the new raw door cards. There are most likely a number of vendors for the raw door cards but one is Niemollers:  https://www.niemoeller.de/en/w113/w113/B042/720/d72483a-set-of-door-panels-raw-w113-2-pieces-early-version-until-1967.  They say the door cards are not in stock but available to order.

You can compare the re-done door cards with the new ones and install the ones you like the best. If that turns out to be the raw door cards with the old covering you may be able to return the new ones.

Don't forget to reinstall visqueen or plastic between the door cards and the door structure.

Title: Re: Door Card replacement- Advice gratefully received!
Post by: badali on August 26, 2025, 15:33:39

A good upholstery shop can redye all materials to match.  You could have them try to match the existing or do everything for a fresh look.

Title: Re: Door Card replacement- Advice gratefully received!
Post by: wwheeler on August 26, 2025, 15:34:15

I would also advise to spend time to test fit the new card before finalizing. Make sure the holes all line up.

Title: Re: Door Card replacement- Advice gratefully received!
Post by: 230SL on August 26, 2025, 20:24:08

Thanks everyone-some good options I hadn't considered.