SLK/R170: New CLK Grill Conversion Method . . .?
07-03-2003, 12:42 PM
#1
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New CLK Grill Conversion Method . . .?
I recently changed the factory grill to a CLK grill to my SLK230, but I ended up doing it differently than the methods I've seen posted so far. It turned out to be quick and produce a very good cosmetic result, so I thought I would post it.
I started out with a stock MB CLK grill from a local dealer which I bought for $128.00 (interestingly, another dealer told me there were 28 CLK grills on order in the MB system and they were backordered to Germany - this upgrade must be getting popular). I cut a semi-circular notch to clear the hood latch and removed the three large molded clips on the bottom and shown in other methods. But I left the two smaller ones and I left the molded pins on each end of the grill. I noticed that there is a plastic pad approximately 7/16" (12 mm) under the bolt where the home-made brackets would otherwise attach, so, instead of cutting the pins off and fabricating brackets, I drilled a hole into the side of each pad (left and right). This allowed me to insert the molded tabs into the pad (the grill will flex slightly to allow this insertion on both sides). This took care of the top mounting; the look is very neat and clean. If you want the grill to be farther out over the bumper, just drill the hole closer to the front of the pad (I put mine in the back because it seemed to look the best there to me; putting it in-line with the bolt will position the grill as shown in other mods). For the bottom, the two remaining plastic clips perform two functions. First, they act as a spacer to create a reveal along the bumper. Second, they allow me to use two large general purpose automotive upholstery clips (from the local auto parts store) to hold the grill to the bumper. These clips are basically "U" shaped with a little notch pressed in. The sharp edge created by the notch allows them to slide on to the two mating parts, but resists pulling off. These clips hold the bottom.
The end result has a clean, "from the factory" look, is very solid, and takes less than an hour to do.
I hope this is useful for someone.
- FD
PS - Sorry for the so so picture quality - but I think you can see things.
I started out with a stock MB CLK grill from a local dealer which I bought for $128.00 (interestingly, another dealer told me there were 28 CLK grills on order in the MB system and they were backordered to Germany - this upgrade must be getting popular). I cut a semi-circular notch to clear the hood latch and removed the three large molded clips on the bottom and shown in other methods. But I left the two smaller ones and I left the molded pins on each end of the grill. I noticed that there is a plastic pad approximately 7/16" (12 mm) under the bolt where the home-made brackets would otherwise attach, so, instead of cutting the pins off and fabricating brackets, I drilled a hole into the side of each pad (left and right). This allowed me to insert the molded tabs into the pad (the grill will flex slightly to allow this insertion on both sides). This took care of the top mounting; the look is very neat and clean. If you want the grill to be farther out over the bumper, just drill the hole closer to the front of the pad (I put mine in the back because it seemed to look the best there to me; putting it in-line with the bolt will position the grill as shown in other mods). For the bottom, the two remaining plastic clips perform two functions. First, they act as a spacer to create a reveal along the bumper. Second, they allow me to use two large general purpose automotive upholstery clips (from the local auto parts store) to hold the grill to the bumper. These clips are basically "U" shaped with a little notch pressed in. The sharp edge created by the notch allows them to slide on to the two mating parts, but resists pulling off. These clips hold the bottom.
The end result has a clean, "from the factory" look, is very solid, and takes less than an hour to do.
I hope this is useful for someone.
- FD
PS - Sorry for the so so picture quality - but I think you can see things.
07-10-2003, 10:27 PM
#6
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Thanks, Supra. I forgot to mention that my SLK is a 2000 Limited Edition and that (at least to me) the CLK grill looks very good with that combination.
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07-23-2003, 07:40 PM
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Floobydust, I really like the way you install the grill especailly using the existing plastic pin, Very SLICK install. I am doing the same install, can you tell me exactly which clip on the bottom did you cut and which did you leave. There are 3 big one (left most, center, right most) and 2 smaller pair (btw the 3 big ones). And did you have to cut the bumper also like the other instruction.
Please post your reply or PM me.
Please post your reply or PM me.
07-23-2003, 08:37 PM
#10
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Derek2003 -
Remove the three big clips and leave the two smaller ones in between them. You do not need to cut the bumper in any way to install the new grill this way. I have attached a (somewhat crude) cross sectional drawing of how the CLK grill clip, the bumper, and the upholstery clip fit together. I hope this helps.
- FD
Remove the three big clips and leave the two smaller ones in between them. You do not need to cut the bumper in any way to install the new grill this way. I have attached a (somewhat crude) cross sectional drawing of how the CLK grill clip, the bumper, and the upholstery clip fit together. I hope this helps.
- FD
07-24-2003, 11:16 PM
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Thought this might be interesting to look at:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=2423836016
It appears that this person modified the original MB part to fit into the SLK without drilling the body. If you can buy the original grills for $120, you may be able to make some easy money selling mods on eBay! Personally, I would not feel comfortable drilling the body but I would be ok with a pre-made grill. Just thought you would like to see...
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=2423836016
It appears that this person modified the original MB part to fit into the SLK without drilling the body. If you can buy the original grills for $120, you may be able to make some easy money selling mods on eBay! Personally, I would not feel comfortable drilling the body but I would be ok with a pre-made grill. Just thought you would like to see...
07-25-2003, 04:58 PM
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Acutally using Floobydust's instruction, you don't have to drill the body other than 2 small plastic thing. I like Floobydust's method much more than the cut 3 slot on my bumper way.
11-26-2003, 06:33 PM
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part # as follow
Silver/Chrome : DC part number A20988001837246
Black/Chrome : DC part number A20988001839040
fit on my 98 SLK
u have to chq to make sure same as for other years
Silver/Chrome : DC part number A20988001837246
Black/Chrome : DC part number A20988001839040
fit on my 98 SLK
u have to chq to make sure same as for other years
