Trim Removal - Part 2

The trim removal continues on the 1975 Mercedes 450SL. While it is not a glamorous job, it is extremely educational to do this exercise personally. I am finding all sorts of things in the door that I am sure go some where but have since rattled lose, broken off etc., over time and now is the time to get all that right. 

So far the following items have been removed:

• Rear taillights x2
• Trunk fueltank division panel
• Rear bumper assembly and bumper trim
• Emblems (450SL and Star)
• Chrome trunk trim
• License plate bumpers / plugs x4
• Trunk gasket
• Trunk locking / latch mechanism
• Soft top lid trim (chrome and MB-Tex)
• Convertible top
• Convertible top cover locking / unlocking mechanism
• Antenna
• Gas flap (door)
• Door molding (guards) and chrome trim at window
• Interior door skins, armrest, pocket
• Side mirror and mirror bracket
• All rubber gaskets on door and body at entry
• Door handles and locking / latch mechanism
• Seat belts
• Door sills (chrome and rubber)

And while this list seems short, I have carefully collected dozens of ziplock bags with parts so far. Labeling everything is key to remember how it all goes back in the end. Losing parts will get expensive if you are able to even find them. It is my recommendation that other then rotting rubber parts you should keep and photo graph everything until you have the new parts in your hand and know it works.

The following photos show the progress in limited detail as of today.

Convertible top and locking mechanism removed

Door latch assembly

Power window hook up. Everything looks very good in here.

Door after paneling removed

Interior paneling being removed

Side mirror bracket

Side mirror bracket removal. Two screws and two bolts must be removed to remove bracket

Mirror bracket removed

Interior of door. You can see three of the exterior molding clips along with the old insulation.

Passenger side door actuator

Latch assembly removed.