Help! Removal of Benz Star
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2010 E550
Help! Removal of Benz Star
I got a flat hood ornament and I can't firgure out how to get the old star off my hood. I looked under the hood and sure didn't see anything that looked like a bold or screw to undo under the star. Can someone help me out? It's a 98 E 430.
#4
STKLAW, I just replaced the upright star on the hood of my C320 with the flat hood emblem, and it was very easy, although it didn't look easy at first. The drawing above helps, but if you're still intimidated, here's a verbal explanation to complement the diagram.
From the underside of the hood, the star mount looks very complicated, but it's a simple rotating lock that's apparent only after removal. Looking down the barrel of the mount, you'll see a spring that runs through to the star, and returns it to upright position when bent over, etc. To either side of this spring is a silver clamp (looks annodized) that looks like two opposing Cs (like: [o] where the "o" is the spring assembly barrel and the brackets are the Cs). The Cs are connected further up in the assembly. (Item #2 in the drawings above.)
You can maybe do this with your bare hands, but I used two pair of pliers, one on each C. Simply rotate the Cs (together) through 90 degrees to the left (counterclockwise), and the whole assembly will pop loose for removal (as a complete unit) through the outer surface of the hood.
From the underside of the hood, the star mount looks very complicated, but it's a simple rotating lock that's apparent only after removal. Looking down the barrel of the mount, you'll see a spring that runs through to the star, and returns it to upright position when bent over, etc. To either side of this spring is a silver clamp (looks annodized) that looks like two opposing Cs (like: [o] where the "o" is the spring assembly barrel and the brackets are the Cs). The Cs are connected further up in the assembly. (Item #2 in the drawings above.)
You can maybe do this with your bare hands, but I used two pair of pliers, one on each C. Simply rotate the Cs (together) through 90 degrees to the left (counterclockwise), and the whole assembly will pop loose for removal (as a complete unit) through the outer surface of the hood.
Last edited by MB-BOB; 12-20-2001 at 02:55 PM.
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Randy B and MB-Bob-
Thanks a lot for your responses. At least now I know how it's supposed to work in theory. Your right when you first look at it it does look complicated. I'll hopefully let you know about and see my success story when I'm done.
Thanks a lot for your responses. At least now I know how it's supposed to work in theory. Your right when you first look at it it does look complicated. I'll hopefully let you know about and see my success story when I'm done.
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Well, it was easier to get the Star off than the new one on. But I got it done. I'll try before and after pics in the same post, if not I'll do 2.
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#11
STKLAW, it looks great from here! Now you have to figure out what to do with the upright star. I have mine sitting on the mantlepiece. Eventually, I want to have a block of wood sculpted with a cutout for the mechanism to fall into, leaving just the star on its base exposed.
Don't know about you, but it took a couple days to get used to not seeing the star (prompting some initial regrets). But that was only temporary. I keep thinking back to my dad's various land barges with the upright hood ornaments to remind me why the flat badge is more my style. LOL!
Don't know about you, but it took a couple days to get used to not seeing the star (prompting some initial regrets). But that was only temporary. I keep thinking back to my dad's various land barges with the upright hood ornaments to remind me why the flat badge is more my style. LOL!
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MB-BOB,
Those were just the thoughts I was having as I went to Best Buy a few minutes ago to do some last minute shopping. You do initially miss it sticking up there but I just think about the 92 500SL I had that had the emblem stock and not the star. More fitting if you are going for the sportier look.
I was wondering the same thing re what to do with the star. It's a handsome gadget and you'd hate to just stick it in the drawer. It seems that it would be hard to mount though. It has to be squeezed between the base and the emblem somehow. I'm sure we can come up with something--just have to keep the thinking cap on.
Those were just the thoughts I was having as I went to Best Buy a few minutes ago to do some last minute shopping. You do initially miss it sticking up there but I just think about the 92 500SL I had that had the emblem stock and not the star. More fitting if you are going for the sportier look.
I was wondering the same thing re what to do with the star. It's a handsome gadget and you'd hate to just stick it in the drawer. It seems that it would be hard to mount though. It has to be squeezed between the base and the emblem somehow. I'm sure we can come up with something--just have to keep the thinking cap on.
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Midnight Blue 2004.5 C230 Kompressor Sport Sedan. 2002 w210 E320, 2009 w211 E350 Sport
bump for old thread
Alright, so I'm bringing up this old thread because the pics that used to be in here aren't there anymore. (And obviously, just a demonstration to "newbies" that it's possible to do a search and find a relevant thread to old mods).
So I got my flat emblem yesterday and tried pulling off the damn OEM emblem and that thing just wouldn't turn. Some people have said, turn it to the right (clockwise). Others have said counterclockwise. In all my years tightening/loosening bolts, I've always followed that old rule of thumb "righty, tighty; left, loosey"...but, it didn't work. I tried using my hands and pliers. Failed at both. Should this be as easy as a quick turn or do the "C's" (as MB-BOB described them) have to be squeezed together?
From the majority of the posts I've read, it seems like this should be an easy task, but I'm having issues...LOL.
Anyways, for those of you that could help or re-post the pics that were in this thread before, I'd really appreciate any input.
drex
So I got my flat emblem yesterday and tried pulling off the damn OEM emblem and that thing just wouldn't turn. Some people have said, turn it to the right (clockwise). Others have said counterclockwise. In all my years tightening/loosening bolts, I've always followed that old rule of thumb "righty, tighty; left, loosey"...but, it didn't work. I tried using my hands and pliers. Failed at both. Should this be as easy as a quick turn or do the "C's" (as MB-BOB described them) have to be squeezed together?
From the majority of the posts I've read, it seems like this should be an easy task, but I'm having issues...LOL.
Anyways, for those of you that could help or re-post the pics that were in this thread before, I'd really appreciate any input.
drex