Side reflectors, for the concourse judges

[69280sl]

If my car is a guide, the reflectors on 1968 and earlier cars are different from the 1969 and newer, although I frequently see the lenses from the newer cars used on the older. The external difference is the screw at the back of the newer frame. Internally, the gasket is different as is the arrangement of the mounting studs.

Pictures too large will try again later.

Gus

[49er]

Hello Gus,
 Here are a couple of pictures from my '69 SL. No external fastener and non illuminated, just reflectors. Build date was June '68 but sold as an early '69 model.

John

[pagoden]

I've taken to calling mine a 1968/1969 since some of our more knowledgeable members consider it to be a bit of both.  May apply to yours as well.  Mine has the early style reflectors with no mounting screw visible.  The car came off the line and was picked up at the factory in mid-August, 1968, then registered stateside in November as a '69.  Also has the old large diameter cloth-covered brake booster vacuum hose with water trap, headrests, old-style non-Kangol gray 3-point seat belts and vin info on the B pillar. 

I've was told that the visible-screw reflectors were sedan parts.  That isn't mutually exclusive with both styles being on our cars but seemed to be the implication.

Denny

 

[wwheeler]

If it helps, my W111 coupe has the side markers (non illuminated) with the external screw.

[66andBlue]

The change to the illuminated side markers started on Jul. 31, 1969 with VIN 011948 (plus 011784, 011830, 011899,
011903, 011912-011916, 011918, 011920, 011921, 011930-011933, 011941-011945) when lots of other changes were made. For example, locked ignition key in position 1, gas tank evaporation, 55 Amp alternator, etc.
During the repainting of my 280SL we took the non-illuminated side markers off and it was then that I noticed that one had a mounting screw and the others did not. I asked Dave Gallon about this and he mentioned that the early versions without the screw had 110 826 XX 41 numbers that were replaced sometimes in late 1968 with the non-illuminated 000 826 XX 41 series with the screw. All illuminated versions do have the screw.

[Jonny B]

I just checked the marker lights on my 1970, VIN ending with 12730. The lights have a single external mounting screw (regular style, not Phillips) - front lights have the screw at the front of the light, the back lights have the screw on the back of the marker light.

[ashley]

I ordered 4 new side marker reflectors from MB for my 69 sl last year as part of the cosmetic restoration I did, and was upset to see that the treaded studs were not in the same place as the old ones so they did not match up with the existing holes in the body. I called the Classic Center and they were aware of the issue, but had no other options. I tried to use the back part of the old ones and the chrome and plastic from the new but to no avail. I couldn't bear to drill new holes in the body so I lopped off the studs and glued the markers on with windshield adhesive, very effective stuff, and they look fine but not my proudest moment, but didn't know what else to do, I even considered glueing the nuts on the inside of the panels for authenticity......No one would ever know, till now.....

[KevinC]

I am reviving this thread with a question... I recently bought a 280SL produced in July 1968 needing paint work. It has NO side markers in place...just holes. From previous discussion, it looks like I should have a metal base, rubber seal/gasket and the reflector covers to complete the job? 

[49er]

I am reviving this thread with a question... I recently bought a 280SL produced in July 1968 needing paint work. It has NO side markers in place...just holes. From previous discussion, it looks like I should have a metal base, rubber seal/gasket and the reflector covers to complete the job? 

That would be correct, non illuminated reflectors only. Curious as to what the last 6 digits of your VIN might be. Our cars might be cousins:-)

John

[KevinC]

003896. Only 76 apart. Now to just "find" the metal bases. I have one only!

[KevinC]

Does this base look to be correct? Doesn't have a typical MB number.

[49er]

 As luck would have it, I am detailing my car and took the reflectors off. Here is a picture of mine.

John

[KevinC]

Very good John. Thanks. No metal plate at all then?

[66andBlue]

Kevin,
that is correct, no metal plate. Your car should have the same reflectors as John's, that is, not illuminated and no screw in the frame for disassembly.
I took them off during the restoration because only one red one was correct, the other was the later replacement marker with the screw.
Notice that the latter has a different hole spacing and the rubber/plastic gasket covers the whole piece whereas the the gasket on the other is only near the frame. Also note the channel in the middle of bottom stripe to let water out.
The early ones are NLA and very rare because the threaded studs are embedded in a cavity so that they can swivel a bit horizontally. A little bit of corrosion and too much force to get the screw off will brake the housing around the stud!

[49er]

To add to Alfred's comments here is a picture of the lens with the metal ring removed. It is pressed into a groove in the rubber base. I used a bit of weatherstrip cement to make sure it just dosen't pop off.

John

[KevinC]

Thanks guys...VERY helpful!

[wwheeler]

This is very illluminating

My '68 W111 had the later reflectors installed when I bought the car. I did notice an extra set of holes and assumed they were from a different lens. It was from the early lens! Someone drilled new holes for the new lens screw pattern. It also had the alignment hole for the early lens. 

The later lenses from MB also have a rubber alignment post but it doesn't fit the early alignment hole and I have to cut it off. Looks like the new lens in Alfred's picture may have been cut off as well.

[Bob G]

Sounds like another part we  need to petition Mercedes to remanufacture for us?
Bob Geco