R230 Roof flap problem

STEc74

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Hi, not been here for some time, I have a problem with the small flaps to the roof on my R230,i was out today with the roof down enjoying the sun,i noticed the small flap was sticking up at one end and when i lifted it it came away in my hand ,very lucky not to loose it, on closer inspection i found the little clips that hold it down had broken the spring is still in place,
Has any body had this problem and is it an easy fix.
 

flowrider

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This is a known issue, do a search on Google and you should get a hit.
 
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STEc74

STEc74

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Thanks for info, will give it a go
 

flowrider

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I think there was a fix tutorial on mbworld.org
 

Dave779

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I had the same problem and fixed it temoraraly with 2 lots of sticky tape with give enough to allow it to go vertical, and then stuck a pice of elastic in the middle, very tedious job to bring it back down. But after a few months I had to buy a new one at around £260 and £30 to fit as it really anoyed me. Keep looking on ebay and scrapyards but these are like rocking horse poo second hand.
 
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STEc74

STEc74

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I had the same problem and fixed it temoraraly with 2 lots of sticky tape with give enough to allow it to go vertical, and then stuck a pice of elastic in the middle, very tedious job to bring it back down. But after a few months I had to buy a new one at around £260 and £30 to fit as it really anoyed me. Keep looking on ebay and scrapyards but these are like rocking horse poo second hand.
I think there was a fix tutorial on mbworld.org
Hi ,sorry for late reply,got in late,there`s none to be found on ebay,i will make repair until one comes available,not paying those prices unless i get desperate.
 

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Fixed a customers with a small cabinet hinge.
 

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Still can't find black anadized hinges. I'd better do the o/h car, it's only been like it for a year.
 
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drmw

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I fixed this on one of mine with the tube from a BIC pen cut to the three or four lengths, a length of coat hanger wire as the hinge "pin" & glued alternating lengths to each side - doesn't explain it very well, but if you visualise it makes sense. What I didn't have then but do now is some of this http://qbond.net/ - used with the powder this sets in a few seconds and is incredibly strong.
 

John Laidlaw

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Wonder if the Black polyamide (Nylon) ones would work Ian?
 
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STEc74

STEc74

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Fixed my flap today with the wire technique,thought about using a tube to fit over the pins and then sticking them to the broken clips but thought this would not last with the spring being to stong,i had to take the top cover off to properly secure the wires around the pin and retaining clips,took approx one hour,
now woking perfecly,opens and closes as it should, I`ll be keeping my eyes open for a used replacement top cover.
 

A4DJL

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Pardon my dumb question, but what does this flap actually do? I have just discovered that the nearside flap on my 2004 SL350 has disappeared! No idea how or when this happened. Other than aesthetics, is the missing flap going to cause functional problems? The roof seems to go up and down OK. I guess replacing the flap (or more likely the whole panel) using Mercedes parts will be a very expensive exercise.
Any advice would be much appreciated.
David
 

John Laidlaw

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Fixed my flap today with the wire technique,thought about using a tube to fit over the pins and then sticking them to the broken clips but thought this would not last with the spring being to stong,i had to take the top cover off to properly secure the wires around the pin and retaining clips,took approx one hour,
now woking perfecly,opens and closes as it should, I`ll be keeping my eyes open for a used replacement top cover.
Nice one, glad you're sorted...
 
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STEc74

STEc74

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The flap is nothing more than a cover to tidy things up when top is down,this will not cause any functional problems just looks untidy when not inplace,i beleive a new cover complete with flap will set you back £250+ probably why we repair rather than buy new,M B should have recognised this problem and rectified it.
 

A4DJL

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The flap is nothing more than a cover to tidy things up when top is down,this will not cause any functional problems just looks untidy when not inplace,i beleive a new cover complete with flap will set you back £250+ probably why we repair rather than buy new,M B should have recognised this problem and rectified it.

Thanks for the re-assurance. I guess I can live with the untidy look in this good weather until I find sensible priced solution
David
 


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