2002 G500 build/ restoration/ conversion photo thread
#776
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Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Cape Cod
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E450 wagon, C43 AMG Cpe, C43 AMG Cab
Good call. The dash is an area you can't really ignore. If there is something that doesn't meet your standards it will jump out at you every time you get into the truck. Good luck with the replacement. You are getting close. On the road by?? July??
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Dshed (07-06-2018)
#778
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Taking a different approach on reinstalling the dash. Typically the dash comes off with the vent piping and radio crate. I am going to install all of those things onto the car first and then put the dash on to it. So far everything is looking like it should work. Couple of screws might be a little complicated to install but I think I can work around them.
#780
Very nice Job! I want to do the same soon
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?
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?
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Brabus388 (03-14-2023)
#781
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Thank you
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.
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.
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Pandolf (06-01-2018)
#782
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Installed armrest on the center console. Test fit it in the car just to make sure everything sits in its place.
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.
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.
#784
Super Member
WOW...Cant describe how i feel about your journey. The attention to detail on everything. The stitching...Jesus. Looks like its from a magazine.
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.
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.
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Kobzarhomes (06-04-2018)
#788
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The headliner is stock. I added the vanity mirrors and the rear passenger dome light. I then glued alcantara on to the bare surface of the headliner. There is no foam under alcantara.
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rudys_500 (06-05-2018)
#789
Congrats Kobzar, this is one amazing build. I signed up to this site just to express how cool your thread is, not only that you are basically re-building your G, but also how you are posting updates & pictures on everything you've done, kudos!!!
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.
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.
#792
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Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: Austin, TX
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2004 SL55. Prev: 2003 G500
I just want to say that you build thread has been awesome! I just purchased a 2003 G500 with missing parts (hood, carpet, center console, passenger seat, long story) and have been getting great ideas from all the work you have done. All the documentation with pictures and details is invaluable! I had been somewhat concerned about sourcing all the G class parts, but after reading the entire thread I am feeling much better about the whole thing.
#793
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Congrats on a purchase.
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.
#794
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Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: Austin, TX
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2004 SL55. Prev: 2003 G500
Congrats on a purchase.
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.
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abhatti55 (06-10-2018)
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Kobzarhomes (06-10-2018)
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Kobzarhomes (06-10-2018)