Author Topic: Nylon Bushes on the heater sliding track  (Read 2754 times)

col320ce

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Nylon Bushes on the heater sliding track
« on: April 11, 2020, 09:36:46 »
The heater selector levers move in a track with a nylon bushing. I'm missing one and can't find a part number or anything. Are the still available?
Thanks for any help
Col

1964 230SL
1965 250SE coupe
1993 320CE Sportline

Aaron h

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Re: Nylon Bushes on the heater sliding track
« Reply #1 on: April 11, 2020, 12:18:36 »
The heater selector levers move in a chrome plated bezel that sits atop the wood.  The levers themselves push into a metal holder that is part of the slide assembly.  What exactly are you referring to? 

col320ce

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Re: Nylon Bushes on the heater sliding track
« Reply #2 on: April 11, 2020, 12:48:17 »
Hi Aaron
It's the 250SE... Sorry for the bad picture but I had it out and put it in again without taking a picture so I looted this off the net. The red arrow points to where there is a track with a nylon spacer. You can't see it as it's hidden in the picture.
Col

1964 230SL
1965 250SE coupe
1993 320CE Sportline

col320ce

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Re: Nylon Bushes on the heater sliding track
« Reply #3 on: April 11, 2020, 12:59:11 »
Ok ... I've gone out to get some photos ... hope you appreciate them as the cars rather hard to get to as  you can see  ;)
I've pushed it out of its track so you can see the nylon spacer in various positions.
Thanks again
Col

1964 230SL
1965 250SE coupe
1993 320CE Sportline

Aaron h

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Re: Nylon Bushes on the heater sliding track
« Reply #4 on: April 11, 2020, 13:51:06 »
In all of my years I've never seen one of those go missing or break.  I guess there's a first time for everything.  There are no part numbers, as they were only available with the whole lever assembly.  You'll have to seek out a used one.  Even then you'll likely have to buy a whole used unit just to get the nylon roller. 

col320ce

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Re: Nylon Bushes on the heater sliding track
« Reply #5 on: April 11, 2020, 13:57:27 »
I'm hoping to find a generic replacement part... Watch this space...
Col

1964 230SL
1965 250SE coupe
1993 320CE Sportline

col320ce

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Re: Nylon Bushes on the heater sliding track
« Reply #6 on: April 13, 2020, 00:20:43 »
So far I'm struggling to find a replacement but I'll post back once I find something usable.
Here are some photos for future reference.
Measurements are approximate as I can't find my calipers
OD 10.5mm
hole 4mm
thickness 5mm
Col

1964 230SL
1965 250SE coupe
1993 320CE Sportline

wwheeler

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Re: Nylon Bushes on the heater sliding track
« Reply #7 on: April 13, 2020, 02:35:48 »
I remember those when I overhauled the heater lever assembly. They will fall out during installation, but once they are in they should stay. Sounds like one fell out and they didn't notice. As long as you have one good one, you can duplicate it using a number of different methods. Machine shop, 3D printing or even possibly a shop that sells seals. They have machines that can machine rubber and plastic parts quite accurately.

You can also cast a part using RTV urethane systems.  https://www.smooth-on.com/

You probably won't find these parts available or on E Bay.
Wallace
Texas
'68 280SE W111 coupe
'60 220SE W128 coupe
'70 Plymouth Roadrunner 440+6

col320ce

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Re: Nylon Bushes on the heater sliding track
« Reply #8 on: April 17, 2020, 12:11:42 »
I have bought some acetyl rod that's 10mm diam.  I'm hoping to fashion a bush out of this ... will post back when  I've done it.  A supplier has also gotten back to me and has ones that are a little smaller than spec but will possibly work.  I'll use them as my back up plan.
Col

1964 230SL
1965 250SE coupe
1993 320CE Sportline