Pagoda SL Group

W113 Pagoda SL Group => Body, interior, paint, chrome, and cosmetic items => Topic started by: 717-113 on February 11, 2008, 23:27:40

Title: Panels
Post by: 717-113 on February 11, 2008, 23:27:40
Hey
Any other companies besides K&K and BudsBenz you guys would recommend? How about buying dealer panels? Any pro's/con's of either? I'm looking to replace my floors. Any input you guys have on the two companies or any others would be appreciated. Thanks
Title: Re: Panels
Post by: hauser on February 11, 2008, 23:40:50
If I'm not mistaken K&K sells their parts to MB.

1969 280sl 5 spd
Gainesville, Fl.
Title: Re: Panels
Post by: waqas on February 12, 2008, 06:09:03
K&K has a terrific deal for the entire floor panel set. Also, our very own Dr. Benz is an authorized K&K dealer.

Waqas in Austin, Texas
Title: Re: Panels
Post by: 717-113 on February 12, 2008, 09:25:31
I'm probably just blind, But didnt see their entire floor panel set, where abouts can I find it? Thanks
Title: Re: Panels
Post by: rwmastel on February 12, 2008, 15:54:38
Did you look here?
http://www.kkmfg.com/catalog.php

Rodd
Pagoda Technical Manual
please contibute: http://www.sl113.org/wiki/pmwiki.php
1966 230SL
2006 C230 Sport Sedan
Title: Re: Panels
Post by: waqas on February 12, 2008, 16:23:27
Just looked and I can't seem to find it anymore. They had it running for many many months, but no more it seems. No harm in contacting them about it-- they might be willing to give you the same deal again (especially if you give the club reference).

Waqas in Austin, Texas
Title: Re: Panels
Post by: psmith on February 12, 2008, 19:47:37
I just bought floors from K&K and was very happy with them.  The parts look like a match and they were very nice when I called back because the fire wall piece didn't look right.  (Unlike the rest of the floors they mount from underneath  :oops: )

Pete S.
Title: Re: Panels
Post by: mdsalemi on February 13, 2008, 09:22:42
Dear 717-113

Exactly how many different vendors are you looking for?

I would imagine that only Mercedes themselves and K&K actually stamp out body and repair panels for a W113; so with the same sources you're chasing around what?

When one poses a quesion like "are there any xxx BESIDES" that  indicates to me an issue--like the parts don't exist or the vendors are uncooperative.  You won't find that with K&K or Bud's.  Bud's is a reseller; K&K is a manufacturer--yes they own the stamping presses.

You simply won't do any better on sheet metal than K&K.  The material they use is actually better than OEM; it's thicker gauge, and usually galvalume.

For what its worth: if you are American, you care about American manufacturing, or both--K&K's goods are mostly made in the USA.  They do have some complex parts made overseas but they make tooling and stampings right here in the USA, too.  I for one support this when I can.  All of the sheet metal used in my restoration came from K&K.  You can call them and talk to them if you have any questions, too.  They are pretty friendly.

Michael Salemi
1969 280SL
Signal Red 568G w/Black Leather (Restored)
President, International Stars Section
Mercedes-Benz Club of America
Title: Re: Panels
Post by: nick350 on February 13, 2008, 10:09:26
"for what its worth: if you are American, you care about American manufacturing, or both--K&K's goods are mostly made in the USA."

 I love you Americans. If only it were the case in Blighty (England) :?:  :?:
Title: Re: Panels
Post by: Richard Madison on February 13, 2008, 12:03:51
KK has been my prime source of parts for several years.

As to "Made in America", the operative word might be "mostly". I'm now waiting for KK to receive a piece of chrome molding coming in from Poland.

Richard M

Title: Re: Panels
Post by: mdsalemi on February 13, 2008, 15:09:06
quote:
Originally posted by nick350

"for what its worth: if you are American, you care about American manufacturing, or both--K&K's goods are mostly made in the USA."

 I love you Americans. If only it were the case in Blighty (England) :?:  :?:



Well, Nick, I assume that a good deal of UK manufacturing has gone to parts unknown like it has with USA manufacturing.  There's actually a growing anti-Chinese manufacturing movement afoot, and the "Made in USA" moniker is gaining some ground.  Given a choice I'd pay a premium for something keeping something made in the USA, and I hope you would do the same for "Made in England".

Michael Salemi
1969 280SL
Signal Red 568G w/Black Leather (Restored)
President, International Stars Section
Mercedes-Benz Club of America