Recent Posts

21

Body, interior, paint, chrome, and cosmetic items / Re: Installation of leather on soft top lid

« Last post by Bobe on Today at 13:32:00 »

Hi Ireppond,

Useful feedback. Did your guy also use water in addition to the heatgun to soften the leather in place ?

22

General Discussion / Re: Has Alpina been hacked ?

« Last post by mrjturnbull on Today at 12:08:53 »

Hi Chaps,
I have know idea what was posted. whatever it was it had nothing to do with me. I have deleted the links that had appeared in my profile and have changed my
password to the account. is there anything else i should do ?
best regards
DM

You'll want to change the password on any other sites that use the same username (or email) & password combination. Probably also see if you can do a virus scan the devices that you use, or update the software version if its for mobile.

23

General Discussion / Re: Three point authomatic Seat belt

« Last post by mdsalemi on Today at 10:37:54 »

…The problem is, there is no room for the reel in a W113.
There was a service bulletin from MB to install retractable belts which involved cutting into the B-pillar behind the doors. Quite elaborate. Some owners have installed the reel under the boards in the cavity behind the seats. Concern is the movement of the belt from out there. I have been looking into this issue for 20 years and still do not have seat belts in my car.

When my car was restored in 1999-2000, I provided the technical service bulletin from Mercedes-Benz North America to the restorer. He bought the parts from MB and did the work without any issues. The bulletin is from May 1989. The seat belt kit was from a sedan and carried part number 114 860 23 85. Some other parts are required as noted in the instructions.

The reels are hidden and they look and perform as if they were designed that way from the start.

From a driver and passenger POV, perfect function. Zero complaints.

24

General Discussion / Re: Three point authomatic Seat belt

« Last post by JamesL on Today at 07:33:40 »

Have a chat with FDTS - http://fdts-seatbelts.co.uk/Services.htm
They have the equipment and can make belts in most colours. They know the cars (did belts for mine and others).

I seem to recall seeing the "outer" reel mounts (the inners are on the transmission tunnel) can be in slightly different locations and there is/was a fitting kit

https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=14833.msg101821#msg101821

25

Body, interior, paint, chrome, and cosmetic items / Re: Installation of leather on soft top lid

« Last post by lreppond on Today at 01:08:03 »

I’m a real klutz and wouldn’t even try doing this.  My hat is off to you. 

I watched and assisted my upholstery guy when doing this job.  He started at one end on the inside edge and worked around.  Before doing the inside corners, he used a heat gun to soften the leather and make it easier to stretch.  He had a spray glue gun that he used to apply glue to the leather as worked toward to opposite side.  Once finished with the inside edge, he repeated the process on the outer edge.  He used the heat gun again on the curved area and went over the leather with his hands repeatedly to smooth it out and keep it taut. As the leather cooled it seemed to mold in place right before my eyes. 

Don’t know if this will help you or not.  I’d certainly advise you to practice on scraps to learn how much heat to apply. 

26

General Discussion / Re: Three point authomatic Seat belt

« Last post by rwmastel on Today at 00:58:40 »

Cees,

Did you put your retractable reel forward of the cross member, near the seat?  Or, did you hide it under the parcel shelf?

27

General Discussion / Re: Three point authomatic Seat belt

« Last post by Cees Klumper on September 16, 2025, 23:59:13 »

I installed 3 point automatic belts in my 280 SL without cutting into the B-pillar. The belt moves freely - not as perfectly as in a modern car, you have to take some care, but it's quite ok. Automatic belts are really a major comfort improvement.

28

General Discussion / Re: Three point authomatic Seat belt

« Last post by rwmastel on September 16, 2025, 23:27:47 »

Hi Mike.  That's all in the link I gave the OP.

He may have to shop around a while to get the specific color belt material, or maybe get it custom dyed.

29

General Discussion / Re: Three point authomatic Seat belt

« Last post by MikeSimon on September 16, 2025, 20:46:18 »

The OP is looking for instructions to install RETRACTABLE 3-point seat belts. The 3-point standard seat belt installation instruction is no help. The problem is, there is no room for the reel in a W113.
There was a service bulletin from MB to install retractable belts which involved cutting into the B-pillar behind the doors. Quite elaborate. Some owners have installed the reel under the boards in the cavity behind the seats. Concern is the movement of the belt from out there. I have been looking into this issue for 20 years and still do not have seat belts in my car.

30

Items for Sale / Re: 1966 230SL Parts Car

« Last post by bconley759 on September 16, 2025, 18:54:39 »

still interested in the glass, contact me bconley759@yahoo.com