Help with A/C controls on W124 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

BENZ-LGB · #1 04-27-2006, 11:44 AM

The wood on my 300TE's center shift surround console and ashtray was a little faded and cracked.

I was able to source a three piece set: the shift surround console, the ashtray and the the upper wood (where the A/C controls and upper toggle switches, like the switch for the power antenna and dome lights are located).

I already replaced the shift surround console and the ashtray. It was an easy job that did not even take 30 minutes (including time for cleaning around old gunked up spilled coffee, soda, etc.). That was the easy part...now for my question.

The upper wood piece that I bought has the holes arranged in a different pattern as mine. There are 7 holes in each piece for the toggle switches.

Mine has 6 holes grouped to the left and the 7th hole is all by itslef, on the right.

The new piece has the holes arranged 5 + 2 from left to right. all of the W124, form various years, have different hole pattern, some even have fewer holes.

Anyhow, I removed the top wood and I saw the plastic piece where the toggles switches reside. There are a total of 9 holes, 7 occupied and 2 open, where the toggles switches can be inserted.

It looks like a fairly simple job to move toggle switches around in order to make them fit the wood piece that I bought.

The question is this, how do I remove the black plastic housing where the A/C controls reside and where the toggle switches fit in?

I don't want to start pulling out screws and removing vacuum lines only to not being able to fit it back together again. So, are there any suggestions, tips, etc?

thank you in advance for your help.

PS I'd have posted pictures to make it easier to follow, but my kid borrowed my digi camera and I have no idea where it is right now.

BENZ-LGB · #2 04-27-2006, 05:04 PM

I was finally able to figure out how to move the toggle switches around.

I installed the 3 piece wood set. Boy, what a difference it makes, the interiors now look brand new.

I'll post pics later.

Now I have some faded, but generally good shape wood for sale. I'll post pics and prices in the FOR SALE section.

I need to clear out the garage, so I'll let the pieces go for cheap.

Watch for the post. Thanks.

Yay...."new" wood.

smharr4 · #3 04-27-2006, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BENZ-LGB

The wood on my 300TE's center shift surround console and ashtray was a little faded and cracked.

I have cracks in my wood trim too, but I think it's just in the clear varnish on top, not all the way through the wood itself.

I'm interested to see if it's better to just replace the wood or pulling the damaged pieces out and having them sanded and revarnished.

I think I remember hearing that all the wood inside a Mercedes is cut from the same tree, so you'll end up with mis-matched wood if you buy just a single piece, but maybe that was made up by marketing wanting to sell trim kits at once rather than individual pieces.

Any opinions from those members that have done it?

BENZ-LGB · #4 04-27-2006, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smharr4

I have cracks in my wood trim too, but I think it's just in the clear varnish on top, not all the way through the wood itself.

I'm interested to see if it's better to just replace the wood or pulling the damaged pieces out and having them sanded and revarnished.

I think I remember hearing that all the wood inside a Mercedes is cut from the same tree, so you'll end up with mis-matched wood if you buy just a single piece, but maybe that was made up by marketing wanting to sell trim kits at once rather than individual pieces.

Any opinions from those members that have done it?

I considered taking the wood out and having it refinished professonally. (I am not good enough to do that kind of woodwork myself). There are some really good interior wood refinishers. If you check with the Mercedes Benz Club of America, in their magazine THE STAR, there are a number of people who advertise wood refinishing services.

Costs and quality of work varies.

I had originally thought to buy a wood kit from Performance Products. They sell all three pieces, shifter surround, ashtray and A/C control panel. But at $300, less my 15% MBCA discount, I thought it was too much money.

Also, a completely brand new set would look "too new" and would just not look right (in my opinion).

So I decided to look for a set of used wood. I was in no hurry, so when I finally found a complete set from German Potomac I jumped on the opportunity and I bought it. It was delivered to me yesterday and I installed it today.

If you go the used set route, you really need to buy the full set (three pieces: shifter surround, ashtray and A/C top piece). If you don't get a complete set, the pieces won't match and it will not look as good. I don't know whether it was a marketing thing dreamed up by some ad guy or whether the interior wood all really comes from one single tree (I rather doubt it), but if you only get one piece, it will not match the other pieces. Whehter the interior wood comes from different trees or whether it all comes from the same tree, if the pieces come from different cars, they will have all aged differently and they will all look different So my advice is to look for a matched set (unless that kind of thing does not matter to you).

There are plenty of people selling used Benz wood, it is just a matter of being patient and waiting for the right opportunity. But try and get a full set if you go this route.

Good luck.

JCE · #5 04-27-2006, 11:26 PM

The wood in my 124 was perfect, no cracking or fading, until my 2 year old grandson gouged the shift surround section with a toy pitched over the seat. I used the scratch removal tips for wood found here on the forum - #9 mequiars worked fairly well, plastic scratch remover worked better. I got most of the gouge out of the wood (actually out of the urethane coating on the wood) before I discovered that the urethane apparently either has a slight tint or aged to an amber color. At any rate, by the time the gouge was cleaned up, the wood was smooth and glossy, but was somewhat lighter than it had been, and no longer quite matched the other original sections. So if you are going to remove scratches with the polishing technique, be aware that the wood might be lighter color after you are done.