What should I replace before putting back Dasboard ??????????
 

This is for anyone who had to remove Dashboard and knows the agony !!! I tool off old Dashboard from 1988 560 SEL (213K) because it was cracked near speakers (Yes, both!!!) and big crack
right in the middle . Now finally I found new Dashboard in correct color and I have about 2 weeks before it arrives . PLEASE can anyone tell me which items I should change before reinstalling Dash??? I will die if I ever have to take off Dash for anything . I changed the blower allready . Any suggestions . I'm restoring this car big-time ! ! !

The center vent acuator is difficult to replace with the dash in place. Might as well replace them all if this is a big-time restoration.

Clean any dirt from the evaporator and heater core.

Sixto
95 S420
87 300SDL

i'd also add ... replace any bulb you can see. if your clock works or not i'd replace the 2 capacitors that fail [these are in the clock].

i'm getting ready to do the center vent on the 87 and with my big fat paws i was considering taking the dash off to access the center pod. ole Thomaspin sure did a good job on his center vent project.

sixto good idea! you can get the diaphram for about 5 bucks so you can do all 5 for about 30 bucks. that's the cost of 1 pod new.

Center vents
 

The center vents for my A/C do not open, and I will have to remove my dashboard to get to them. Any idea as to the normal cause the vents don't open?

Also, what problems should I expect with the dash removal?

1991 300D

WJJ

do a search on "center vents" you'll get a ton of threads that will help. also include your mod number. be prepared to read till monday there is so much on it.

i'm not sure about your car but on the 126's you do not have to remove the dash but you have to be able to bend your arms backwards.



good luck.

Thanks Craig, since I'm new to this forum, can you tell me if my 1991 300D 2.5 turbo diesel is the "126" model??

WJJ

i sure would like to but i'm dumb as a post when it comes to the model numbers. i know 107 and 126 an that's it.

you know if you go to the parts search on this site it will should tell you when you pick a model number.

i'm going there myself to have a look see too.

if it doesn't i'm sure someone will respond in a bit.

tks
craig


well what i learn every day

your's is a 124
the only thing i know is that on a 123 the dash must come off according to my repairflix.com info.
good luck!!!

While you're doing the diaphragms, might as well do the little rubber hose connectors too.
And if you are reeeeaally ambitious and have the time, the foam on the one side of the recirc. air flap could use replacing too. Maybe some thin weatherstripping held on with industrial glue?

Good Luck!

-Larry

WJJ:

You have a W124 chassis -- MB numbers designs.

Dash is a fairly big project, expect about 12-14 hours if you do it all at once a work fast. Otherwise, much longer.

The reason the center vents don't work is that the servo is bad. You CAN sometimes get replacement diaphrams, but I just got all new servos, cost just at $200, I'm fixed for the next 15 years or so. With the dash out you can replace all but the diverter on the early cars, all of them on later ones by removing the top cover of the AC box. Four screws, everythings open.

Just pry the levers off, don't squeeze the little prongs. Servos are "push the latch and twist to release" except the center vent, it's held to the top cover with three push on clips. Get new clips, you have to break the pins to get the old servo off and the clips will go into orbit!

Removing the dash requires pulling the climate control pushbutton control and the top switch rack, both lower covers, the glovebox, steerring wheel, and air bag(s). Big job.

Peter