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.
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.
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'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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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
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
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).
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.
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!
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...
I would like to purchase two of these
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
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.
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.
Should probably have quoted your message in my reply. Do you have contact details for this German supplier?
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...
HELLO I JUST READ YOUR POST REGARDING THE HINGES YOU HAD 3D PRINTED ONE OF MINE JUST BROKE AND AM IN DESPERATE NEED DO YOU HAVE ANY LEFT IF SO ID LIKE VERY MUCH TO PURCHASE ONE IF ITS EASIER YOU CAN JUST CALL ME AS I DONT CHECK IN THIS FORUM THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH FOR ANY HELP YOU CAN AFFORD ME.
ROBERT (818) 631-6288
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