27D Mercedes Winshield swapout

[58oldsfan]

Tinman, Is it possible to swap out the windshields on the 27D Mercedes 230 SL without taking the car apart? It looks possible, but I'm afraid to squeeze too much for fear of breaking it. I have a beater with a good windshield, and a near mint one without! Thanks, Tim in Vero Beach

[Tinman]

Tim, sorry I missed this post when it was current and just now discovered it.

Unlike the 39b Pontiac Convertible, the Mercedes windscreen is riveted in place. It's nearly impossible to remove enough of the old wind screen to allow a modified new windscreen to slip into place.



You pretty much need to drill the base rivets and then drill the windscreen rivet. I would have no trouble doing this to create one nice model out of two. Especially since none of this model's variations are rare or in short supply. There is even a reproduction replacement windscreen made so you don't have to drill out an original model just to obtain a windscreen.

[matchboxtom]

Too bad you need to drill it out. I need to order about 5 of those windshields...

[Tinman]

Tom, you could experiment with a beater and see if you can remove enough of the old plastic to insert a new windshield. You would have to trim off most of the plastic in the mounting area to create a slip-in windscreen. And, do all of this without marking/damaging the plastic interior or chipping the paint work. Also, the replacement windscreens are clear and the originals are smoked. It's easy to smoke tint the replacements and if you email me I'll let you know how to do it.

Considering you are replacing the windscreen with a reproduction replacement part and having to tint the window yourself, drilling the rivet seems like a non-issue to me. Mint & minty 27d models with missing windscreens are dirt cheap and very plentiful ... it's hardly hurting the value of the model and the end result is a nice display piece.