Under dash panels for 230SL RHD

[Merc_Girl]

Hi folks
Does anyone happen to have any templates for the under dash panels for a right hand drive 230SL, or perhaps knows who sells these in UK?

Happy to make myself but have nothing to work off

Many thanks

Katie

[mrfatboy]

The templates for the LHD are in the tech manual. Maybe you can start there and mirror them🤷‍♂️ Or at least make some tweaks to them.

[Garry]

Katie,


I am also in the same boat and need under dash covers as well..  I am not sure mirroring them works as the setup is not identical on either side.  Maybe if someone with a RHD has them out at the moment they can give all the measurements to try to reproduce.


Garry

[Merc_Girl]

Thanks ‘mrfatboy-slim’!!

Looked at the tech manual and only has the discussion on the panels. All the links and images no longer appear or seem to work

[mrfatboy]

Thanks ‘mrfatboy-slim’!!

Looked at the tech manual and only has the discussion on the panels. All the links and images no longer appear or seem to work

The links work just fine. I just tested them. What type of problem did you have? You should be able to download the 3 pdf files.

[JamesL]

I made mine but had the old ones to go from.

I bought the board material from SLS and backed it with a packaging foam using contact adhesive. Not a tough job (if I can do it) with the old ones

Did the panels change 230-280?

[Paul & Dolly]

Katie,

Have you now got your car to run properly ? I remember you were having problems a while ago.

These pictures may help your underpanel RHD search , I dimensioned my rather battered drivers panel a couple of years ago.

The picture of the set I think came from James L, he made some.

Keep well

Paul

[mrfatboy]

Those pictures look very close to the LHD panels but mirrored. I would suggest downloading the template PDF’s from the tech manual and cut the panels out of cardboard to start 

Try to fit them and make changes as needed. Once you are satisfied with the fit recut them with your finished material.

A good DYI weekend project that should not be to difficult if you are somewhat handy.

If you do go this route it would be great if you published any changes to the templates for future members 👍


Edit:

Like mentioned above I do remember that there all small changers between the 230 and 280 and at lest the center panel will have to be cut to fit to the 230 steering wheel(or visa versa on 280). The templates have a cut out mark for this change.

[JamesL]

If you’d like me to take mine out I can trace around them onto some paper for you to cut your own
Mine is a280 auto

[Pawel66]

I think there are differences between 230SL and 280SL.

I cannot bloody believe the SL Shop do not sell them RHD....

[Merc_Girl]

The links work just fine. I just tested them. What type of problem did you have? You should be able to download the 3 pdf files.

Sorry still can’t find, could you send me the link by any chance?

[Merc_Girl]

Katie,

Have you now got your car to run properly ? I remember you were having problems a while ago.

These pictures may help your underpanel RHD search , I dimensioned my rather battered drivers panel a couple of years ago.

The picture of the set I think came from James L, he made some.

Keep well

Paul

Thanks Paul

‘Bessy’ needs a new fuel injector pump so waiting for the workshop to have time to fit it!
Panel pictures helpful, I’ll try and create some cardboard templates before going for the real thing

SL SHop said not enough demand for these RHD under dashboard panels to spend time creating the templates and then finding someone to manufacture
Katie

[Merc_Girl]

If you’d like me to take mine out I can trace around them onto some paper for you to cut your own
Mine is a280 auto

James that’s so kind of you but don’t want you destroy your car just for me!

[JamesL]

Why is your Fuel Injection Pump being replaced ?

And if ido take the panels out, I’ll template a couple of times and see what I can do to help others - albeit for later cars/auto/rhd

[mrfatboy]

Sorry still can’t find, could you send me the link by any chance?

They are in the premium section. PM sent.

https://www.sl113.org/wiki/Restricted/UnderdashAndTrunkPanelTemplates

[Merc_Girl]

They are in the premium section. PM sent.

https://www.sl113.org/wiki/Restricted/UnderdashAndTrunkPanelTemplates

You’re a genius, thank you!! Didn’t know there was a ‘premium section’ 😁

[Garry]

James,


I would be interested in the drawings for the templates.  I am pretty certain this has come up before some years back that there are differences from left to right handed cars and it is not as simple as mirroring the LHD template otherwise some commercial company would have done them.

After 16,000 km driving around the states mine have pretty much broken up and some bits missing.

Garry

[JamesL]

Leave it with me

[Paul & Dolly]

James,

If you do generously remove them for template, I found them much easier to refit, after I notched the screw holes in the forward end of the panels. Its very dark and inaccessible down there, so I fitted the forward screws, and then could slide the
 notched panel in.

Keep well

Paul

[mrfatboy]

I would like to note when making the under dash panels that back side foam is NOT the same shape as the panel itself.

In certain places on each of the boards the foam sticks out beyond the perimeter. This was designed to make snug fits to outside walls and to seal gaps from the foot pedal controls. Also the foam does NOT cover the panel in all place. Specially where it attaches to the dash.

Most likely the extended foam on the original panels has deteriorated or broken off so it would be easy to miss when making new ones.

The original foam was a 10mm and greenish/grayish color. I believe you can still buy from a dealer or you can buy foam off ebay or such.

[mrfatboy]

I found some photos of a friends original manual 260 sl driver side panel to illustrate the back side foam. Similar for the other two panels in the applicable areas.

[John Betsch - "SADIE"]

Once again, a posting has got me thinking about another project.

 I see notes about suppliers of the "cardboard" for the panels which appear to be  in Europe.  Does anyone know of a US supplier of the "cardboard" where I can purchase supplies to remake mine (I have the beat-up ones for pattern.) Mine are a darker tan color

merci

jb

[mrfatboy]

Once again, a posting has got me thinking about another project.

 I see notes about suppliers of the "cardboard" for the panels which appear to be  in Europe.  Does anyone know of a US supplier of the "cardboard" where I can purchase supplies to remake mine (I have the beat-up ones for pattern.) Mine are a darker tan color

merci

jb

It will be interesting if anyone knows of one. I ended up covering the panels with matching MBtex to my seats. I was very happy with the results.

[JamesL]

Mine from SLS were a very thin fibreboard/ hardboard with a slight texture (like a leather grain) on one side, in black . But no foam.

[mrfatboy]

I saw these at PagodaFest. I thought they were good quality. The driver side and center panels would have to be cut to accommodate the type of steering column and manual/auto pedals.

 https://vintageeuroparts.com/index.php/new-under-dash-covering-early-pagoda.html

https://vintageeuroparts.com/index.php/new-under-dash-covering-late-style-pagoda.html

[Merc_Girl]

I saw these at PagodaFest. I thought they were good quality. The driver side and center panels would have to be cut to accommodate the type of steering column and manual/auto pedals.

 https://vintageeuroparts.com/index.php/new-under-dash-covering-early-pagoda.html

https://vintageeuroparts.com/index.php/new-under-dash-covering-late-style-pagoda.html

Thanks

Presume these are for a left hand drive? Might be able to use your useful templates and compare and alter accordingly 😁

[Merc_Girl]

Why is your Fuel Injection Pump being replaced ?

And if ido take the panels out, I’ll template a couple of times and see what I can do to help others - albeit for later cars/auto/rhd

Hi James
Injector pump can’t be adjusted any further and spark plugs coking up quickly, especially in traffic jams, which as you know, in the UK are pretty common.
Anyway, garage is paying for the replacement and fitting, so I’m happy 😁

[Merc_Girl]

I found some photos of a friends original manual 260 sl driver side panel to illustrate the back side foam. Similar for the other two panels in the applicable areas.

Very helpful, thanks. I’ll make sure I do that

Gary
Once I’ve investigated and created temples, I’ll be happy to add to the Tech manual and the ‘Premium’ section. You may have to wait a while though as this will probably be a ‘winter’ activity 😁

[mrfatboy]

Thanks

Presume these are for a left hand drive? Might be able to use your useful templates and compare and alter accordingly 😁

Yes. They are for LHD. I posted because you can see the how the foam overhangs in some places as well as recessed about 3/4” in others. You might be able to make out the texture in the pictures also for reference.

The templates posted in the premium section were made from my originals panels. They were also compared with a friend’s 250sl panels.

If you can’t find a textured panel you like I would cover them with matching leather or MB Tex. I have seen it done both ways.

[JamesL]

I lied
I bought the material for my panels from Jackson’s of Poole (their classics parts dept)
https://www.mercedes-benzofpoole.co.uk/content/dam/united-kingdom/retailer/retail-sandown/mercedes-benz-of-poole/Classic%20Car%20Parts/Mercedes-Benz%20113%20SL%20new.pdf.asset.ce7RgLUA1UZcTKzaTaXxo6wvXp_OJclNXJhzs_ZbR4E.attachment.pdf

Table 68/1 - 78
You’ll need to phone them

It’s a blanks panel to be cut. I’ll get templating today - I’ll do a paper set for Garry and also a set in card that I can use in future if needed (saves taking the panels out a second time)

[Dave H]

I bought the Embossed card material from a UK classic trim supplier called “Woolies “and made my own.
Google “ millboard trim panel “ and it will come up with many different suppliers of suitable material to use. £17.50 plus UK postage if I recall .

[JamesL]

Ok
Panels out. Drawn around them onto card
Panels back in the car

I’ll transfer these templates on to brown paper to send to Garry (pm/email me an address pls Garry)
MercGirl? You want a set?

These from a RHD 280 Auto

[Merc_Girl]

Ok
Panels out. Drawn around them onto card
Panels back in the car

I’ll transfer these templates on to brown paper to send to Garry (pm/email me an address pls Garry)
MercGirl? You want a set?

These from a RHD 280 Auto

Yes please James. I’ll P.M you 😁

[mrfatboy]

The passenger and center look identical but mirrored to the LHD versions. The center looks cut for the later steering column. If you notice that the center panel has a notch which is for automatics only. No need for it for manuals.  However, my 4 speed had the  notch in it. Mostly MB did it for one size fits all.


James,

Can you scan your templates and post or email  them to me ? I will add them to the tech manual. That way people can just download when needed and no need to mail.

You can have them scanned since the are big at a fedex office, ups store, or what ever is convenient in the UK. Should only cost a couple of pounds.

[mrfatboy]

I received the traced outlines of JamesL's RHD 280sl Auto underdash panels.  London to San Diego    Thanks James    I have attached the comparison photos below.

While they are very similar "mirrored" they are not exact. 

- The middle panel is almost exact with slight differences. The LHD panel could be used with some trimming.

- The passenger panel has the same basic shape as the LHD panel but shorter and the perimeter notches are in different places respectively. 

- The driver's panel is the most different.

The next time I get a chance I will have the RHD panels scanned at the UPS store and post in the Premium Section of the tech manual.

[mrfatboy]

more photos.

[Leester]

Very helpful posts on something I will be doing at some future point. I wonder if anyone could add the dimensions on the templates in the premium section. Many thanks to all who have done so much already.

Lee

[Garry]

All Full Members are able to add to the Technical Manual, and we rely on some doing so to expand our knowledge.


You can try it out by playing in the sand pit before going “live” with your input.


Garry
Membership Administrator

[JamesL]

Did your templates arrive Garry or is the post still slow

[Garry]

James,


The post is really slow at the moment so i am not expecting it to get here under at least a month and maybe two.


Got quoted up to three months for mail to USA or UK at the moment!!!  We have no international tourists flights other than repat Aussies ones coming in until further notice so not a lot of flights to get mail loaded on.


It will get here eventually.

[mrfatboy]

I went to Staples today and had JamesL's patterns scanned in full size.

Enjoy

https://www.sl113.org/wiki/Restricted/UnderdashAndTrunkPanelTemplates

[Merc_Girl]

Thanks everyone

That’s one of the ‘winter jobs’ when I can’t go out to play! 😁