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Windscreen fitting

Started by Desert fox, 12 June 2009, 05:37 AM

Desert fox

I have just had a new windscreen fitted to my 1975 280SE as part of its restoration but the new windscreen rubber does not fit properly on the bright metal surround and hence does not look as good as it should. The windscreen fitter blames the poor fit on the rubber being too old (I bought it new recently from the main New Zealand MB dealership who sourced it from Germany) and a windscreen specialist claims that the new windscreen, which is apparently Australian made, is thicker than the original MB one hence the poor fit. I would like to have the windscreen refitted and installed properly but would like some advice if possible on this subject before I fork out another NZ$300.

oscar

Hey desert fox, any news?  I'd love to tell you how to put it in yourself but i haven't tried it yet.    But I was thrown by the comment about thicker glass.  It wouldn't surprise me if the Aus Design Rules specified something that was different to the rules developed for the 70s but it's the first time I've read something about thickness.  Personally I'd bet the rubber isn't genuine (even though dealer says it was).  Furthermore, whilst I haven't had a go putting a windshield in I've taken a couple out but something I noticed about OEM and aftermarket sounds like what you're experiencing regarding poor fit.  Take these photos for example, see if any are similar to your current fitment.

These particular ones I haven't taken out yet so I can't measure glass thickness however,
- Red car has what I believe is OEM glass (clear with no tint or sun band up top) and OEM rubber
- Brown car has aftermarket glass (tint and black surround with dots plus sun band up top) and aftermarket rubber.

Does the brown car's fitment look like yours at the moment? Notice the overlaping rubber.



1973 350SE, my first & fave

TJ 450

I reckon you're on the money with the aftermarket vs. OEM seals, Oscar. My 450 has a replacement windscreen (Aus. made) with a seal just like that aftermarket one pictured.

Tim
1976 450SEL 6.9 1432
1969 300SEL 6.3 1394
2003 ML500

Desert fox

The windscreen seal fit in the photographs look a lot better than mine so I'll see if I can get another seal and try again. 

koan

I need a new windscreen, so is the consensus MB seal and local glass is OK?

koan
Boogity, Boogity, Boogity, Amen!