Searched the forums, but couldn't find an answer on this one. I'm looking to remove the rear impact strip on my 1983 US-spec 300D and replace it with a good used one.

At some point, someone lightly tapped the rear bumper and damaged two of the clips that hold the rubber onto the chrome. The previous owner had gotten tired of replacing that strip, so he screwed the rubber into the chrome bumper from the outside. (Not exactly show quality work.)

So how do I remove the old rubber strip and the large rubber side pieces? I see that there are two 10mm bolts on the inside of the trunk on either side, but it seems to have be a 3rd point holding it in that I can't find.

Also, I see the rubber insert has a channel on the backside with another insert with plastic clips that run the length of it. How are the ends attached to the bumper?

Thanks for your help.

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Douglas
New York

could you use some kind of rubber and smooth out the PO's work if it still sits straight and just paint the patch work black?

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'81 300D - swapped to a 617.951 turbo motor with a 150 amp alt.

Okay, this is going to sound very lame, but I'm going to put it all back together and attempt this another day.... I really do need to get the Big Blue Book from the factory for this model.

(Humbled in NY.)

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Douglas
New York

I had to get a junkyard bumper, which had the rubber strip falling off. I secured it as best I could with the plastic clips, then put screws through the holes in the bumper (i.e. from inside) where the strip looked loose.

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1982 240D automatic
Odometer quit at 307K...about 325K now

I ordered a new rubber strip and one side of the plastic retainer clips......those 10mm bolts do remove the end caps, but I seem to remember 3 each side......there is a metal frame under the end cap and it is most likely rusted, I managed to reuse mine (it was close tho).......anyhow, pull off the end caps......pull off the "impact strip"......replace the plactic pieces if necessary (one of mine was broken).....it's sort of obvious when you get the strip off......I installed the NEW impact strip with a moderate coating of dish soap, and a rubber mallet.......just began on one end and worked it on with the mallet......then reinstalled the end caps after coating the inner pieces with "rust converter"..........

It takes some time, but if you screw your mouth up just right....it goes on easily.....

SB

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Diesels:
'85 300D, "Max, Blue Benz", 155K, 27.0 MPG
'84 190D 2.2, "Eva, Brown Benz", 142K, 40.2 MPG
'77 240D (parts car)
'67 Eicher ES 202 Tractor "Otto" (2cyl, Air Cooled, 30HP)
Gassers:
'94 Ford F-150, "Henry", 170K (300 Six) 17.5 MPG
'85 190E 2.3, 148K....Parts Car
'58 Dodge W300M Powerwagon (Flat Fenders) Less than 10 MPG

My inner strips' tabs were all broken off, but I salvaged them by drilling tiny holes in the remaining pieces of the tabs, and then putting even tinyer (sp?) nails through the holes via the back of the bumper while holding the rubber strip in place. Kind of a pain, but it works great, and those inner strips are somewhat expensive.

How exactly does the inner plastic strip fasten into the bumper itself? On mine, that strip is working its way laterally, making the right side impact strip sag down. The left is fine, however. I did see a piece of zip tie between the two inner plastic strips...? Is that the only way to bring the two together (which is my problem)?

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http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7271/7...144c3fc1dc.jpg

Thank you all for your tips on this. The temptation on an inexpensive car is to do something functional and not sweat it, but I'd like to do it properly and you've definitely helped.

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Douglas
New York