Author Topic: Trunk closure  (Read 1864 times)

ronaldwardmd

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Trunk closure
« on: March 03, 2022, 08:01:43 »
My 280SL's trunk lid was pried open with a crowbar. Repairs done. All parts replaced with OEM. However trunk lid does not close completely. About 1/2 to 5/8 inch open when latch engaged. Lock works fine. All my efforts to get it to close completely have failed. Problem with the lid mounts? Any ideas? What am I missing?
Ronald Ward MD

Kevkeller

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Re: Trunk closure
« Reply #1 on: March 03, 2022, 08:06:18 »
Can you include some pictures including the locking mechanism?
1970 280 SL

mdsalemi

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Re: Trunk closure
« Reply #2 on: March 03, 2022, 17:44:56 »
My 280SL's trunk lid was pried open with a crowbar. Repairs done.

I guess that means your stolen car from the driveway as reported in November, has been found but damaged?
Michael Salemi
Davidson, North Carolina (Charlotte Area) USA
1969 280SL (USA-Spec)
Signal Red 568G w/Black Leather (Restored)
2023 Ford Maverick Lariat Hybrid "Area 51"
2022 Ford Escape Hybrid
2023 Ford Escape Hybrid

mclewis

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Re: Trunk closure
« Reply #3 on: March 04, 2022, 00:16:29 »
The MB trunk rubber seal can be stiff when new. It took several months for mine to settle in before the trunk lid closed properly and stayed closed.
Marc Lewis
1968 280SL 728H/728H, 248, 746
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66andBlue

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Re: Trunk closure
« Reply #4 on: March 04, 2022, 05:02:28 »
My 280SL's trunk lid was pried open with a crowbar. Repairs done. All parts replaced with OEM. However trunk lid does not close completely. About 1/2 to 5/8 inch open when latch engaged. Lock works fine. All my efforts to get it to close completely have failed. Problem with the lid mounts? Any ideas? What am I missing?
That gap of >1/2 inch seems a bit high. Make sure the seal was installed correctly as shown in the sketch here: https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=14415 (reply #6 by mbzse). It is possible that it is turned inside out?
If the seal wasn't pressed deep into the channel then the top flap can be too high. Post a photo taken at angle from the side similar to those in reply #2, it will help in the diagnosis.
Alfred
1964 230SL manual 4-speed 568H signal red
1966 230SL automatic 334G light blue (sold)
1968 280SL automatic (now 904G midnight blue)

lreppond

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Re: Trunk closure
« Reply #5 on: March 05, 2022, 01:03:23 »
The MB trunk rubber seal can be stiff when new. It took several months for mine to settle in before the trunk lid closed properly and stayed closed.

I had the same exact experience.  After the seal was first installed it took considerable effort to close the trunk.  This was especially true on cold days.  Now, some six months later, it operates effortlessly. 
~Len

1971 280 SL
576G red/251 Beige
4 speed manual
Family owned since new (father —> son)

ronaldwardmd

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Re: Trunk closure
« Reply #6 on: March 12, 2022, 21:51:45 »
Thank you for the reply.
Ronald Ward MD

ronaldwardmd

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Re: Trunk closure
« Reply #7 on: March 12, 2022, 22:00:28 »
Thank you for the reply
Ronald Ward MD

ronaldwardmd

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Re: Trunk closure
« Reply #8 on: March 12, 2022, 22:01:18 »
Thank you for the reply
Ronald Ward MD

ronaldwardmd

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Re: Trunk closure
« Reply #9 on: March 12, 2022, 22:06:39 »
Yes. Found by Berkeley Police within one week. Not reported on Fastback crossing the bay bridge for five days even though the record showed its was driven to Berkeley the day following the theft. Minor interior damage. The trunk lid had been crowbarred open. Shop replaced all of the OEM hardware. Will check the seating of the weather strip.
Ronald Ward MD

ronaldwardmd

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Re: Trunk closure
« Reply #10 on: March 12, 2022, 22:09:39 »
The locking mechanism was the same in all of these vehicles. I checked whether or they were year-specific. Will check seating of weather strip. Was concerned ass to whether or the lid braces were damaged/bent.
Ronald Ward MD

waltklatt

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Re: Trunk closure
« Reply #11 on: April 06, 2022, 14:21:29 »
Check the straightness of the trunk latch brace on the trunk lid.  Might be bent downward after being crowbarred.
Walter