300SD sunroof help needed
 

I've posted this up in the tech forum, and over in BenzWorld with no results. I hope my diesel friends are able to assist.

I have an '82 300SD ( W126) that I am repainting due to a failed clear coat. I must remove the paint to bare metal as it has too much paint for a simple respray. I had to resort to using a chemical stripper because the paint was just too tough to remove by sanding only. I need to replace the sunroof weatherstrips--not only because they are old and worn, but to do a proper repaint. Also, they are surely contaminated with the stripper and the top coat will bubble in that area if I don't.
The problem is I can't see how to remove the sliding roof headliner. I have the FSM. It says to open the roof 3/4 of the way , ( OK I can do that). Then it says to unclip the headliner at the front --4 clips. This is what has me stumped. I can't see the clips, and I am afraid to simply pull down on the headliner for fear of wrecking it. Cananyone advise me how this headliner comes out? Are there any other details in removing the weatherstrips that aren't obvious?
Thanks for any help. ( I know my friends here in the Diesel Discussion won't ignore my plea for help!)

I tried to take a picture of mine, but my camera insists I wanty to take a picture of something else, - I can't get the light in there, as least not easily, and I'm not very patient. I did look at mine though, and the clips are there. With the roof 3/4 open and you kneeling on the drivers seat, look back where the sheet metal of the underside of the roof meets up with the backside of the headliner. They look like little gray sheet metal clips about 8mm wide with barbs on them, and they are pretty close to the edge. If you still can't see them, stick an old butterknife in between and slide along. You'll hit one

The clips are on the top side of the headliner, about an inch back from the front edge. The clip into the front of the roof panel. A butter knife, putty knife, or similar will slip between them and pop them down nicely.

You will then need to remove the chrome rails by taking out the phillips screws -- leave the slotted screws at the very front of the rails alone, they are the height adjustment. Pull the rails out, then pull the liner forward and up to remove. Be carefull, the side rails bend pretty easy and are a real devil to get straight again.

Peter

I knew my diesel friends would come through!
Thanks, guys, thats the information I need, I hope.

Yep the liner will pop right out with a little help from a butter knife or 1" paint scrapper type of tool. It's amazing how large it is when you get it out of the car.I'm also replacing all the gaskets for the front and rear windows and the sunroof seals. Just wait til you get ready to replace the front sunroof seal, I have yet been able to get mine in. I don't know if it slides in or is pressed into place. anybody out there done this lately . this would also be good info for MS FOWLERS continued restoration.. thanks.


82' 240d Suzy
82' 300dt Lizzy