W115 Replacement Window Channels

[schickm]

I'm looking to replace the window channels/runs in my 76' 240D (the EPC calls them "runs", everyone else seems to call them "channels"). I contacted the Classic Center about replacement channels. They got back to me and said that the front door channels were no longer available, but the back door channels were. This bummed me out as my front channels are by far the worst off.

Fast forward a couple months, and a few more months of mechanical know-how, and I come to see window channel available by the meter on eBay for the W115. So: are window channels actually specifically shaped to that upside-down U they make in the door frame? Or do you just cut this stuff to the proper length, bend where the door bends, and install? If it's just cut-and-install, then why couldn't the Classic Center sell me fronts?

[Left Coast]

The original window runs were one piece, molded to fit the door. The stuff sold by the meter is specifically for the coupe. You can get it from MB (expensive) or European aftermarket (surprisingly cheap).

It does appear that both versions are dimensionally identical, so the bulk material could be adapted. The cost would be enough for me to consider gambling on the aftermarket. I think you'd have to miter the ends though, as that stuff is too stiff and bulky to make the tight bends required for the front door. I don't know if it's available in true bulk length or just one-meter pieces. If the latter, it may take more than two one-meter pieces to fab a decent finished product.

[schickm]

Left Coast! You're saving my butt today!

So the 1 meter pieces that I see for sale are actually shaped to the front door then? And those big rolls are just that, big rolls of unshaped window channel. Well that makes a lot of sense.

I saw one of the URO aftermarket front window channels for sale, indeed quite the price difference. I'll have to mull it over myself. But definitely not going to go the route of adapting the coupe stuff.

[Left Coast]

So the 1 meter pieces that I see for sale are actually shaped to the front door then? And those big rolls are just that, big rolls of unshaped window channel. Well that makes a lot of sense.

No, that's not what I meant.

The 1 meter pieces are the correct extrusion, but they're just 1 meter pieces. They sell "by the meter". It's not clear that you can buy a piece that's say, 2.5 meters long, which is my guesstimate for the overall length of the front door window run, or just one-meter pieces. They are not the OE window run, in the sense that they are not formed into the U-shape as the originals were. They work for the W114 coupe, which has the window run channel on the body and no tight bends, there being no window frames on the doors. Maybe they can be bent to conform to the tight corners, but I have my doubts. However, you could probably use them to fab up a replacement if you can figure out how to trim them accurately to form mitered corners.

There are some European suppliers that offer the 1-meter replacements which they claim are made by "quality German aftermarket manufacturers". Those are the one's that I'd consider, and I think it might be worth the risk. Since it is frowned upon for members to suggest suppliers other than the forum sponsor (a sentiment that I respect), all I can suggest is that you Google it.

I would not buy anything marketed by URO. I've tried a few of their rubber parts, and they never fit correctly. In fact, certain seal of theirs don't fit at all. Their hoses have failed prematurely on me. Their stuff is just not worth the likely frustration. You can read all about other folks experience with URO parts that failed instantly or shortly after installation, sometimes with catastrophic results, on this forum as well as many other forums.

[Shortsguy1]

Window Channel and Brush Molding for Mercedes-Benz Pontons © www.mbzponton.org

Window channel felt - Mercedes-Benz Forum

[schickm]

Thanks for the clarification Left Coast. Looks like I'll be going the fabrication route with the german aftermarket stuff.

Stay the hell away from URO - got it. Their window channel looked like the tinker-toys version of the real stuff anyways.

[Left Coast]

I hope you've taken a look at Shortsguy's links. Some good stuff there, including a source for American made bulk channel.