Author Topic: Euro bumpers and headlights  (Read 1941 times)

jorgetoys

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Euro bumpers and headlights
« on: June 15, 2022, 16:23:59 »
Hello my friends:

Just bought a US 1970 280SL and want to replace the US headlights for the European ones. Any recommendations on after market ones?
Also any thoughts on modifying the bumpers by removing the overriders and filling/re chroming vs buying after market European style  ones?
Thanks, Jorge

Cees Klumper

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Re: Euro bumpers and headlights
« Reply #1 on: June 15, 2022, 22:33:18 »
I went this route some 20 years ago. Two tips:

- the original chrome frames fit also on the european style light fixtures, you only have to grind (dremel) off a notch or two on the inside

- I removed the overriders and just added antenna caps (chromed plastic 'plugs' that fit inside and cover the holes left by the removed overriders) and it's not bothered me at all ever since - so no filling in, re-chroming, which will be very expensive these days.
Cees Klumper
1969 Mercedes 280 SL automatic
1968 Ford Mustang 302 V8
1961 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Coupe 1600
1962 FIAT 1500S OSCA convertible
1972 Lancia Fulvia Coupe 1.3
1983 Porsche 944 2.5
1990 Ford Bronco II

jorgetoys

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Re: Euro bumpers and headlights
« Reply #2 on: June 16, 2022, 08:38:44 »
Thanks Cees, now looking for a good set of the Euro lights, so many choices, confusing!

MikeSimon

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Re: Euro bumpers and headlights
« Reply #3 on: June 16, 2022, 12:36:35 »
I thought the wiring of the Euro lights differed quite a bit from the U.S. versions.
1970/71 280SL Automatic
Sandy Beige
Parchment Leather
Power Steering
Automatic
Hardtop
Heated Tinted Rear Window
German specs
3rd owner

Cees Klumper

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Re: Euro bumpers and headlights
« Reply #4 on: June 16, 2022, 13:19:29 »
As I recall my Bosch units were 'plug and play' but perhaps not, it's a long time ago. But could not have been very complicated or I would remember.
I did not know that there are aftermarket ones available these days.
Cees Klumper
1969 Mercedes 280 SL automatic
1968 Ford Mustang 302 V8
1961 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Coupe 1600
1962 FIAT 1500S OSCA convertible
1972 Lancia Fulvia Coupe 1.3
1983 Porsche 944 2.5
1990 Ford Bronco II

Leester

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Re: Euro bumpers and headlights
« Reply #5 on: June 16, 2022, 15:31:31 »
Tech manual provides a wiring chart for converting 280Sl to Euro headlights. Don't know if the chart applies to earlier cars but looks like OP has a 280SL.
Lee Backus
1963 220SE Cabriolet
1970 280SL (reassembling - hopefully soon)
1978 450SL (disassembled for paint)
1985 500SEC

teahead

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Re: Euro bumpers and headlights
« Reply #6 on: July 01, 2022, 20:30:28 »
I like the "flat" ones.
1970 280SL auto, AC - aka "Edelweiss"

MikeSimon

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Re: Euro bumpers and headlights
« Reply #7 on: July 01, 2022, 20:33:44 »
I have flat lenses on my German 280SL. They are not in the best shape. I have tried to find replacements for quite some time now. They are "rarer than hen's teeth" - as our friends from the British Islands say.
1970/71 280SL Automatic
Sandy Beige
Parchment Leather
Power Steering
Automatic
Hardtop
Heated Tinted Rear Window
German specs
3rd owner