Glove box fork and spring mechanism

[Hath]

I was playing with the fork and spring mechanism that holds the glove box closed when the spring launched one of the forks into the desert (Arizona).  I've been searching but no luck.  Anyone know where to find replacements?

[graphic66]

I found some in the local hardware.They have a display full of springs.I found one I had to cut to length, but it worked.

[Jonny B]

The spring is relatively easy, as already stated, the local hardware store can usually come up with something that will work nicely. The small forks are a different story. I have seem them on e-bay (as a set - two forks and a spring) but not very often. Did you check Gernold at SL Tech?? He usually can come up with some of the more rare parts. Will Samples in Texas (don't have his contact infor however) might also have one.

[graphic66]

OK I am off to my reading comprehension course, sorry I thought you lost a spring. How about a metal detector.

[benzportland]

Bud's Benz (and I think several others) has the entire 3 piece kit for $28.00. 

[Hath]

Thanks to all.  Metal detector is a good idea.

[mait]

How original do you want your SL to be? You have one fork left that can be used as a pattern. Make another if you have the materials and tools.

[J. Huber]

While on the topic. How difficult (if even possible) would it be to reattach the metal "arm" back onto the box? Mine has been missing forever -- so I either lock the door or have it open.

[scoot]

The forks and spring are available from the Classic Center.

[Hath]

About 4 hours with a piece of aluminum and a dremel and I made the fork I needed.  Thanks for all the advice.

[pagode.info]

The fork has the Mercedes-Benz part # 186 689 00 33
(available at any Merc dealer)

TOM

[66andBlue]

The spring that is currently sold by M-B is rather weak and tends to bend in the middle compromising the function of the opening and closing mechanism. While the door can still be opened and closed there is very little pull. First photo shows how this spring and the forks are supposed to work.
Mine gave up again today (3rd in 5 years) and I looked for a better solution rather then shelling out $15 again. Went to my favorite hardware store and found a brass tube by K&S with an OD of 7/16" (=11.1 mm) and an ID of 10.4 mm for $3.50. The spring fits perfectly into this tube.  I cut of a 49 mm long piece with a tube cutter which left a small inward bending rim. Put the spring in from one side,  then the forks and attached it to the box (2nd photo).  No more kinking!
I have enough tubing left to for 3 pieces , so drop a PM if you want one.
The tubing can also be bought here: http://www.hobbylinc.com/htm/k+s/k+s5137.htm

[Peter van Es]

Since I have a limp spring also (need to lock the glove box) you might bring me a tube at the European Event. Clever solution.  Does it never move to the wrong end so that the door cannot be moved anymore?

Peter

[Naj ✝︎]

I have enough tubing left to for 3 pieces , so drop a PM if you want one.

Free fitting included at Euro event?   

naj

[gzmavian]

Hello to all concerned and perhaps confused members ( I'm apparently the confused member).  I have ordered the forks and spring from Dave Gallon and struggled to make the glovebox  door work correctly.  Based on the side view pictures, am I correct in presuming that the spring and forks should not have an angle and should function in straight alignment?  If this is the case, it explains the malfunction of my glove box door.  Thanks

[Benz Dr.]

Since I have a limp spring also (need to lock the glove box) you might bring me a tube at the European Event.


Peter

 They make a blue pill for this sort of problem Peter................

[tel76]

How do you know its blue, Doc?

[mbzse]

How do you know its blue, Doc?

Well, after all, he is a doctor isn't he...     True, a Mercedes doctor, but... they know pills...

BTW, the tube around the springs, it can be plastic, that works as well...

Also, I refer to this posting mentioning the glove box and its parts:
http://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=12912.0
/Hans in Sweden
.

[Atazman]

Posting this information has been a wealth of information.  Years ago, my arm broke loose from the door and "everything" went everywhere.  I had no idea what "everything" was supposed to be until I saw the pictures posted earlier. 

I had saved the parts I could find, and now I know I'm missing only one of the little forks.  I have the other as a pattern so will make a duplicate.  Not sure yet how I will attach the arm to the door, but likely will be a dab of mig weld. 

Thanks for posting the information and pictures.

[gzmavian]

Well I visited my local hardware store to investigate the metal tube to use on the glovebox spring and forks.  I discovered that a rain gutter nail sleeve that fits around the long gutter nail works perfectly.  It is the correct inside diameter and is six inches long and, best of all,  costs 13 cents.  Who needs a little blue pill with a stiff six inch tube?

[66andBlue]

... Does it never move to the wrong end so that the door cannot be moved anymore? ...

Peter,
that is why I used the tube cutter since it creates a restriction that prevents the tube from moving down. Might help to crimp it even a bit more.

zav,
thanks for finding this cheap "generic" ... and you don't need to color it blue.      
But make sure that you crimp the top. If the tube slides down and wedges between the arm and the box you may be in for trouble.

[66andBlue]

....  Not sure yet how I will attach the arm to the door, but likely will be a dab of mig weld.  ...

Atazman,
here are some dimensions that might be useful for your welding job. Just make sure you do not change the convex contour of the door somehow.

[Atazman]

I lucked out.  Without having your measurements, 66andblue, I went ahead and tack welded the arm to the door. Just "sized" things up to make sure the door would open all the way, and close without the arm binding up. Then..... tack welded in three spots around the arm, with cooling time in between tacks.  Also, I had a wet rag against the front of my door to keep the heat from melting my paint.   

Fabricating a new fork to replace my missing fork was easy.  I had scrap metal that measured within 0.001" of the thickness of the original fork.

And my luck continued........ I had a section of copper tubing that appeared to be close in size.  Stuffed the spring inside the tubing and it was a great fit.  Cut the tubing to just under 2", greased up the spring and forks, assembled everything inside the copper tube............and I'm back in business.

Thank to all..............

[66andBlue]

Well done!
Do you accept orders? 

[Peter van Es]

Excellent stuff (esp the pictures) for the Technical Manual!