gun4hire

Is the crappy plastic 'surround' for the rear window glass replaceable without having to swap the whole convertible top? Mine is cracked across the top of the rear window in about three places and is so sun-beat that it will literally just snap between my fingers.

Thanks in advance...

City Rat

I am interested as well. Tracking this thread.

Serndipity

FYI, roof component part information.

lukeinla

Hi..the CLK i am purchasing had this replaced twice on his drivers side. It was bloody expensive around $200 he was showing me the receipts for it yesterday..i checked this thread cause i was hoping someone had a cheaper solution..hopefully someone else can come in with a nice cheap alternative..

gun4hire

Thanks! It looks like it is part number 208 777 01 07 - 96.00 (if I'm seeing this correctly. Gotta figure a dealer will at least double that.

I found nothing comparable on ebay earlier - I'll have another internet search to see what I can come up with.

gun4hire

I found this:
http://www.benzpartswholesale.com/OE...087770107.html

$137. Not bad...interestingly that's the only place that resolves with that part number using a google search

gun4hire

So...I ordered...and they placed my order on hold pending a VIN. I supplied the VIN, then they declined my order because the part is no longer available. *sigh* why do online parts stores pull that crap (advertize a part they don't even have access to)? They should routinely check to see if it's available.

Back to square one...

Serndipity

Perhaps it's to specific a part to be carried at parts stores.

Convertible tops are usually replaced by upholster shops....maybe they can source just the molding.

Is the part available from MB dealers? If so, prices vary quite a bit between them.

gun4hire

The message said:
"Unfortunately, the part(s) you are requesting is not longer available throught the Mercedes Benz Network. The network consist of Mercedes Benz warehouses in the United States, Germany, Classic Car and other Mercedez benz dealerships."

gun4hire

Well every place I find the part listed reports they are out of stock when I query them about it. Looks like I will either need to get lucky at a used parts yard or come up with a custom solution. Anyone else have an ideas?

Serndipity

Looks like that part is mainly a cosmetic thing (see below).

lawrdent

its too bad. Mine started cracking as well.

GatorMB

I was told by the dealer that it is unavailable without purchasing a new top with headliner.

I say BS to myself and found the part number which is available color code pending.

Velcro is working until we find a good alternative.

Gator

Balsa or teak might be easy!!!

gun4hire

I had looked at it closer, and while reproduction of the shape shouldn't be too hard with a mold and some fiberglass...the hard part is that part of the headliner is actually sewn to the plastic (plastic has perforations). So reproducing that part of the process might prove difficult.

I found the part number as well but subsequently found out that it's no longer available.

GatorMB

I like the idea of fiberglass, It would out live the top and the headliner probably.

Molding glass gets pricey and the market is not that large for this item for now. I haven't rechecked my availability yet with a part number and color code yet but from the looks of this post it might be a waste of time.
I have a PDF of all codes up to about 2003 which has our colors if interested.
My next thought was to investigate the salvage yards for vehicles with a similar rear window and quickly morph one back together that looks professional and or stock.
I am using Velcro for now and had to razor cut away at the stitching to save the headliner. (headliner is nice)
I was concerned about the hanging trim piece damaging the canvas when open/close the top.
so far so good.

Cheers, Gator

fheil

I think the part number you guys are looking for is wrong. I took a picture of mine and the number is A 208 778 0133. I would post the picture but I don't know how yet. I found the part once for like $40 but i cant find it again. I'll keep searching.

GatorMB

I just tried that number @ mbonlineparts.com with no luck. My dealer found it but required the color code. this was about 1.5 years or so. I will go back that way in a couple of days and check with the proper color code.

Gator

miatawnt2b

Any updates on this?

fheil

So here is the part. I obviously haven't had it installed yet. I went to a local upholstery shop and they said they would sew it in for $40. I just need to take the headliner out. The part cost $37 at my local Benz dealer. Mercedes of Knoxville, 865-777-2222. Parts. They ordered it and it came in about one week. This is grey for my car, yours may be different depending on color> I hope this helps.

GatorMB

fhril,
Great find and post,
I lost my notes and oem # , kinda get used to the drooping curtain in the rear window. LOL

I have jotted this down for future order which should become a DIY sticky link as well.

Removing the headliner might become labor intense, Thought of ways to get around removing the top assembly and considered using spray adhesive for tacking the headliner to the molding for trial fit and applying dabs of hot glue to melt the headliner to the trim.
If the trim does not snap in secure then a nut zerk and screw might be required.

Careful planning will yield positive results.

Gator

E55Greasemonkey

7 years later, and sadly this part is no longer available. Mine is broken into 4 pieces. I used 3m velco strips to hold it into place.

RECook

Just replaced the exterior canvas on my 2002, and the auto upholstery place broke the trim into five pieces, but it's still attached. I half expected this; however, it won't stay attached to the rail after they broke off nearly all the little tabs. Any suggestions? The plastic is so brittle that it breaks with the slightest touch.

E55Greasemonkey

The velcro didn't last. I used clear GE silicone, let it dry for a couple days as shown, and it's been holding over a year now.

KC99SR

Got the same problem. I am going to try fitting a piece of drywall half round corner bead somehow! Mabe around it ,then the attachment points need attention.