[R129 SL] Was R129 Top operations now INTERIOR FITMENT PROBLEMS

[Deneal Schilmeister (iMac)]

I was able to replace the right hand side front top cylinder with the help
of a friend of mine who works at the Kemp Auto Museum here.  Interestingly
enough, I met this guy through a Mercedes email list four or five years ago.

If any of you ever get to St Louis, it would be worth the time to check out
the museum: 
http://kempautomuseum.com

PS My car is the R129 at the bottom of this page:
http://kempautomuseum.com/photos.php?category=Events&subcatID=14

MY NEW PROBLEM is that the piece that covers the top of the seat belt
housing on the driver¹s seat has come apart at the top of the housing,
leaving a gap between the front half and the back half of the seat belt
housing.  The seat belt housing is tight at the bottom of the housing, and
I¹m afraid to pull the halves further apart to explore, fearing I¹ll break
the housing altogether.

MY QUESTION is has anyone have any experience with taking this seat belt
housing apart who could describe how the front and back attach together?
Have I broken a plastic clip?

I¹d also be interested if anyone has had experience in rebuilding the 129
seats; I believe the heater in the seat back is inoperative.

Thanks you everyone!

 
+++++++++-- 
Deneal Schilmeister
MBCA Gateway  1991-2007
MBCA Cincinnati 2006-2008
1997 SL500     (119k)
http://homepage.mac.com/deneals/SL500.htm
http://deneals.com/
+++++++++--



On 9/19/07 2:09 PM, "Deneal Schilmeister (iMac)" <deneals at sbcglobal.net>
wrote:


> On 9/19/07 11:37 AM, "BJonesNY at aol.com" <BJonesNY at aol.com> wrote:

> 

>> o  While Rusty is certainly the 'best and brightest' when it comes to buying

>> MB parts, for these top cylinders (you referred to them as solenoids), any of

>> the dozen or so hydraulic cylinders in the 129 tops can be rebuilt for $35@ +

>> shipping.  The rebuilder has done hundreds of these (mine as well) and

>> provides a 3 yr. warranty.  He strongly suggests as Deneal mentioned to

>> rebuild these in 'pairs' as if 1 is going on one side, it's 'mate' is soon to

>> follow.  The rebuilder's contact info is

>> Dennis Ficken

>> 16285 S. Chester

>> Olathe, Ks 66062

>> (913) 390-0506

>> mercedescylinders at sbcglobal.net

> 

> I was a little hasty with my prior note.  I do intend to have Dennis rebuild

> the old cylinders to keep as spares.  My SL is my only car, so I did not want

> the down time involved with having those cylinders rebuilt, and having spares

> sounded attractive.

> 

>         o  Last, Deneal, if the torx screw was the problematic fastener you

> had difficulty removing, try an extension on your ratchet for additional

> leverage, and/or spray some PB Blaster.

> 

> Thank you, Bob.  Unfortunately I bought a single Torx screwdriver.  I have a

> condition which makes me tire easily and my right side is weak  (called

> surviving a stroke).  I think if I¹m well-rested (or can enlist my 18yo son to

> help) I¹ll be able to get it.  Actually, this is the first work I¹ve done

> since my stroke seven years ago.

> 

> The problem made me wonder, however, if my car had had the left side replaced

> once before, but not the right side.  The right side looked untouched, but the

> left side had evidence of blue loctite on the screws when I removed them.



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