Restoration Q

[BoostJunkie]

Vehicle: 1982 MB 300SD

Question:

MY interior looks really clean, because of the new upholstry. However, all the wood trim is cracked and crudy looking. Where can I find a kit or replacements that I won't get ripped off on??

[SD Blue]

I have never seen/heard of aftermarket wood trim for the W126. Probably the least expensive route is keeping your eyes open at the salvage yards.

Another route is http://www.heritagewoodworks.com/home.htm In most of the forums you will find mention of Drew and the reputation for his work seems to be first class.

If you do a search, there are a few folks who have tried DIY with mixed results. The critical thing seems to be polishing with 000 to 0000 steel wool (not sanding as this is some of the thinnest veneer you will ever find)and a spray application of spar urethane. I wouldn't recommend stripping unless you have extensive experience since this usually means re-application of stain and trying to get a color match is a work of art.

Currently, I am working on refinishing a set of salvage wood trim using the polishing method. It's very time consuming but I believe the results will be what I am looking for.

[1983/300CD]

Another possibility. http://www.gericia.com/
Don't know about price, though.

[Hatterasguy]

Their is no aftermarket wood, new wood for a W126 is probably like $1,200. I bought a new center console piece for my brokers car a couple of years ago and it was like $350ish.

The cheap option is getting lucky at a junk yard.

[NH82W123]

If the 126s are like the 123s, it’s likely you just have peeling polyurethane but the wood itself is fine. I removed all the wood pieces from my 82 300D and took it to a local antique refinisher. (It took some effort to find someone willing to take on those thin veneers.) He used a chemical stripper to take the old polyurethane off and then sprayed on several coats of new poly. I opted not to stain the wood as the natural color was very nice. Apparently the original wood wasn’t stained, either, but the poly darkens considerably over the years. It’d probably be very difficult to match the existing color and finish, but if you’re looking to re-do all the wood, it’s a great result.

Here’s a good DIY-write-up if you want to take it on:

http://boostnbenz.1baddsm.com/DIY/Wood/