Window Channel

[JMela]

Thinking about redoing the shredded window channel cloth on my 108. Thought I'd check to see if anybody had replaced theirs and if so, what their methods were. Didn't see too much in the archive here.

As far as the OEM channel material goes, is there worthwhile (i.e. less expensive) channel cloth out there? I'm looking at roughly $100 for four doors worth of window channel. Thanks!

[Tom Drew]

Step by step procedure for replacement of the window channels is given in the 1959 to 1967 MB Shop Manual. I plan on doing this with my 108, but it won't be for awhile yet. It looks to be a relatively involved job, certainly something that will take a few days to complete.
If you are interested, I could scan the relevant pages and email them to you. Hopefully by the time I get around to doing the job, you will be the resident expert and will be able to provide tech assistance to those of us who are interested!

Tom Drew

[IceniJohn]

I replaced all the fabric window channels about 3 years ago on my 1970 280SEL - what a job! (Mind you, as part of that whole project I also replaced all 4 window regulators with new drive mechanisms of my own design that use bicycle chains. I wrote a post here a few months ago about it.)
I am disappointed that very quickly after installing the new channel (that cost me over $200 at a local MB dealer) it faded from the original black to an anaemic pale gray. More serious is the fact that it has already frayed badly, even exposing the inner metal core in places; maybe the carwash flagellator brushes are the cause, or maybe it was just original 1970s NOS that had been sitting on the dealer's shelf for way too long. It looks like I will have to replace it all again soon - hrumph.
While browsing JC Whitney's website (honest, I haven't put any of their high-quality merchandise on my MB, yet . . .) I noticed that they also sell window channel. I do not know which of theirs is the same size as MB uses, because the website's size descriptions are ambiguous, and if it is any better quality than MB's channel. Has anyone here used JC Whitney's channel, or had similar experiences as I did with MB's channel?
Also (Off-Topic subject), has anyone here ever rebuilt a M130.980 engine with the hotter European camshaft and/or pistons? It may be another possible future project for me.

John
Southern California

[oldcars]

Hi Joe,

Where did you get the channel? The supplier that I inquired said it is a bulk purchase and I'll have to buy minimum of 30 yards.

Thanks.

Wai

[jeff-abalone]

oh! i also want to replace the window channels on my 69 W114 230.6 and 72 W114 250.

Anyone know where i can find that window channels? Thanks

[JMela]

Miller's Mercedes quoted me a price of $90.00 for the window surround felt. That beats the $200 some quote from my MB dealer. Don't know any part numbers on this one. Let me know what you guys turn up as far as methods/ materials.

[Mark DiSilvestro]

Yes, that new, old-stock rubber and trim can age rapidly once exposed to sun and weather! The new, from-Mercedes, windsheild gasket I installed on my '61 Ponton in 1988, took 4 years to shrink and crack, comparerd to the 20 years it took the original.
About that same time, a friend owned a garage-kept 1967 Sunbeam Arrow sedan. Those cars had imitation 'chrome' plastic trim around the windsheild, like that used in older Opels and BMWs - the stuff that turns brown after about 10 years. As long as my friend's Sunbeam was garaged, her windsheild trim looked nearly new, but when she bought a new car in 1988, she moved the Sunbeam outside. The trim turned completely brown within 6 months!

I've been satisfied with the lap & shouder belts, from J C Whitney, that I installed in my '60 Fintail but I've never purchased their weatherstripping.
That J C Whitney window channel is probably molded rubber, unlike the original Mercedes fabric/rubber covered metal strips. Get a return agreement from J C Whitney, just in case you can't make it fit.

Happy Motoring, Mark