It looks to me from viewing other cars that at some point on the W123, the air vent grills below the windshield wipers were changed from chromed plastic to black plastic. On my 1982, the grills are chromed, but flaking and chipping. I ordered replacements from Performance Products, but they were black plastic - they'll be going back.

A set of nice new chromed plastic (why did they do that on a $32K car in 1982 ) would look nice if I could find them. They really help set the car off visually compared to the more muted black.

I'll ask for them at the dealership (ulp! ) eventually but I wonder if anyone knows whether they are still available or not?

Ken

As far as I know, the chrome came on the cars with the better engine - the 300Dt, 300CDt, maybe 280E and 280CE, etc - while the "lesser" W123's like the 2440D had black plastic. The trip immediately below the taillights differed in the same way; certain cars had chrome trim and others had black rubber.

PartsShop can probably help you get what you want. I don't know if FastLane will, though.. note that PartsShop and FastLane are not exactly the same thing.

- Nathan
'83 240D "Steiner"
'00 new Beetle TDI