1972 350SL - Console repair/replacement

[Graham]

We have a crack in the console of our '72 350SL. I will soon be removing it for repair or replacement. Any tricks to removing the console?

The crack is quite bad. It is in the tray area and was caused a few years ago, by trying to crawl across to open the driver side door when the lock was stuck. Unfortunately, it was very cold and one side of the tray collapsed.

Has anyone had any luck rebuilding the sides of the console tray area? It looks like I would have to remove the foam stiffening, glue a vinyl backing in place, install new foam backing, then build up the exterior with vinyl. Finally
spray entire unit with "tobacco" vinyl spray because it is faded. I have never worked with vinyl so any advice on practicality of this is welcomed.

Second option is to install a used console that I bought on eBay! This unit is a light colour (Palomine?) and is also faded, so needs refinishing. It is from an older SL, so has the carpeted sideboards attached, as does our car. Problem is that the carpets most likely don't match our car. Is it practical to remove the good carpeted sideboards from our console and to re-install them on the replacement unit? They are sort of permanently attached.

Thanks

Graham

[230/8]

I just ordered a new console for my 72 SL from World Upholstery. The design is the new one that has different side carpet attachement. My carpets were replaced not long ago and were glued to the old cracked console. So, their advice was to remove the carpet using a hair dryer to heat the glue a bit and pull it off. Then experiment with reattaching the new carpet to the new console. I suspect the project will require some fabrication of hard side boards for supporting the carpet. Anyway, try using the hair dryer, set it on low, to soften the glue and just pull off your carpet. Then re-glue it. I'm sure you can get upholstery cement at a craft store or upholstery shop. That's where I will be looking.

You might invest in a CD ROM for the SLs. It has a good explanation of how to remove the console. Dealers can get one for you, they are available from Adsit and Performance Products, or you can order from the MB website.

Good luck,

230/8

[Graham]

I just ordered a new console for my 72 SL from World Upholstery. The design is the new one that has different side carpet attachement. My carpets were replaced not long ago and were glued to the old cracked console. So, their advice was to remove the carpet using a hair dryer to heat the glue a bit and pull it off. Then experiment with reattaching the new carpet to the new console. I suspect the project will require some fabrication of hard side boards for supporting the carpet. Anyway, try using the hair dryer, set it on low, to soften the glue and just pull off your carpet. Then re-glue it. I'm sure you can get upholstery cement at a craft store or upholstery shop. That's where I will be looking.

You might invest in a CD ROM for the SLs. It has a good explanation of how to remove the console. Dealers can get one for you, they are available from Adsit and Performance Products, or you can order from the MB website.

Thanks - I hope you are right and that some heat will unglue the side carpets - That way I can use the existing ones.

I have the paper manuals and have read the console removal procedure - doesn't sound too bad.