Re engineering the SL hood opening on 380

[strelnik]

I was frustrated by the lack of opened space on my 380SL, so I devised a redo to open the hood 90 degrees. It works well. Will post pics as a DIY if people want soon.

The redo requires modifying the metal cowl grilles between hood and the windshield.

If any one has a set for sale, I am interested. Any color, since they will be repainted just no bent ones, please. Don't know if 280SL, 380 SE(C) or 450 models will fit, haven't checked.

If I ever sell the car, I want to return it to stock if the buyer wants it that way. So I want a spare set.

If someone knows of a PAP and is willing to take them off and send them for a reasonable fee, let me know.

The procedure is VERY simple and requires a plat blade screwdriver, a broom stick/prop and a punch. No second person required unless you want to do this in a minute or less.

Let me know please.
Thanks!

[strelnik]

bump to get info

[RadioTek]

I've left some hairy pieces of flesh (well they would have been a few years ago) on various parts of the grill, myself. Please elaborate on your fix, I don't have that much hair left.

[Gurunutkins]

i'd be interested as well thanks

[strelnik]

Originally Posted by RadioTek

I've left some hairy pieces of flesh (well they would have been a few years ago) on various parts of the grill, myself. Please elaborate on your fix, I don't have that much hair left.

1. Pop the clips holding the hood to their spring-loaded hinges, The hood will move up a little more but will be constrained by the grilles.

2. Prop the hood up with a broomstick, then use a very small-diameter Phillips screwdriver or an awl to push the rivet pins out of the two grilles. Each side has three, clearly visible. You can then drop the hood slightly off its prop and wiggle out the grilles.

3. Now get a longer prop because the hood will stand almost 90 degrees.

4. My plan is to get two pieces of strap /flat steel 25" x 1" x 1/4 " with a small hole drilled in each end as props. One hole will fit in one of the fendewr bolts and the other can be drilled in the center of the steel core which holds the original clip. 6mm or 1/4" would be fine to hold. But you may have to match the fender bolt which is 6-8mm, haven't measured.

5. My plan is to obtain two spare grille portions and cut out the very small part which describes the area od the grille which interferes with the hood hinge. I can then get commercial rubber welt and cover that edge so it looks smoother.

That's about it, just need the pieces to tr it. Right now, Ijust take the parts off if I need to do something then replace. The rivets are reusable, buit I have spares, they are cheap even from the dealer, but am replacing either with chrome/sinc or plastic sheet metal type screws.

I'll have a DIY with pics when I do it.