Fresh air vent chrome grille

[Gregg Bambo Jr.]

In preparation for a complete body paint job on my 1963 220 SEb cabriolet, we pulled off the chrome fresh air intake grille just aft of the rear of the hood. What might have been a gasket between the grille and the body just disintegrated. My question is: What was it that came apart? Was it a rubber gasket or just a paper gasket? In looking at a simple parts manual, I can't see a picture of anything between the grille and the body. Anyone have an answer? Thanks, Gregg

[300SDog]

.......or it could have been dried up rubberized gasket coating - something like elmer's rubber cement to keep out water from between the air vent grill and sheet metal cowling.

[JMela]

Gregg --

Did you do any of the body prep yourself? Every season I consider a full repaint and the estimates are always waaaaaaay out of my range.

I was thinking DIY body prep/ disassembly might save a little on either end.

Love that polished radiator!

Regards,

[KCM]

I've looked at some information I have and don't see a seal either. There wouldn't be a need for a seal other than to protect the paint during installation. Maybe the stuff you saw was built-up crud from over the years. Or maybe a seal is glued to the new grill, explaining why a seal is not shown in the parts drawing. I would say if you would like a seal, go to the hardware store and get some adhesive backed foam weatherstrip, and cut to fit.

[MikeTangas]

Might be reminants of the fresh air filter.

At least on the 108's there are a pair of freash air filters that reside behind that chrome grille. PartsShop does have the filters for the 108 and might be able to get replacements for your car.