New seats, like a new car. - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

unkl300d · #16 01-22-2014, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MBeige

You might be comparing the older style (1979) versus the newer/later style (1983).

Notable differences:

1. Armrest is thicker on older style
2. Backrest is thicker on older style
3. Headrests are pointed on older style
4. Pleats are flatter on the older style
5. Rear nets have chrome surround on older style

The springs of an older seat are also designed differently than the springs of the newer one.

Were you able to transplant the seatbelt into the newer seat? The buckles are different between those years.

All the above bullet points applied to my new seats (1983 240D) compared to the original 1979 300D seats except #5. Edited: Correction; 1-23-14, Seats are 1982 vintage.

Nets with chrome surrounds are the same.

The '83 ('82) seat belt buckles accept the 1979 latch type even though the 1983 type are a bit different. I had access to a 1978 belt latch at the yard and tested. Now that it is installed, it all works perfect. Even the seat belt warning buzzer.
The '83 ('82) has slightly different buckles and metal latches.
The only thing I kept off the 1979 set up was the metal rail attached to the belt buckles (and bolted to the drive shaft tunnel). The 240D had longer rails by about 4inches. The 79 300D rails fit perfect and did not protrude up beyond the side of the seat.

MBeige · #17 01-22-2014, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by unkl300d

All the above bullet points applied to my new seats (1983 240D) compared to the original 1979 300D seats except #5.

Nets with chrome surrounds are the same.

The '83 seat belt buckles accept the 1979 latch type even though the 1983 type are a bit different. I had access to a 1978 belt latch at the yard and tested. Now that it is installed, it all works perfect. Even the seat belt warning buzzer.
The '83 has slightly different buckles and metal latches.
The only thing I kept off the 1979 set up was the metal rail attached to the belt buckles (and bolted to the drive shaft tunnel). The 240D had longer rails by about 4inches. The 79 300D rails fit perfect and did not protrude up beyond the side of the seat.

Your '83 seats should have plastic surrounds for the nets. Cutoff was 1982. In 1982 they used the plastic surrounds over the chromes. This space is also flat in the older style (1976/1977 w123 up to 1982), and curved for additional knee/legroom (1983 to 1985/1986).

unkl300d · #18 01-22-2014, 08:32 PM

You know it could be that the salvage yard made an error on the model year, however, I recall reading the DMV registration paper that was still taped on the interior windshield passenger side.
It stated 1983. That was important to me in order to reference the parts.
It also had the owner's name and address.

Could it be that this 1983 was a late 1982 build?
I have read that often there is overlap where a gap can happen for certain older and newer part numbers, in general.

I have seen in pictures the plastic surrounded nets, so I understand what you refer to.

These definitely are the same chrome as the '79 model.

I don't doubt your information, I just realize that there may be caveats, one way or another.

"Mercedes-Benz 300 Series 83 0037 01/18/2014" EDITED 1-23-14: correction. web site has been corrected to list 1982 240D. Seats are from a 1982 240D, not a 1983.

above quote from the salvage yard web site. Note it erroneously described the 240D as a 300D. (this was the only w123 aside from a 1978 300D that was soon taken away- a definite 5 banger before the engine was pulled.) But the registration described it as a 1983 240D and it was a four banger until the engine and manual 4 speed was removed !

MBeige · #19 01-22-2014, 09:32 PM

I forgot that yours has the lumbar support bladder. Looking at the seats from your first post they do look like an '83 seat to me.

The lumbar support bladder oftentimes had the net-less backrests for the adjustment strap in place, instead. Curious how your front seats look like from the back seats? Interesting to see the chrome in place, on an '83 seat.

Either way, it's a really good find. Definitely an upgrade, I know some folks who do the same with the later style seats installed on the earlier models. If the color matches it's hardly noticeable.

charmalu · #20 01-22-2014, 10:53 PM

Is this the 240D that is/was in the Oakland Yard? I was going to come up to check it out, but my buddy went to get a window from the 78 and said the 240 was already gutted and the eng/trans was gone.

Good you got some of the interior pieces.

Charlie

jay_bob · #21 01-23-2014, 07:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by charmalu

Forget doing the Pool Noodle trick.

Charlie

+1

It works for a while but the foam does not hold up to the heat and abuse long term.

However it is a good temporary fix while you look for better seats. Especially if you feel like you are sitting on the floor while driving.

unkl300d · #22 01-23-2014, 07:47 PM

MBeige, you were correct all along !

I was befuddled by the web site listing. Seems like now it has correclty listed the 1982 240D.
Having a flu relapse today, it was a good opportunity to go to the yard for a friend. So I looked at that 240D again and took the VIN plate.

Made in June 1982.

Attached are photos of the back side of the '82 240D seats and a shot of the '79 300D (tobacco color) seats. One can appreciate the 'bat wing' head rests.
Also a picture comparing the two styles of seat belt latch. They actually are dimensionally the same and differ in appearance only. The '79 buckle has the release on the side whereas the '82 has the release around the insertion slot.
Also a picture of the VIN plate.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MBeige

I forgot that yours has the lumbar support bladder. Looking at the seats from your first post they do look like an '83 seat to me.

The lumbar support bladder oftentimes had the net-less backrests for the adjustment strap in place, instead. Curious how your front seats look like from the back seats? Interesting to see the chrome in place, on an '83 seat.

Either way, it's a really good find. Definitely an upgrade, I know some folks who do the same with the later style seats installed on the earlier models. If the color matches it's hardly noticeable.

unkl300d · #23 01-23-2014, 07:53 PM

Yeah Charlie, the same car. The '78 300D is gone. Not much left of the '82 240D except 3 door panels, glass, belts, axle shafts, shocks, brake calipers etc. and steering box.

There is a 300D turbodiesel that is an accordion, so not much can be had from it 'easily'. All Seats, yes. Tan.

Quote:

Originally Posted by charmalu

Is this the 240D that is/was in the Oakland Yard? I was going to come up to check it out, but my buddy went to get a window from the 78 and said the 240 was already gutted and the eng/trans was gone.

Good you got some of the interior pieces.

Charlie

charmalu · #24 01-24-2014, 01:41 AM

There was a 82 240D in the SJ North yard that had the same color interior as the one you got the seats out of. Came in on Dec 31 and they pulled it the day of the 50% sale. was only in there 15 days.
Had a great interior, no rust, 4-spd, crack free dash and 234K miles. In the locked trunk was a 5 1/2" Light Alloy Wheel, I saw it through the First Aid Kit hole.

I still can`t believe they pulled it in that short of time, I had a whole list of things I wanted off it. Iam still Bummed out about it.

Charlie

t walgamuth · #25 01-24-2014, 07:57 AM

I installed some almost new leather seats in my 82 240D. I have not had a chance to use it yet though.

MBeige · #26 01-24-2014, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by unkl300d

MBeige, you were correct all along !

I was befuddled by the web site listing. Seems like now it has correclty listed the 1982 240D.
Having a flu relapse today, it was a good opportunity to go to the yard for a friend. So I looked at that 240D again and took the VIN plate.

Made in June 1982.

Attached are photos of the back side of the '82 240D seats and a shot of the '79 300D (tobacco color) seats. One can appreciate the 'bat wing' head rests.
Also a picture comparing the two styles of seat belt latch. They actually are dimensionally the same and differ in appearance only. The '79 buckle has the release on the side whereas the '82 has the release around the insertion slot.
Also a picture of the VIN plate.

Good info on the buckles/latch!

Good to know my memory isn't failing me too