On my 1991 300d, I'm redoing the shifter and radio console areas. But how do you remove the small trim pieces on the dashboard? From memory they're like 1" high x 15" long strips or so. I don't know if those just pull off, or if they have some type of catch. I haven't seen any directions on a forum search here, or on a Google search.

I just don't want to try prying them off, bending one and ruining it.

Thanks

They are glued to metal backing strips. These metal strips have tabs that fit through holes in the dash, and are bent behind to stay in place.

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1982 300CD Petrol/Black Leather

Best course is to remove the lower dash covers, reach up, and carefully unbend the clips and pull the trim pieces off.

They are bonded to an aluminum backing but the glue has probably started failing after 30+ years.

I tried multiple things to reattach it - contact cement, 3M VHB tape, finally used a couple small dabs of PL Premium construction adhesive. Don't put it in the car until it has cured, that stuff is stinky...

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The OM 642/722.9 powered family
Still going strong
2014 ML350 Bluetec (wife's DD)
2013 E350 Bluetec (my DD)

both my kids cars went to junkyard in 2023
2008 ML320 CDI (Older son’s DD) fatal transmission failure, water soaked/fried rear SAM, numerous other issues, just too far gone to save (165k miles)
2008 E320 Bluetec (Younger son's DD) injector failed open and diluted oil with diesel, spun main bearings (240k miles)

1998 E300DT sold to TimFreeh
1987 300TD sold to vstech

Redoing the wood in mine, made blocks with holes drilled to take the tabs, and a block for the shiny side (a PITA unless you have a drum sander), cover the blocks with cling wrap (PL Premium won't stick to it)spread the glue on the metal and clamp for 24 hrs. Don't over do the glue, once cured it has to be cut off. It should be freeze / thaw stable, and is moisture resistant. (Lighter fluid and a razor blade scraper takes off the old adhesive from the metal, and the scraper will get it off the wood.)

My wife loves the ride, comfort and handling of the 300 (at least after I fixed the seats), just doesn't like a ratty interior, so WE (mostly SHE) decided to redo the cracked, loose, and 1 missing piece, set of trim.
Heat gun to remove what was left of the plastic coating, couldn't get rid of the stains and uneven fading of the zebrano, so sanded it all down and re-veneered it with red oak. (Gave some thought to staining the oak similar to the zebrano, but really liked it as is.)
She put 8 coats of urethane on, fine sanded between coats, 4-ought steel wool after #7, and I'm not sure how many coats of wax

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1984 300 D runs, interior
1984 300 D light hit in front, RUST, mint/perfect dash, decent interior (see above), parts car
(hate to kill one)
1998 Dodge diesel