G Class (W460, W461, W463) Produced 1980-2018: 290 GD, 290 GDT, 300 GD, 350 GD, 500 GE, G250, G300, G300 DT, G320, G500, G550, G55 AMG, G63 AMG

2002 G500 build/ restoration/ conversion photo thread

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Old Jun 27, 2018 | 10:08 PM
  #826  
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Old Jun 27, 2018 | 10:34 PM
  #827  
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From: ToRonTo, OnTaRiO, Khanaadah
s550
Wow..I will be shocked If Mercedes doesn't pick up and do a feature on your project...This is literally a brand new W463 built in a backyard...Nickname "Frankenstein"
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Old Jun 28, 2018 | 10:49 AM
  #828  
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'19 G63 Ed 1,'18 M5, '16 G63,'12 458 , '11 E63, Brabus SL55-K8, '10 S63, '94 E500 "Wolf", '91 560SEC
Originally Posted by just1time
Wow..I will be shocked If Mercedes doesn't pick up and do a feature on your project...This is literally a brand new W463 built in a backyard...Nickname "Frankenstein"
Agreed. Jalopnik or somebody needs to pick this build up!
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Old Jun 28, 2018 | 11:14 AM
  #829  
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Thanks guys
Im ok if they do )
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Old Jun 28, 2018 | 04:26 PM
  #830  
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2008 S550, 2004 G500, 2020 Cayenne
I've been watching this thread everyday from Day 1 and I have nothing more to say but just to appreciate that you're sharing a great build in every possible detail.
You had inspired me to do some cosmetic upgrade on my truck and I have the list for the future.
For the side and center vents, does the dash board needs to be pulled out?

Last edited by YCHU; Jun 28, 2018 at 05:53 PM.
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Old Jun 28, 2018 | 05:13 PM
  #831  
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Thank you

Center vent can come out without removing the dash but side vents have one screw that's up on top in the corner of the dash which the only way to remove it is by removing the dash.

I installed the driver side yesterday and that one screw I did not install, but it's holding good with just three screws .
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Old Jun 28, 2018 | 09:34 PM
  #832  
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2003 G500, 2006 SL500, 2014 C250, 2015 ML350, 1990 190e 2.6
for the side vents, you don't need to remove the dash but its very difficult to get back there. on the right passenger, you need to unscrew the plastic vent tubing by one screw straight when you look through the glove compartment removed. once unscrewed you can push the vent down and remove the screws in the back. on the left driver's side, you need to remove the dash panel underneath the steering wheel through three screws on the bottom and by unclipping a plastic piece at the top and removing the screws underneath the piece. once that dash panel is removed you need to remove the switch swithc unit by unbolting a single bolt and then carefully pulling it out as it has clips on either side holding it in place. you can then get to the front screws. for the rear screws you need to undo a zip tie ( on my 2003 g500 it was a zip tie) that fixes the plastic air vent tube to a metal dash support, and then push the vent down so you can get to the rear screws. even once all this is done it's not easy to get to them and it's definitely a frustrating job, but worth it to replace or refurbish the vents and probably easier than removing the whole dash. feel free to message me if you need a more in-depth explanation or photos for help.

for when I'm putting them back in I'm going to do like Kobzar and not install all the screws for ease of removal at a later date if needed.
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Old Jun 28, 2018 | 10:04 PM
  #833  
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Yeah I'm sure removing them is not an easy task. Mine were broken and the dash came out so I never had to deal with it.
On the driver side I installed the two bottom screws and one top screw. On the passenger side I installed one screw on the bottom and one screw on the top. I might try to get the second screw in on the bottom as well. In order to get that top screws in, I'm using a flexible extension for a drill with a Phillips head tip.

Last edited by Kobzarhomes; Jun 29, 2018 at 12:09 AM.
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Old Jun 28, 2018 | 10:09 PM
  #834  
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Installed headlight switch, the new turn signal stalk and passenger side – vent. Also here are some pictures of the screws I installed for the vents.





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Old Jul 2, 2018 | 05:15 AM
  #835  
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G500 2001
Front door panels upgrade

Hi Kobzarhomes, can you please give me a suggestion about the front door panels?
On my European 2001 G500 I have the door panel model below (first picture) but the pockets are damaged and spare part is quite pricey.
I found good cheaper used doors on eBay which seems to be from 2013 model (second picture) so I thought to upgrade, but I have doubts about the several different parts (seat switch layout, extra lock switch, handle and master window switch).
I see you are using the longer master window switch including mirrors buttons (did you disable the mirrors buttons on Master Headlights Control Switch or using both?), so I think you already did this upgrade and please suggest me how to move on ...
Are pockets the same on 2002-2009 and on >2013 models?
Are >2013 door panels compatible with previous doors?
Does 2002-2009 seat switch frame fit in >2013 door panel?


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Old Jul 2, 2018 | 11:40 AM
  #836  
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Hello
Door panels will fit, bottom pockets are the samE.

i'm actually installing a window switch on the driver side door from 2015 C-class. Which I had reprogrammed in Russia. I will continue using the mirror adjustment function on my original headlight switch. I did have a window switch that was same like on 2013 which I had to reprogram to work with my car but since I got the new switches I sold the other switch to another forum member.
The extra lock switch will be discounted and just stay there.
As for seat switch trim, I think it should fit. I modified my original ones to work with W205 seat switches.

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Old Jul 2, 2018 | 11:59 AM
  #837  
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G500 2001
Thanks for the feedback, I start buying the new panels an then I'll see if to use only the pockets or to follow you route!
Last doubt, if you will continue using the mirror adjustment function on my original headlight switch, will you menage the mirrors folding from the C-class window switch on the door?
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Old Jul 2, 2018 | 12:08 PM
  #838  
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Yes, the mirror folding option will work with new switch
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Old Jul 8, 2018 | 03:42 AM
  #839  
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Came back from vacation, work will resume next week ))
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Old Jul 8, 2018 | 10:55 AM
  #840  
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Hope you enjoyed your vacation Kobzar, I was getting with-drawl symptoms from not seeing any updates
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Old Jul 9, 2018 | 12:21 PM
  #841  
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Hi Kobzar! you are of great inspiration to all DIYers out there! What a amazing transformation with great attention to detail paired with talent!
I have a question: Do you have to do something to the leather on the passenger side airbag section so it will rip thru the leather in case of an accident?
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Old Jul 9, 2018 | 12:43 PM
  #842  
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Thank you
The leather was lightly scorched on the backside in order to allow it to rip incase of airbag deployment.
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Old Jul 9, 2018 | 07:59 PM
  #843  
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2002 G500, 2006 Cayenne, 2002 X5
Hello Sir! I am in Montreal, Canada, got the same truck as yours but in very bad shape with 136xxx km on it- funny... Want to ask if you have those stainless flare brackets? Can i buy a set? By the way, очень интересный отчет, офигенная работа!!! За ранее спасибо!
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Old Jul 10, 2018 | 12:31 AM
  #844  
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Hello
Yes, I still have some available.
16 brackets - $70 (free shipping)

Send me PM if you like.
Thanks / Spasibo
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Old Jul 10, 2018 | 09:22 PM
  #845  
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Window switches installed
wow! Better then expected )








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Old Jul 10, 2018 | 09:32 PM
  #846  
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Man o Man those look fantastic! The contrast of the Beluga Black & brushed aluminum is great
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Old Jul 10, 2018 | 10:38 PM
  #847  
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After I gave each piece a light buff I did put three coats of ceramic coating

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Old Jul 11, 2018 | 10:09 AM
  #848  
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Looks awesome, cant wait to see the drivers side!
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Old Jul 11, 2018 | 03:09 PM
  #849  
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New windshield installed


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Old Jul 12, 2018 | 01:35 AM
  #850  
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2002 G500
Signed up just to let you know that you inspired me to pull the trigger on picking up a 2002 G500. The interior is in terrible shape, but you've given me confidence that I can restore it (and have a good time doing it). It will never approach yours in build quality, but I'm looking forward to it. Thanks for your detailed post!
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