Author Topic: 1966 230sl Drivers Side Door Pull Handle?  (Read 2153 times)

acbrock

  • Full Member
  • Silver
  • ****
  • USA, CA, Santa Monica
  • Posts: 334
1966 230sl Drivers Side Door Pull Handle?
« on: September 06, 2023, 19:00:43 »
Hi,
I was buying some parts from a guy (Radio/Gas Cap) and asked if he had a Drivers Side Door handle Pull.  He did not think the drivers side had a pull handle.   He does mostly 280s and said they dont.  I honestly could not remember the panel but was sure I was missing something from the door.  When I got home I check my panels and it does have holes for the handle.  I have been searching pictures online and dont see a pull handle on any?  Was this an option?  Just curious if this was aftermarket, if so I won't put it back when I redo the panel?

1966 230SL Automatic 717G Papyrus White "Minny"

acbrock

  • Full Member
  • Silver
  • ****
  • USA, CA, Santa Monica
  • Posts: 334
Re: 1966 230sl Drivers Side Door Pull Handle?
« Reply #1 on: September 06, 2023, 19:18:02 »
Just did another YouTube and Forum dive and have not found a 230 with the drivers door pull?
1966 230SL Automatic 717G Papyrus White "Minny"

BobH

  • Full Member
  • Gold
  • *****
  • United Kingdom, England, MALDON
  • Posts: 979
Re: 1966 230sl Drivers Side Door Pull Handle?
« Reply #2 on: September 06, 2023, 19:20:38 »
Hello, very early cars had pull handles on both doors, but the drivers side handle was removed on later 230's, so your car didn't originally have one

https://www.sl113.org/wiki/Interior/DoorTrim

https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=4740.msg29690#msg29690
February 1965 230SL Automatic
UK delivered RHD
Papyrus white, blue hard top & hub caps
Blue soft top
Blue leather

mbpaul

  • Full Member
  • Senior
  • ***
  • USA, NM, Albuquerque, NM
  • Posts: 135
Re: 1966 230sl Drivers Side Door Pull Handle?
« Reply #3 on: September 06, 2023, 19:29:24 »
I have a 230SL that I bought new.  It is a USA model made in late 1965 but it was registered as a 1966.  There is a door pull on the passenger side but none on the driver's side.

acbrock

  • Full Member
  • Silver
  • ****
  • USA, CA, Santa Monica
  • Posts: 334
Re: 1966 230sl Drivers Side Door Pull Handle?
« Reply #4 on: September 06, 2023, 20:00:31 »
Awesome thanks guys!
BobH thanks for the posts!  What great information.  Sorry I did not find that one my own!  That explains it all, down to the the last car that had the handle factory installed!  I will not be putting it back on!  Funny it was the missing part.  I guess Original Owner put it on and then realized it got in the way and took it off!
Aaron
1966 230SL Automatic 717G Papyrus White "Minny"

BobH

  • Full Member
  • Gold
  • *****
  • United Kingdom, England, MALDON
  • Posts: 979
Re: 1966 230sl Drivers Side Door Pull Handle?
« Reply #5 on: September 06, 2023, 20:17:51 »
I have a 230SL that I bought new.  It is a USA model made in late 1965 but it was registered as a 1966.  There is a door pull on the passenger side but none on the driver's side.

Wow, mbpaul, i know there are some long term owners on here, but you must take the trophy for over 57 years ownership!
February 1965 230SL Automatic
UK delivered RHD
Papyrus white, blue hard top & hub caps
Blue soft top
Blue leather

114015

  • Full Member
  • Platinum
  • ******
  • Germany, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Tecklenburg
  • Posts: 2080
Re: 1966 230sl Drivers Side Door Pull Handle?
« Reply #6 on: September 15, 2023, 18:47:24 »
Quote
I have a 230SL that I bought new.  It is a USA model made in late 1965 but it was registered as a 1966.  There is a door pull on the passenger side but none on the driver's side.

As Bob mentioned...,

Quote
Hello, very early cars had pull handles on both doors, but the drivers side handle was removed on later 230's, so your car didn't originally have one


... all 230ies after serial no 000915  (and 250ies/280ies) had no longer the (bit flatter) grab handle on the driver's doorpanel.
Only before.


Achim
Achim
(Germany)

Benz Dr.

  • Associate Member
  • Platinum
  • ******
  • Canada, ON, Port Lambton
  • Posts: 7220
  • Benz Dr.
Re: 1966 230sl Drivers Side Door Pull Handle?
« Reply #7 on: September 15, 2023, 22:05:23 »
They removed the pull handle so that your knee wouldn't hit it while shifting. Probably not as critical on an automatic transmission car but few early 230's were auto anyways.
1966 230SL 5 speed, LSD, header pipes, 300SE distributor, ported, polished and balanced, AKA  ''The Red Rocket ''
Dan Caron's SL Barn

1970  3.5 Coupe
1961  190SL
1985   300CD  Turbo Coupe
1981  300SD
2013  GMC  Sierra
1965  230SL
1967 250SL
1970 280SL
1988 560SEC