When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
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"
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!
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?
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 .
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.
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; 06-29-2018 at 12:09 AM.
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?
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.
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?
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?
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!
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!