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Is there an easy preventative measure? I am looking at the prices and am scared that mine will break someday.
Hate to drill a hole and run wire through it, but perhaps I could put a thick layer of epoxy on top of the existing plastic tabs to strengthen them? Or can a drill a small hole in a tab and run a wire from there to something else to serve as a "retainer" (or maybe 2 tabs in case one of them actually breaks)?
I don't see how you guys are running the wire through, and what it goes through.. can I do this as a preventive measure or will this fix only work if it breaks first?
Mine broke as well. Fixed it with a black cocktail straw that I glued to replace the tabs. It has held for over a year. The only cost was a vodka martini....
Hello everyone. I have the same problem and just came up with a wonderful solution. My upholstery guy made me two "panel wings part number 230-69-09-41-9C83" that look great!
He put two very strong tabs on either end of both wings and they fit perfectly and will never break again. The material used matches perfectly as well. Have pictures if any wants. Mercedes cost: $1,190 My cost: $400.
Hello
Could you please send details and photos of the repair I have a 2003 500sl with the same problem
Please send to rgmranger@sbcglobal.net
I did try the link you provided but when I clicked on it the information was no longer available
Thanks,
Bobby Morris
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
Originally Posted by Rudeney
I used Gorilla tape to hold mine, but under the flap, not on top.
Fixed my post. I meant to say cover the hinge and not suggest taping actually "over" the hinge. $7 for a roll of fancy duct tape is hard to compare with a $300-$400 part that might actually break again.
Panel cover hinge fixed with black duct tape.
Last edited by JettaRed; 11-19-2016 at 12:59 PM.
Reason: Added pics.
Yep - exactly what I did with mine. I put it on both sides, even thought the right one's hinge was still intact. I didn't want to take chances in losing it "when" it breaks.
My flaps appear to be in excellent condition. Still ... they're 10+ year-old plastic parts. I'm gonna try gorilla glue tape ... coupla thin strips on each flap should be sufficient.
A little help.. My tabs are not broken, it appears that on the driver side the hinge pin disengaged from the end tab and the spring unloaded, can anyone tell me how to re-engage that hinge pin..,.. Do you have to take that whole assembly out to work on it and if so , How do you remove it..