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  #1  
Old 10-25-2004, 06:22 PM
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W124 Instrument Panel Removal Tools

I have stumbled upon a good tool to use for the removal of the 124 instrument panel on my 87 300D. I happened to have two paint can openers, you know the ones that the paint store gives away with a bottle opener on one end and a sort of bent straight blade screw driver on the other end. Two of these used together inserted into the crevice between the dash and the instr. panel worked very well to remove the panel. Just insert and pull hard. And better than a bent coat hanger because the paint can lid opener is flattened and doesn't mar the dash vinyl.

DS
87 300D

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  #2  
Old 10-25-2004, 06:39 PM
Fahren bis zum Totfallen
 
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Sweet!
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  #3  
Old 10-25-2004, 07:16 PM
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Question Inst. Panel Removal tool

Will this method work on a 1998 S500?

Tks
BB
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  #4  
Old 10-25-2004, 08:15 PM
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The paint can opener method wins the cost race but they are little too fat for the job - which can result in some damage to the dash. Nothing works as well as the factory tool - which cost about $10 each, or $20 total.
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  #5  
Old 10-26-2004, 03:51 PM
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Actually, they are not too fat for the job, because they are flattened out like a screwdriver. No damage to my dash, in fact, hardly a mark at all, and I've now had the d***ed thing out twice!

DS
87 300D
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  #6  
Old 10-26-2004, 04:03 PM
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On a really tight instrument panel they can do damage - I've done it. They work - but for ease of use and minimum risk of damage, there's nothing as good as the factory tool.
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  #7  
Old 10-27-2004, 01:49 AM
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if anyone is really nervous about damaging the dash, but doesn't want to buy the tools, they can remove the two vents to the right and left of the dash (very easy, instructions in another thread) and pull it out with your hands. This works on my 87 300e, I'm sure the interior layout in the 300D is the same.
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  #8  
Old 10-27-2004, 11:56 AM
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I can't imagine why an MB owner (with much experience on the cost of ownership) would wince at having to purchase a $15 tool!

If you were to pull the dash on an R129 for instance with those paint opener tools, for one, it's too tight, and two, if you did and slipped, you would be looking at the replacement of a $372 gauge cluster lens!

Makes the cost of the $15 tool that much better. I will contend that the W124 dash-to-cluster clearance is wider than that of the R129.
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  #9  
Old 11-16-2004, 11:41 AM
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I will be doing the paint can tool thing this weekend...

I will be fixing the odometer... i'll report back and let everyone know.


1988 300e
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  #10  
Old 11-16-2004, 01:23 PM
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Dash tool?

Quote:
Originally Posted by G-Benz
I can't imagine why an MB owner (with much experience on the cost of ownership) would wince at having to purchase a $15 tool!

If you were to pull the dash on an R129 for instance with those paint opener tools, for one, it's too tight, and two, if you did and slipped, you would be looking at the replacement of a $372 gauge cluster lens!

Makes the cost of the $15 tool that much better. I will contend that the W124 dash-to-cluster clearance is wider than that of the R129.
Can you provide the correct MBZ part number for the tool? Does the MBZ forum parts page offer this tool?

Tks
BOBB
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  #11  
Old 11-16-2004, 09:58 PM
wielder of thor's hammer
 
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here are two links to some threads which describe the removal of the vents to the right and left of the instrument cluster, which is another way of getting the cluster out. I think it is better because there is no chance whatsoever of scraping or damaging the cluster, and you don't have to buy or make any tools. It can easily be grabbed and pulled out with the vents removed.

300E AC vents

Help!! 300E A/C vent removal
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  #12  
Old 11-16-2004, 10:19 PM
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I fabricated a set of pullers modeled after the MB tool. Pulled the cluster with no problem when I replaced the climate control actuators. Recently I decided I had had enough of that dang buzzer, so I pulled the cluster again to access it. Cluster came out ok but the plexiglass lens popped off the cluster!!! I tried plastic cement to hold it on but it keeps falling off. If anyone knows what kind of glue will hold it on I would be grateful!!
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  #13  
Old 11-16-2004, 10:49 PM
Ta ra ra boom de ay
 
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Cap'n,
You might want to try a good plastic epoxy from your local auto parts store. You just can't beat epoxy. Just make sure you do a test to find an applicator that will lay down the right size bead within your drying time before you do the real thing.

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