Opening Hood To Extended Position - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

#1 12-26-2004, 11:16 PM

Greetings to All....

I'm curious about how to open the hood beyond the normal stop position. I understand that it has the capability to open beyond to an almost vertical position. I need to replace the rear hood pad and the extra room would sure be nice.

George L.

1989 560 SL

dmorrison · #2 12-27-2004, 03:30 AM

Not on the 107 SL.
Dave

Peter Guenther · #3 12-27-2004, 11:40 AM

I have not owned a 89 SL for a number of years, it had it I think. The ability to raise the hood has been a feature as far as I can remember. Look at the scissors hinges, on brackets they have a catch that latches in a normal position, after that, one of the hinges has either a spring loaded button either rotary or push back which will allow you to go past this stop to a vertical position and lock again. It is on only one hinge the passenger side as I recall, and has to be released, to restore normal operation.

#4 12-27-2004, 01:46 PM

Thanks Peter and Dave for your responses. I'll try your suggestion Peter, hopefully I'll be successful.
Thanks again,
George

dmorrison · #5 12-27-2004, 07:59 PM

Ok I have to chime in again. Below is a picture of the hinge on my 1988 560SL. The only thing that can be done is to disconnect the C clip at the top of the hinge arm. But then the hood would not be secure, or locked in position.
So I have never disconnected the hinges and seen if the hood would move to 90 degrees.
Nothing is mentioned in the Service Manual about this as in the W123 manual.

SOOOOO if anyone knows something definative please chime in.

Dave

Gilly · #6 12-27-2004, 08:17 PM

NO service position on a 107. Bend over/clunk head.

Gilly

#7 12-27-2004, 09:49 PM

So the concensus is that if I remove the clips the hood will extend to a more upright position, but....I had better be wearing a football helmet !!
Again, thanks to all for the input. This forum is really a great source of information and friendship.

George L.
1989 560SL

#8 12-29-2004, 03:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by buildergeo

So the concensus is that if I remove the clips the hood will extend to a more upright position, but....I had better be wearing a football helmet !!
Again, thanks to all for the input. This forum is really a great source of information and friendship.

George L.
1989 560SL

You are correct, but an old broom handle will work too! I pulled the clips from the hinges and proped my hood more verticle with an old broom handle, but you have to be careful not to go too verticle as the trailing corners of the hood will dig into the air inlet panel between the hood and windshield!

Just don't accidentally bang the broom handle with your elbow unless you have that football helmet on!!!

BB

dmorrison · #9 12-29-2004, 01:12 PM

I would be very uncomfortable with the SL hood "unattached" especially in windy conditions. I personally would make a bar that would attach at some point to both the hood and the radiator support bracket. Or something like this to help protect it. Just a personal idea. When the W123 hood is in the service position it is locked, so it does provide protection. I would think the SL hood could go overcenter and damage the hood???? Again I have not done this so I am not sure. Just be careful out there.

Dave

#10 12-29-2004, 08:51 PM

Hi Folks...again, thanks for the replys. Dave, I agree that the need for safty shoulfd be addressed before I attempt to release the hood beyond its designed performance. The good news is that the car is garaged, so wind would not be a problem. The issue now is time. Over the next four days, I have two wakes and two funerals to attend. Hopefully, I'll be more motivated to attempt the hood extension next week. I'll keep you all posted with the outcome. Again, thanks.
George

1989 560SL

bconrad · #11 12-31-2004, 09:02 AM

The hood will not open to 90 deg. I disconnected the stops last year when I removed the engine from my 72 350sl thinking it would give me better access, I had to remove the hood instead. Like Gilly said: "Bend over/clunk head."

Bill

#12 01-02-2005, 04:57 PM

Hello Folks and Happy New Year to All,

Just want to say "THANKS" to everyone for the practical information. The result, I plan to practice some yoga, limber up and contort my back beyond its design to replace my hood pad.

It's true, the hood would never open full enough to accomodate my needs. Anyway, thanks again and I hope I can soon contribute meaningful information.

George