Hood Ornament Removal

[jim16671836]

What is the secret to removing the Hood (Mercedes Star) ornament. From the 60'a thru the 80's. Thank you Jim

Give it a good yank!!!!!!!



I don't really know! But I'll go out and see how mine comes off and report back.... BB

I still don't know! I looked at my star and it is hard for me to say just by looking at it, just as it probably was for you too! When I had my grill off a couple of years ago, it seems to me now that I had noticed an obvious means for it's removal. I know this info isn't worth much and not worth the time to even write this, but I did say I would check, soooooo, I hope someone else will fill in the blanks.................sorry BB

[immunity]

I park my car in New York City and every few days I see the hood ornament in a different position like someone has tried to 'yank' it off...Im glad its hard to get off and hope you if you guys find out you dont publicize it too much... ...not that Im implying anyone on this forum would 'ever' do something that henious....

Peac

[89-300ce]

If I recall correctly you have to grab the stamped steel part that is attached to the ornament from under the hood with a stout pair of pliers, pull down againt the spring, and then rotate it a bit (90deg.?). Be carefull when you release since the star will roll down your hood. It's easiest to understand if you have another in your hand to look at. One time mine was messed up when the ornament was stolen and the tang's were bent out making it impossible to fit back out through the hole. I had to cut the spring with a cut off wheel.

Jorg

[Ferdman]

Jim, the hood Star is held in place with a spring stretched over a retainer piece. Look closely at the underside of the grille with a flashlight and you'll see how the mechanism fits together. I removed the Star when I replaced the grille frame on our 1991 300CE by using a curved pick to stretch the spring and needle nose pliers to remove/replace the retainer. It's much easier when the grille is off the car because you can turn the grille upside down, but still tricky ... probably easier with a helper. I did it alone. I'll bet it's a real bear replacing the hood Star with the grille on the car. No doubt the service techs have a tool to simplify the job.

[jylee]

It is easier with the grill assembly removed, the grill is held on by a few screws.

Jack