w123 rain gutter fin removal - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

240dddd · #1 10-01-2009, 02:44 PM

I'm not sure exactly what it is called, but is it possible to remove the tapered fin at the rear of the rain gutter (see pic for clarity)? There is a lot of dirt stuck behind it in the channel that I want to get out.

tankowner · #2 10-01-2009, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 240dddd

I'm not sure exactly what it is called, but is it possible to remove the tapered fin at the rear of the rain gutter (see pic for clarity)? There is a lot of dirt stuck behind it in the channel that I want to get out.

Nice looking ride. If this can be removed, I don't know how. However, when I bought mine, it had been sitting outside for a year and was full of junk - dirt, rotten leaves, etc. My solution was to take it to the car wash and pressure washed it right out of there. Just stick the nossle right in there and let er have it. I would advice not wearing any clothing you particularly care about - it got covered in flying muck.

240dddd · #3 10-01-2009, 03:35 PM

not my ride, just grabbed the pic off the internet

I was also hoping to paint it, besided cleaning.

zeke · #4 10-01-2009, 03:51 PM

It MUST be removable, b/c there is one for sale right now on fleabay.

Just don't know how to get it off myself.....

rs899 · #5 10-01-2009, 03:52 PM

It has been 6 years since I painted mine, but I think it just presses on the pinchweld there. I think I carefully tapped it off (toward the back and up, once you get the black vinyl strip off the top- oh and don't screw that up because its expensive)

winmutt · #6 10-01-2009, 04:14 PM

Pressure washer should get in there good. this is where the sunroof drains to so you might as well run a wire up that hose in there. Just tap it off (towards rear of car) with a hammer and flat blade screwdriver. To put it back on use a 2x4 and hammer. Just did this 2x last weeks fixing drains.

Sev · #7 10-01-2009, 04:21 PM

just use a pressure washer and point it in that crevice to get the dirt out. couse you also run the risk of chipping some paint if you use anything above 1500psi

charmalu · #8 10-01-2009, 04:53 PM

I removed the trim piece off when I painted the roof several yrs ago. just never put it back on.
I used a piece of hard wood an a hammer to tap it off. I comes off in one piece. start on one and take your time.

First there are 3 screws on the "A" Piller (windshield post) that have to be removed first. picture shows where the screws fit.

The rear Sun Roof drains are at the top of the "C" Pillar. Pictures of both sides.

To replace the trim, the FSM shows a piece of hard wood with a "V" cut in it to tap it back on.

Not sure about sticking a pressure washer in the "C" Pillar. that is a vent I believe and will shoot water maybe where you might not want it.

.

Charlie

davidh · #9 10-01-2009, 05:42 PM

you will also find a vent hole inside the lower louver hole that connects to the inside of the car for "flo thru" air ventalation. i just destroyed the pix i took of mine when i cleaned it out. hose, air pressure, etc. the incoming air thru the heater or air conditioner will work better when its all nice and clean.
davidh

Cr from Texas · #10 10-02-2009, 01:34 AM

Take a closer look at the area you have circled. The metal part is the piece that is hard to remove and harder to get back on but that's another story.

There is a piece back there that is easy to R&R. Between the metal fin and the C pillar, there is a plastic piece (I think they are all black) that once removed gives you plenty of finger access room to clean out the drain outlet. The piece is held by 3 (maybe 4) plastic tabs that you can release with a thin blade small screwdriver and lift the piece out. After you clean, it slides back in and snaps into place.

The metal piece is a another story. It's a three piece assembly (minimum - there is more than one style on the 123s). Two polished metal pieces meet above the rear passenger door. The one piece black vinyl top extends the entire length and seems to be held by a metal bottom that I have yet to figure out. I've ruined at least 3 at PNP and have yet to succeed. I think replacing would be even harder and new is about $100 each for just the black topper.

H-townbenzoboy · #11 10-03-2009, 04:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by charmalu

I
To replace the trim, the FSM shows a piece of hard wood with a "V" cut in it to tap it back on.

Do you know where in the FSM it shows this? I'm trying to find it for myself.

Brandon_SLC · #12 10-03-2009, 05:35 AM

If all else fails, take your car to New Zealand. All you have to do is park, and the Keas do the rest.

charmalu · #13 10-03-2009, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by H-townbenzoboy

Do you know where in the FSM it shows this? I'm trying to find it for myself.

OK found it. It is Vol 2 Chassis and Body for the W123

Remove and install cover at weatherstrip (Coupe) 68-530

Calking tool 123 589 01 59 00

The FSM only shows the Coupe and not the sedan. so they are the same I guess.

Iam fresh out of Coupes in the front yard today, so can`t compare to the sedan.

Charlie

Jeremy5848 · #14 10-03-2009, 12:03 PM

Post #10 has the correct idea. You don't have to remove the entire strip, just the black plastic piece in the middle at the rear. Use a very bright light so you can get sufficient contrast and you will see the clips (four of them, as I recall) that you must release. The plastic piece then slips out (one end first) and you can get in to clean the drain. Use compressed air and a vacuum cleaner, get all the dirt out.

Cr from Texas · #15 10-03-2009, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by charmalu

I removed the trim piece off when I painted the roof several yrs ago. just never put it back on.
I used a piece of hard wood an a hammer to tap it off. I comes off in one piece. start on one and take your time.

First there are 3 screws on the "A" Piller (windshield post) that have to be removed first. picture shows where the screws fit.

The rear Sun Roof drains are at the top of the "C" Pillar. Pictures of both sides.

To replace the trim, the FSM shows a piece of hard wood with a "V" cut in it to tap it back on.

Not sure about sticking a pressure washer in the "C" Pillar. that is a vent I believe and will shoot water maybe where you might not want it.

.

Charlie

I'm interested in the solution of just leaving it off after a repaint. Looks like it might chip the paint to try to put it back on. Do you have a full window side picture that shows the final look? Did you also leave off the front piece? Looks like that one might help control some wind noise.