Grill screen, 300D, upgraded? not same as original.
 

Hello, archives have no info so here it goes.

After changing my oil today, I decided to replace my grill screen with the new one that I had purchased from Fast Lane.

1979 300D W123

Upon taking the grill assembly and screen partially apart from the hood,
I decided to stop.

The original screen has three members which attach to the
hood along the top. Aside from these anchors, there is a tab at each upper side through which another smaller screw attaches
to the chrome grill and hood.
Lastly there is a screw at the bottom of the chrome grill which anchors the tab at the bottom-center of the plastic grill.

Okay, now the new one (which is the same as the Performance Product's item and picture) does NOT have the three
anchors along the top of the plastic grill.
But does have a tab for the threaded shaft of the
grill star to bolt down onto at the top-center.

My question is whether this new plastic grill offers enough
support for the chrome grill assembly to hang onto the hood???
Basically, it seems that the new version relies primarily on the two upper-side screws to hold the chrome assembly onto the hood.

Evidently the original design was better attached and offers the assembly more attachment support.

Am I missing an add-on part for this new plastic grill??

Has anybody done this 'upgrade' and found the chrome grill assembly to be suficiently stable and secure (especially with the vibration of the diesel engine and ultra high speeds on the freeway- :) ).

I am unconvinced so far by this new grill. But it's a bit senseless to return it. I'd like to install it. It just seems like the chrome grill assembly will be weakly attached to the hood.

Please give me some experienced opinions.

Thanks.

The problem is that the old screen is no longer available, and the new screen is not for your frame. Mercedes lists a new grill frame as a requirement for the substituted screen. Your best bet is probably to return the screen and purchase a new grill assembly (they're fairly inexpensive). Alternatively, you could pick up a new grill frame.

Ron
German Star

Or just find another old style 123 grille screen.

I just happen to have a 123 grille screen and grille shell laying in the garage. Picked it up on accident when trying to get a clean replacement for the 560. Got it painted black and found it didn't fit when I went to install on the 560. I might even happen to have all the mounting bit too.

Part number 123 888 09 23. Very well hidded along the top edge of the screen, just left of center when laying upside down in the lap.

thanks
 

Thanks Mike, I e-mailed you.

Right Stuff
 

Thank You Mike Tangas for the very nice front grill assembly.

It will look great on my 300D, in the near future when I install it.

I will post a pic later as well.

Regards.


Denis:) :) :)