Help with fender replacement on '68 280s - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Igofastr · #1 02-23-2009, 07:28 PM

Hello,

I'm new to this forum, but it looks quite nice. I hate to introduce myself with a question, but here it is...I have two early 280S's, one a parts car, and the other sort of a family "heirloom." I'd like to replace the right front fender, but I don't think I'm home free yet. I've take off all of the fender bolts that obviously run along the top inner edge, undone two screws (one front below turn signal, one bottom rear beneath the trim molding). I don't see any in the door jam area, or any on top beneath the window trim. Am I missing something?

I've managed to free up the adhesive used to hold the fender to the body, but it seems to be still fastened somewhere at the rear that I haven't found. If I have to remove the window trim, how do I do this without bending it?

Thanks in advance. Ron

unkl300d · #2 02-23-2009, 07:39 PM

Hi do a search on this forum in the diesel category.

keywords for search are, deals on wheels or just you tube... there is a link to several u tube films where a guy replaces the front fender....

good luck

Igofastr · #3 02-23-2009, 07:49 PM

Unkl300D,

Thanks, the search is on.

Igofastr · #4 02-23-2009, 09:01 PM

Well, I looked at the youtube videos, and they don't really help. My question is specific to the fastener locations on my car. That, and will I need to remove the front window trim, and if so, how.

Interesting show, BTW.

Any help would be much apreciated.

Would anyone be interested in my parts car when i'm done with it. I'd hate to see it go to the crusher with parts that someone could use. As you can see by my signiture, I have a soft spot for old cars.

JimFreeh · #5 02-24-2009, 08:13 AM

Open the door, look in the hinge area, you'll see a fastener that is horizontal, and another at the extreme top rear conrner.

Did you get the two big phillips screws that are hidden by the grill when the hood is closed?

Jim

Tomguy · #6 02-24-2009, 10:56 AM

No need to remove any window trim. If memory serves, take the rocker panel off and there should be a bracket connecting the fender to the "Frame" (the piece of metal on the unibody below the master cylinder).

Igofastr · #7 02-24-2009, 11:40 AM

Jim and Tom,

Thanks for the input.

Jim, I did get the two phillips screws, but didn't see the fasteners in the door jam. I'll try again the next time it's not raining cats and dogs.

Tom, You mention the "rocker panel," but I'm not sure what you're referring to. Also, you say there is a bracket under the master cylinder. I'm assuming you're speaking of the driver's side. I need to take off the passenger side fender. Is there a similar bracket I should have seen?

Thanks again.

Ron

Tomguy · #8 02-24-2009, 12:51 PM

Sorry, dyslexia. There should be a bracket there too. I believe it's also attached to the antenna assembly.
The rocker panel is the panel that covers the inner fender so you can access the antenna for removal/replacement.

Igofastr · #9 02-24-2009, 01:45 PM

Tom,

Thanks, I thought I saw a panel covering the posterior of the wheel well, and was wondering how to get to the antenna. So its behind that.

Great. Thanks for your help.

Tony H · #10 02-24-2009, 03:09 PM

Welcome to the forum Ron. We are practically neighbors. I live in Nevada City and work in Auburn.

ja17 · #11 02-24-2009, 08:15 PM

Hello,

Sounds like you got most of them. One 10mm in the door jamb up by the windshield corner may be one other in the jamb lower area look carefully. Open the door fully to get to it.
Next remove the inner fender splash panel, you'll find another 10mm in there. Next, under the rocker chrome there are two more fasteners at the bottom of the fender.

Yes the antenna is behind the splash panel also. It's bracket attaches to the chassis, you'll need to unhook it also.

Igofastr · #12 02-25-2009, 11:29 AM

Guys,

Thanks for the help. The bolts I couldn't find were behind the access panel at the back of the wheelwell. It's a good thing I'm thin, otherwise, I'd have had a difficult time reaching those two by the door jam.

I'm amazed how much sealant MB used around the edges. Even without the bolts, that stuff would have held the fender on for 100K miles. It took quite awhile prying and cutting with a putty knife to loosen that thing up.

As soon as I get the drivers side door and power steering pump off, I think I may be done with this thing. I'll probably put it in Craigs list, free for the taking. If anyone local needs parts, it would be a cheap/free chance to get some.

Igofastr · #13 02-25-2009, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tony H

Welcome to the forum Ron. We are practically neighbors. I live in Nevada City and work in Auburn.

Tony,

Thanks for the welcome.

Do you know, are there any classic car/mercedes gatherings locally?

Tomguy · #14 02-25-2009, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Igofastr

As soon as I get the drivers side door and power steering pump off, I think I may be done with this thing. I'll probably put it in Craigs list, free for the taking. If anyone local needs parts, it would be a cheap/free chance to get some.

Is the chassis rust-free?

Igofastr · #15 02-25-2009, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tomguy

Is the chassis rust-free?

Yes, it is. It was running too, before I stole the carb, head, powersteering pump, right fender, and possibly driver's side door...(only to get the electricals and the spring-loaded door limiting mechanism). I might steal the breaks too. The only rust I've seen anywhere on the car is the battery tray, everything else looks fine. Crappy repaint (white), with some ripples on the hood. The driver's front fender is dented, but salvagable, and without rust. No other damage as far as I can tell. Serously, for anyone interested, If you have a rusty car, but mechanically sound, this would be a good foundation. I am not interested in selling it. I'll just give it away after taking what I want. The car is titled in my name. It will go with whoever takes the car.

The only downside is that I will want it towed away ASAP. Probably this weekend. Probably only a good deal for locals who can come get it themselves.

I bought it only to supply cheap parts to a car that has been in the family since new.