2002 G500 build/ restoration/ conversion photo thread








Can you suggest how to cut these nice straight groves and radius in the dashboard?
From the picture it seems the groves have different width, how large are them?
Did you use a Dremel with end mill cutter?




I first tape off the area I want to cut and then i just use a razor blade to cut the it out, going along the edge of the tape. Once you cut the outline, the top thing layer of vinyl and a a thin layer of foam backing on the back of the vinyl comes off pretty easy.
The reason some groves are more narrow then others is because the wide goes will accommodate the stitch with a French top stitch on it, the narrow ones do not have a French top stitch so it just needs a narrow grove. I measure how wide the back of the stitch is and cut it accordingly.
I also took some vinyl off around the vents and the center dash area where the radio and wood trim for hazards and climate goes in, so that when the leather goes on to the dash, there is enough clearance for those parts to go in.




Also test fitted the old dash, just to see if my alternative installation of the dash is going to work (and it does) it went in its place with no issues. So happy ))))
Dash 2.0 should be all wrapped next week.
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Great Job. I am one of those patiently awaiting That first crank upon finish. Please shoot a video.
Would be nice if you made a video of the entire work on a timeline.




I came across this build as I was looking for info on the G wagon & have decided that I will be going for a 2005+ G400 and your build has given me so many different ideas, and questions, which I might be bombarding you with in the near future!

I can't wait to see it all finished.




As far as parts, I purchased allot of the parts brand new from the dealer but also some used parts from eBay seller in Portland Oregon. His eBay name is "slava81".
I was at his shop couple weeks ago when I was picking up the dash for myself and I know that he just got a 2002 G500 which he will be parting out soon or probably already parted it out. Its was Silver on Black.
Keep an eye out for a whole slew of G500 parts from him on eBay soon.
As far as parts, I purchased allot of the parts brand new from the dealer but also some used parts from eBay seller in Portland Oregon. His eBay name is "slava81".
I was at his shop couple weeks ago when I was picking up the dash for myself and I know that he just got a 2002 G500 which he will be parting out soon or probably already parted it out. Its was Silver on Black.
Keep an eye out for a whole slew of G500 parts from him on eBay soon.




