Mercedes emblem on hatchback
 

My merc sign came off a while back. Apparently it was not bolted on but had some glue or contact cement holding it there, though there is a shaft attached to it. So I thought, what the hell, just get a bolt, take off the interior trim, bolt it on no problem....not so much. Couldn't get my arm through the metal to secure the bolt!

So what is the recommended way to do get this thing back on? Every time it rains the hole where my emblem should be lets in water and it collects by the latch.

Thanks much.

I think they used a speed nut, which would just push on to secure the emblem.

try your local REAL hardware store

What's the recommended way? Stick your arm in the hole with a wrench and fasten the nut! :D If you had an "orientation" problem, try sitting in the back, facing backwards with your legs dangling and close the hatch down on your legs. Then you should be able to work it easily. I did it standing up, but maybe I'm just more dexterous.

Oh, and a piece of tape would work wonders to keep the water out. ;)

Neither the original nor the replacement star on my hatch used a speed nut -- they used a regular nut.

Also, 3M makes a trim adhesive just for this purpose. You might find it at a local paint and body shop supplier.

Speaking of the hatch emblem, does anyone know if the w123 wagon hatch emblem is the same p/n as the w123 sedan trunk emblem? I lost mine and the sedan emblems are a lot easier to find at pick & pulls...

Rfdillon,

Got some of that 3M/Scotch today, I think it's called "indoor/outdoor trim adhesive." Looks like it should do the trick.

Thanks man.

There is a pass through socket hole in the hatch of my 82 wagon...the 85 doesn't have it?

Mine has the hole too, but I can't reach in there from the inside to get the bolt on. I tried this first, of course. I could try again by taking off the carpet, but F that. I'm satisfied with trying the adhesive for now; the stuff seems like it'll hold it on there pretty well.

I am pretty sure the stars are the same on wagon as sedan.

Tom W

i've never seen the acess hole. but here is a trick. if the hole is directly above where the nut needs to go. get a short socket. you might have you use 2 nuts. but cover the nuts with wheel bearing grease, and then stick them in the socket. the grease will hold them in there. then put the socket on an extention and snake in down the hole and there you go. you migh thave to use 2 nuts so the nut is flush with the tip of the socket so it doesn't sink inside.
I use the trick all the time on my toyota... they love to do stuff like that.
and i use wheel bearing grease to hold the large O ring in place when changing my oil. it works great for holding things.