From Swedish to German: The New Daily Driver

A rare opportunity has presented itself in the form of free time. I shan't say more for fear of ruining this precious gift.

Instead, I'll offer a quick look at my aforementioned u-clip solution.

Before - Zinc Plating

After - Painted Flat Black

I feel such peace now, I have no words.



Here's a perspective from behind the glovebox



I added some 3M 3381 over the sound deadening as an additional layer of security as I saw some minor contact upon removal and reinstallation.

I'd still do it the same as before but ensure I pressed down even harder with the roller.

After flattening and adding foil tape, it fits smoothly.

Moreover, you can see the clearance between my clevis & hitch pin setup and the vent.

Here's a quick shot of the finished product of two of the glovebox screws I coated with SEM



This is after multiple removals and reinstallations. The finish is holding up well and makes a difference in the overall end product.

Again, as a shoutout to Matt at Pelican Parts, even though we couldn't find the dowels (I'm partial to my solution), he was able to provide me with the adjustment screws and rubber end caps for improving the fit and finish of my newly restored glovebox, in addition to a few other goodies I'll get to soon.



I'm most proud that after all the fixes and painting, I was able to preserve my MB Roadside Assistance tag in the glovebox.



Please pardon the dust. It'll make the final detail shots that much more impressive.

I even upgraded the glovebox light to an LED (Sylvania 6461SYLLED) for a clean, modern look once this is all complete.

That's all for now. I hope to have some reassembly shots soon of the interior.

This has been countless hours of detail work that no one will ever notice unless I point it out (I'm looking at you cupholder). Unless of course, they read this thread.

Worth it

Happy Saturday everyone!

Firstly, thank you all for 3k views! While this is technically 2,584 as of this post, that's 2,583 more than I ever expected.

I appreciate you

In the last episode, you saw some of the interior updates, specifically the glovebox, which was intimidating as I tried to recall how everything fit back together without breaking the 20 year-old, NLA pieces. I think it's safe to say I'm quite say I'm satisfied with the end result. A large part of that has to do with the refinishing and repainting.

So, while I wait for the weather to cooperate to finish the interior reassembly, I thought you, like me, may enjoy the paint removal process.

Enter Citristrip





After a plastic razor



While I already teased photos of the glovebox and screws, I'll save the full reveal for when the interior is back together. If you enjoyed the interior cleanup, I have a sneaking suspicion you'll want to stick around for the final assembly.

To complement the newly reconditioned plastic components, I think the UV-laden leather could use some attention:









As a testament to my aspirational journalistic integrity, these are from before I embarked on my sound deadening adventures.

The benefit here is that they've had some time to meet my incomparably talented friends at an upholstery shop back home.





While this is yet another amuse bouche, I do hope I've earned enough credit to promise you that what comes next is wholly satisfying and I may frame the invoice for posterity in case I get any other original ideas in the future.

I do hope that this lends more insight into why this has taken so long. With my anniversary approaching, I've been putting equal thought into that present with ample consideration for the intangible injuries suffered as a result of this restoration.

Before I leave you once more, I offer you a glimpse into the exterior.



With all the focus on the interior, there must be balance, no?

Until next time!

Citristrip !

I did wonder what the product is called Hub Car use for stripping and now I wonder no more ..

Every day is a skool day

Happy Monday!

While I thought that yesterday would be a good day to reinstall the dashboard, that plan came to a halt faster than tires touching down on tarmac when I spotted what looked a few spots of rust. So, I got to work.



While cleaning and prepping the metal for POR-15, I noticed that the rubber grommets were incredibly brittle for 20 year old parts. As they graciously crumbled while I unceremoniously fumbled to remove them, this provided a fantastic opportunity to try out my vacuum attachment inside the crossmember these grommets were installed in.



After ensuring that the broken pieces and any dirt time capsules were fully extracted, I needed to replace the grommet with something ready to withstand another 20 years of service without the MB tithes I have so readily rendered unto my local parts department.





These lovely replacements fit almost too well and provide a vacuum like seal while retaining a low enough profile that it shouldn't interfere with the dashboard when I reinstall.

These grommets are also the same ones that I used as replacements in the floor pan and transmission tunnel and I prefer that there is a dual seal to ensure it's preventing water ingress as well as the elements.



If you're thinking "you should replace the others as well," that's a great idea



Once the POR-15 cures, I'll replace the other two in the middle.

It's at this point I should mention, I have another set of grommets that don't have the impressions to be cut out for wires to pass through the center that I've seriously considered using those because they look closer to the OE ones I removed. Then I remind myself about what I wrote earlier about "peace in our household," or something a smarter, more goal-oriented version of my past self wrote. I may still change them. Time will tell (you'll know by the next post).

After a through cleaning and a concentrated dose of CRC Contact Cleaner and 2-26 Multi Purpose Precision Lubricant, the accelerator pedal was re-installed.



I left the brake pedal untouched for a visual before and after. The stainless steel polish is difficult to apply due to the tight spacing and left visible streaks. Thus, when I graduate to final cleaning before I debut the car, I'll be sure to be more intentional in my efforts.

While I was in there, I quickly shampooed the carpets once more (I know, I know) and this is the car as it sits now, awaiting the final reinstallation after the POR-15 cures.



I did notice that some parts of the carpet appear lighter (they did prior to the shampoo ) however when I sincerely asked my other half if I should prep for additional coats of SEM, I'm fairly certain I saw the inception of an arrhythmia through her eyes so I'm going to leave this for another day.

Taking the fun indoors, I decided to swap out the damaged center vent (for one I bought last year and have been saving for a post such as this) and begin reassembly of the center console.

Before


After


That, my fellow SLK-philes, is what we call photo capacity for a post. Probably for good reason before you all realize the depths I'm willing to go through for what's supposed to be an inexpensive daily driver.

If you notice the smudges on the center assembly, rest assured, they've been removed in preparation for a ** * ***. Details are coming.

Let me conclude this enhanced glimpse into my psyche by warning you all to be careful with rubbing alcohol when cleaning your OE headunit. While I was motivated to use the highly volatile, 91% isopropyl solvent to remove embedded grime and dirt from behind the keys, my rubber volume knob did not approve and consequently, the dude does not abide with $80 USD for a new one.

I have something fun (this word has taken new form these last several months) planned as I am not buying another headunit and I'm imposing a moratorium on funds for this project. Famous last words.

As always, thanks for reading! Until next time!

Happy Sunday!

I return from yet another unexpected hiatus to bring updates to this thread.

Firstly, if you’re reading or responding to this and haven’t wished a Happy Mother’s Day to those in your life, please take a moment and do so. I’ll wait.

Now that that’s complete, time for updates!

I’m away on an assignment for the next several months so please don’t expect any updates until my return later this year.

Even with this limited time, I think of all of you and the updates I’ve promised!

When work has allowed, I’ve tinkered with polishing the plastic on my gauge cluster and refitting the dashboard. However, whileyoureinthereitis got the best of me and I may or may definitely have sent out more parts to my local upholstery shop.

In all fairness I wanted something to look forward to when I return so this is a down payment on an early holiday present.

Aside from some cleaning and test fitting, not too much else is worthy of reporting.

I’ll have much more to report on once I’m back safe and sound.

Until then, keep up with restoring, repairing, and general excellence towards yourselves and one another.

I look forward to sharing more updates!

You are sir, an inspiration. I’m not sure to what end, but I’m certainly inspired - I think it may be to definitely leave well alone. But if your hard work has achieved this and nothing else it is hard work well worthwhile.
In rejoicing in your obsession by proxy, I have saved myself hours, nay weeks, of work. Bless you. 🙏🏻