R129 Mounting of the MercedesShop Grill Badge

[MB-Dude]

Because of the way the grille is slanted and shaped on a model R129, the mounting of the MercedesShop Grill Badge (or any grill badge, for that matter) must be modified. The goal here is to mount the Grill Badge without any modification or damage to the existing grill. Arguably, this procedure is overly-detailed. However, I wrote it to cover a wide variety and spectrum of technical knowledge and ability. It is not my intent to insult anyone’s intelligence but simply to provide a service to others. Any and all comments are welcome.

PARTS & MATERIAL NEEDED:
Qty 1, MercedesShop Grill Badge Kit (includes two threaded studs and two M4.7 nuts)
Qty 2, Fender Washers (1/8” x 3/4”)
Qty 2, SST Lock Washers (#8)
Qty 2, SST Nuts (M4.7) – this is in addition to the pieces that come with the badge
JB Weld, Permatex, or other all-weather adhesive

Step 1: Lightly thread the studs into the badge. CAUTION: Do *not* glue the threaded studs in yet! If you glue them in and the threaded stud breaks while bending, you’ll never get the broken piece out!

Step 2A: Gently bend the threaded studs so that they have ~30-degree angle. The bend should be as shown in picture #1 (please note the threaded studs have been removed in this picture for clarity).

NOTE: It is far better to make many small bends as opposed to one large bend; less chance of breaking/over-stressing the threaded stud.

Step 2B: Check that enough bend has been made to install the badge flush with the grill. Repeat Step 2A and recheck fit as necessary.

Step 3: Verify that the badge fits as needed. The threaded stud must bend toward the top of the badge. (Remember, measure twice cut once… measure twice, glue once.) The badge should lay on the grille as shown in picture #4B.

Step 4: Using JB Weld or Permatex, adhere the short end of each threaded stud into the badge. Again, the bend must point toward the top of the badge. If in doubt, adhere the studs in place and check for proper alignment. They do not have to be perfect, just as close as possible in alignment. The badge at this point should look like the RH piece in picture #2.

IMPORTANT: Allow the glue to thoroughly dry before proceeding. From here on, the badge installs like any other grill badge.

NOTE: The grill badge kit comes with a single nut per stud. For added security, I add a single #8 Lock Washer and an additional M4.7 Nut to act as a jam-nut.

Step 5: Place the grill badge where you want it and install the components in the following order: Fender Washer, Nut, Lock Washer, Nut. Refer to picture #3 for clarity.

Step 6: Recheck placement and tighten both inner nuts finger-tight. Check to make sure the badge is not loose, but not overly tight. It should look like picture #4A & #4B. Note the bend in the threaded studs.

Step 7: Using a nutdriver, tighten both outer nuts so as to create a very secure unit. Do not over-tighten the nuts, or damage to the grill may result.

Step 8: Step back, grab you fav libation and admire your work.

Cheers,
Jeff

[Bill Wood]

You need to add one more picture that shows the view facing the front of the car. (so we can admire the finished job)


Nice job on the DIY

[MTI]

Don't most R129 owners have those thick 18K Italian gold rope chains around their necks . . . it could be a pendant!

[MB-Dude]

Originally Posted by Webmaster

You need to add one more picture that shows the view facing the front of the car. (so we can admire the finished job)


Nice job on the DIY

LOL Thanks for the kind words. I wanted to show a finished product, but the system only allows 5 thumbnail uploads. So, I plopped it here, in post #195 (very bottom of the page)...
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=198360&page=13
Cheers,
Jeff

[Bill Wood]

Originally Posted by MB-Dude

LOL Thanks for the kind words. I wanted to show a finished product, but the system only allows 5 thumbnail uploads. So, I plopped it here, in post #195 (very bottom of the page)...
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=198360&page=13
Cheers,
Jeff

The limit is 5 pictures per POST. Not 5 pictures per THREAD.

[MB-Dude]

Originally Posted by Webmaster

The limit is 5 pictures per POST. Not 5 pictures per THREAD.

Oops... Guess I better learn how to embed pictures, anyway. My digital camera is quickly becoming my garage friend.
Cheers,
Jeff