SL/R230: Top Down - What is the little hinging cover called?
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 49
Likes: 1
From: Wylie, TX
2003 SL55
What would be cool too is if someone could model is that the right word) the flap piece as well as the hinge. My flaps are missing sadly and no way I'm going to pay the bucks to buy that complete panel to replace.
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One issue is that the part of the hinge that is attached to the large panel breaks, so you need that, too. Or, someone would have to develop a type of replacement for that part of the hinge.
Member
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 101
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From: Australia
2003 SL500
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That's the infamous Spangler, at it again. He was selling strips of 3M tape, cut to fit the cover. Noe he's selling plastic pieces with some vinyl trim and his 3M tape to attach it. Of course you can't blame the guy for trying to make a buck, but the whole "patent pending" thing is silly. He's just doing that so he can corner the market. I seriously doubt he'll get the patent.
I do recall someone posting the CAD specs for a 3D printer version of the flap. I think that's a better solution. If you haven't lost yours yet, then one option is to be proactive and go ahead and install some tape on it. On mine, when the plastic that held the wire "axle" broke, the spring went missing. I was able to fashion a new piece of wire in place for a new hings pivot, and then I used elastic trips, fasted with rivets to duplicate the spring action and hold it all in place.
I do recall someone posting the CAD specs for a 3D printer version of the flap. I think that's a better solution. If you haven't lost yours yet, then one option is to be proactive and go ahead and install some tape on it. On mine, when the plastic that held the wire "axle" broke, the spring went missing. I was able to fashion a new piece of wire in place for a new hings pivot, and then I used elastic trips, fasted with rivets to duplicate the spring action and hold it all in place.
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 49
Likes: 1
From: Wylie, TX
2003 SL55
That seems majorly making a buck 
I've seen 3D CAD files for the hinge piece but would be interested in the flap CAD drawing for the flap if anyone knows where it is. My 2 flaps are totally missing. And since I pointed out to the wife there is supposed to be a flap there versus and open hole. Well, if your married you know where I'm going LOL
I've seen 3D CAD files for the hinge piece but would be interested in the flap CAD drawing for the flap if anyone knows where it is. My 2 flaps are totally missing. And since I pointed out to the wife there is supposed to be a flap there versus and open hole. Well, if your married you know where I'm going LOL
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I found this, but it's just for a new hinge:
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1538789
I thought I had also fond a post where someone had the image for the entire flap, but I can't find it at the moment.
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1538789
I thought I had also fond a post where someone had the image for the entire flap, but I can't find it at the moment.
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The flaps/covers serve no mechanical purpose. They just to make things look neat and finished when the top is down. The hinges that hold the flaps in place break because they used very thin plastic that becomes brittle with age in the harsh environment of an automobile.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2010
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SL55, S500
I'm going to try the 3D printer route.
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 74
Likes: 19
From: San Francisco
2006 SL55 AMG, 2012 Land Rover LR4, 2009 C63 AMG
I have the entire flap missing from the passenger side of my 2006 SL55. Did anyone locate the part number or the CAD file? I have access to a 3D printer.
My local stealership gave me a part number for the entire cover 230-750-04-25-9C83 ($200), but it doesn't even look like that has the small flap attached.
My local stealership gave me a part number for the entire cover 230-750-04-25-9C83 ($200), but it doesn't even look like that has the small flap attached.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 955
Likes: 127
From: Kansas
2003 E55, 2003 SL55, 2014 CLS63, 2018 q50 Redsport, 1968 Camaro SS, 1999 Trans am Firehawk
The flaps are covered in mb Tex & you’re not gonna be able to 3D print them. You can print the hinges, but that’s about it. Just be on the lookout for a part out car & get one used then 3D print the hinge.
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Joined: Mar 2018
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From: Netherlands
2005 R 230 SL350 (M112 3.7). Sold the 1966 W113 230SL recently
Prevention
The flaps on my car are intact and working. It might be worth our while to conjure up preventive measures to postpone failure. Writing (and thinking) on a sick bed, from a distance that is, I guess reinforcement with epoxy might be an idea. (When I got the car I smoothened the rubbing surfaces with some silicone or similar stuff).
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2018
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From: Netherlands
2005 R 230 SL350 (M112 3.7). Sold the 1966 W113 230SL recently
Here’s an interesting idea: a German guy machined aluminum flaps and hinges for his car. Others on that forum are asking and getting them too, don’t know what he’s asking for them.
Member
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 152
Likes: 36
From: Nashville Tn
2011 mercedes sl550, 1995 corvette
Preventative maintenance?
Just wondering if it might be a good idea to maybe put some black duct tape on the underside of the flap along the hinge just in case hinge breaks. Maybe flap would not get lost ?? Any other ideas? 2011 R230
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Yes, at least that way, you would not lose the hinge, and then you can fashion a fix if/when the hinge breaks. On mine, I used a strap of elastic and rivets to attach the hing and act as the spring (which was lost).
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 11
Likes: 3
From: Sweden
E220d 4MATIC Estate 2018 SL350 2005
I've talked to this guy, he was asking €490 (~$550) for a set of two hinges and flaps.. well good luck with that, dude!
Last edited by Mats Wesen; Apr 9, 2019 at 04:05 PM.
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 4
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From: Peckville, Pa
2003 SL 500
Purchase two of these
I wanted to give Dudeman a huge thank you for the posted zip file and his idea for this repair. I found a local 3D printer service and had 6 of these made. We were not sure if there was a difference between right and left, so they also made 3 mirrored hinges. Turns out we could not tell the difference, so one size fits all. I had some extras made in case I broke them during installation. Turns out these things are very tough. The hardest part was getting the spring wound. I used a spring hook and was able to do it on my second try. I am keeping one as a spare and will sell the remaining 4 for $20.00 shipped each. I will trust the buyer to mail me a check as I don't use paypal ever. Here are some pics...
my address is
Jerry Tomaskevitch
435 Delaware Street
Peckville Pa. phone is ((570 ) 241 5849. I tried another fix but no good.
fix no good. I will mail you a check once I receive them thanks
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 955
Likes: 127
From: Kansas
2003 E55, 2003 SL55, 2014 CLS63, 2018 q50 Redsport, 1968 Camaro SS, 1999 Trans am Firehawk
i highly doubt he has any left as i bought two of them from him a long time ago. i'd also guess he's not going to send them to you until he gets the check.
Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 157
Likes: 33
From: Walpole, MA USA
2004 SL500
This appears to be a well done and innovative repair:
https://mbworld.org/forums/sl-class-...ken-clips.html
https://mbworld.org/forums/sl-class-...ken-clips.html
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
2003 SL500
Should probably have quoted your message in my reply. Do you have contact details for this German supplier?
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
04 mbz sl600
3D printed part
I wanted to give Dudeman a huge thank you for the posted zip file and his idea for this repair. I found a local 3D printer service and had 6 of these made. We were not sure if there was a difference between right and left, so they also made 3 mirrored hinges. Turns out we could not tell the difference, so one size fits all. I had some extras made in case I broke them during installation. Turns out these things are very tough. The hardest part was getting the spring wound. I used a spring hook and was able to do it on my second try. I am keeping one as a spare and will sell the remaining 4 for $20.00 shipped each. I will trust the buyer to mail me a check as I don't use paypal ever. Here are some pics...
ROBERT (818) 631-6288
