Pagoda SL Group

W113 Pagoda SL Group => Body, interior, paint, chrome, and cosmetic items => Topic started by: dtuttle123 on November 19, 2007, 17:20:58

Title: Hardtop Chrome Strips - history?
Post by: dtuttle123 on November 19, 2007, 17:20:58
What's the history of the 2 chrome/aluminum strips on the top of the hardtop roof?  They look like they were standard from 1969 to 1971.  Were they optional before then?  Were they available in the 230/250's?  I've seen European 230/250's that had the strips.

Thanks, Doug

1967 250SL 4-Speed, Orient Red

Title: Re: Hardtop Chrome Strips - history?
Post by: don p on November 19, 2007, 17:51:30
I have a late model 250sl vn 4113 The hard top has the two strips.

Don Pemberton
1968 250SL
113.043-10-004113
190g Graphite gray                     Connecticut
Title: Re: Hardtop Chrome Strips - history?
Post by: Douglas on November 19, 2007, 18:40:49
They were optional throughout the production of the vehicles, but the late-model US-spec 280 SLs came "loaded" so they were usually on the cars.

They changed over the years from really nice chromed brass to aluminum towards the end of production. I think your '67 takes the former.

Finally, you should know that they're not purely decorative. They incorporate mounting points for the optional Orus ski rack and roof rack.

Douglas Kim
New York
USA
Title: Re: Hardtop Chrome Strips - history?
Post by: dtuttle123 on November 20, 2007, 03:38:10
Thanks Don & Douglas for the information!  Again I learn from the experts!  Have a great Thanksgiving!
Title: Re: Hardtop Chrome Strips - history?
Post by: dtuttle123 on November 24, 2007, 06:45:02
How were the 2 stips attached to the roof?  Was there a mechnical fastener, or adhestive?
Title: Re: Hardtop Chrome Strips - history?
Post by: hkollan on November 24, 2007, 17:49:44
Hi,
The early original ski-racks where made by Eckel, at least the 2 sets I have are. Well actually one is for the 107, with a slightly longer bar to accommodate the wider 107 HT moldings. The moldings are fastened mechanically. To remove or install the modlings the headliner will have to removed.

Hans
Title: Re: Hardtop Chrome Strips - history?
Post by: rmmchl on November 24, 2007, 19:32:55
does anyone know how to take off hardtop chrome strips for painting withut removing headliner------------i quess they screw in from inside
Title: Re: Hardtop Chrome Strips - history?
Post by: Chad on November 25, 2007, 15:00:57
quote:
Originally posted by rmmchl

does anyone know how to take off hardtop chrome strips for painting withut removing headliner------------i quess they screw in from inside


I do think it involves removing the headliner - this becomes a big job that can involve the side windows/etc.  I would mask/tape the strips and chrome and hope for the best. I have no interest in this work myself after reading Gernold's article about the effort required.  I have plans to dye/paint the stains out of my headliner someday and hope that works sufficient enough to leave the headliner on another twenty years.


Do you always have the hardtop fitted?  It's a calculation of benefit vs. effort needed to do it.




1967 230SL