Material for grill

[Stephen Dietrich]

On my 170Da OTP, there is a material which is riveted to the chrome grill surround. I pulled mine off today so I could get the surround re-chromed. Is this supposed to be rubber or a similar to the attached picture? There is rubber where the trailing edge of the hood meets the cowl. Is there a MB part number associated with this. I recall this was discussed in the 1952 220 Sedan W187 build restoration. Wasn't sure it it was the same for the 170Da OTP.  Stephen

[John Ellis]

My 170Vb has the same material, a heavy cotton weave ribbon.  Niemoeller has this, it is part number A 50 020A (MB# 000 098 10 35).  They also list the same rubber profile that is used on the cowl, Niemoeller A 50 020 (MB# 000 987 09 35).

By the way, where are you getting your grill chromed?  I need to eventually do the same, and we are in the same area of southern California.

[Stephen Dietrich]

I am getting it chromed at El Monte Plating. I think their quality maybe decreasing but I'm going to adhere to strict upkeep to maintain their work. Stephen

[Stephen Dietrich]

The profile of the material removed was 24 mm x 3 mm and flat.  I am concerned that the Niemoeller A 50 020A may have too high of a profile. Stephen

[Stephen Dietrich]

I decided to go with the black 2 bead untreated cloth hood lace, I purchased if from Jim Friswold, Vintage Mercedes Benz Parts. A number of years ago, Jim purchased Warren T. Hoar's (WTH-VMC) entire inventory. I still have his catalog which makes for a great reference guide.  Stephen

[Stephen Dietrich]

I just picked up the grill and surround from the place who has done all my plating. It looks great, now I have to keep it in that condition. Stephen

[Stephen Dietrich]

All assembled, hood lace riveted on, ready to back on the car.

[yan2947]

Stephen,

If you don't mind me asking - what did they charge for the chroming of the grill and did they need to do any work to it (dents?)?  It looks great.  I had my window chrome (4 side windows and front and rear windshield) chromed for a cost of $1300 - I thought pricey but exceptionally well done.

Yan

[Stephen Dietrich]

For the surround and powder coating the grill, $250. The surround didn't need any work. Stephen

[yan2947]

What was the time frame and could you provide their contact info.  That is completely reasonable!

thanks!

Yan

[Stephen Dietrich]

El Monte Plating Co
11409 Stewart St, El Monte, CA 91731
(626) 448-3607

I believe it was about 3 weeks, no longer than 4.