Author Topic: Rocker panel fixings  (Read 2941 times)

silver surfer

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Rocker panel fixings
« on: March 28, 2019, 18:35:08 »
Can someone please tell me definitively how the rocker panels were originally attached to a 280SL?

I am sure my original car had  6 screws along the recess in the middle and was riveted at the top and bottom. I don't think they had ever been off the car until I started restoring it many years ago and I am now in the process of refitting them.

I see you can buy the rocker screws from SLS which appear to show they were fully screwed on so any clarification would be much appreciated.

Many thanks

ja17

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Re: Rocker panel fixings
« Reply #1 on: March 28, 2019, 20:31:33 »
The attachment screws for the rocker panels are visible in the reveals in front and back. There also are some screws visible on the returns in the front wheel well and rear. In addition you will see some attaching the rockers along the bottom edge under the car. Lastly there are some not visible which are under the rubber threshold matt on the door seals. You will need to remove the rubber matt to access these. They should all be phillips screws and can be a challenge to remove if rusted. Tap them with a flat drift and hammer to loosen the rust before attempting removal.
Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio
1969 Dark Olive 280SL
2002 ML55 AMG (tow vehicle)
2002 SLK32 AMG (350 hp)
1982 300TD Wagon turbo 4spd.
1963 404 Mercedes Unimog (Swedish Army)
1989 flu419 Mercedes Unimog (US Army)
1998 E430
1974 450SLC Rally
1965 220SE Finback

johnk

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Re: Rocker panel fixings
« Reply #2 on: March 30, 2019, 17:21:49 »
Afew of my screws were very difficult to remove. Nothing worked until I took a dremel and cut a small slit accross the top so I could remove them with a regular screw driver. of course be careful not to ruin any trim they may be holding in place when you cut the slits.
John Krystowski
Avon Ohio
1968 Euro 280sl under restoration
2016 Jag F-Type R sold june 2021
1950 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 SS For sale
2008 E350
2007 GL 450
2019 BMW 540

ja17

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Re: Rocker panel fixings
« Reply #3 on: March 31, 2019, 03:05:28 »
John, I use that trick also when all else fails.
Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio
1969 Dark Olive 280SL
2002 ML55 AMG (tow vehicle)
2002 SLK32 AMG (350 hp)
1982 300TD Wagon turbo 4spd.
1963 404 Mercedes Unimog (Swedish Army)
1989 flu419 Mercedes Unimog (US Army)
1998 E430
1974 450SLC Rally
1965 220SE Finback

Pinder

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Re: Rocker panel fixings
« Reply #4 on: April 14, 2019, 22:50:12 »
If anyone is interested I was able to get material that looks identical to the matt covering the door sill / rocker panel from online. I plan to cut it for both of my cars. its in the $35 range. for  a 4 fee t by 3 feet section. I think this is also the same material used in part o the trunk.
1970 280 SL Light Ivory DB 670. 4 Speed manual shift no AC Limited Slip Diff.

mrfatboy

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Re: Rocker panel fixings
« Reply #5 on: April 14, 2019, 22:57:52 »
Picture?
1969 280sl (Aug 1968 build)
Signal Red
4 Speed

ejboyd5

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Re: Rocker panel fixings
« Reply #6 on: April 14, 2019, 23:32:37 »
If anyone is interested I was able to get material that looks identical to the mat covering the door sill / rocker panel from online. I plan to cut it for both of my cars. its in the $35 range. for a 4 feet by 3 feet section. I think this is also the same material used in part of the trunk.
Why not share the source for this material with the rest of us?

Pinder

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Re: Rocker panel fixings
« Reply #7 on: August 14, 2019, 01:59:40 »
you can get it from Amazon

here is the link.  Get it in 3 feet x 4 feet lenght. it will be 4 feet long with the lines running along it.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004N2AIV2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
1970 280 SL Light Ivory DB 670. 4 Speed manual shift no AC Limited Slip Diff.

Tyler S

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Re: Rocker panel fixings
« Reply #8 on: September 03, 2019, 00:17:36 »
I had bought this a while back with the same idea. Unfortunately the 250sl is Dark Grey or Anthracite.
1968 (67) 250sl. 4 speed manual. DB180 Silver
1955 220 Cabriolet A. White Grey
2019 E450 Wagon. Majestic Blue
1936 Ford PU Flathead V8. Creme on tan interior.
1989 Volkswagen T3 Westfailia Campmobile. Dove Grey (blue)