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De-bling the G --- Side moldings
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Posted 11/24/2013 11:11 PM
MudMonkey
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Date registered: Jun 2013
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De-bling the G --- Side moldings

I have heard a rumor that the trim strips that run down the sides of the MBUSA G's, right below the window line (at elbow level, basically), are actually the original side molding as seen on W460's with an decorative trim strip adhered over top...

... can anyone confirm that?

If so, can that decorative adhesive trim strip be removed from the side molding, leaving the side molding intact and "de-blinged" ?

Has anyone here done it...?
#218456
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Posted 11/25/2013 12:47 AM
fernweh



Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: Calabasas, CA - Centenario, BCS - Luebeck, Germany
Vehicle(s): Few Mercedes-Benz, a Toyota Amphibious and a Vespa
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RE: De-bling the G --- Side moldings

When you purchase new moldings from the MB, it will come in two parts.

Not the real W460 molding, it has mounting holes in it, but a similar part which is laminated to the body,
and the trim strip itself, is laminated into the the "base" molding.

Karl
#218457 - in reply to #218456
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Posted 11/25/2013 12:03 PM
Otiswesty
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Date registered: Jun 2007
Location: Portland, Oregon
Vehicle(s): 463.241, 461.213
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RE: De-bling the G --- Side moldings

Hi Adrian,
That rub strip is two pieces as Karl says. The Pre2002 Gwagens do not have the decorative insert. In fact even up until 2012, the less expensive 463 G in Europe does not have it. It is an extra cost item. So if you were buying a base model G350cdi in Munich, it would have cloth seats, no command, etc etc.

Below is a pic of the current 461 rub rail and the 463 without the decorative strip.

I have noticed that the 463 basic version is much softer after being in the hot sun compared to the version with the decorative insert. So there is some structural value, some people have used a carbon fiber insert in its place. I have not removed this myself.



(461.JPG)



(463.JPG)



Attachments
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Attachments 461.JPG (164KB - 3 downloads)
Attachments 463.JPG (134KB - 3 downloads)
#218472 - in reply to #218456
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Posted 11/25/2013 12:54 PM
94rover
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Re: De-bling the G --- Side moldings

More images from the (461.JPG) pic above please!!!! That Edition Pur is beaut.
#218475 - in reply to #218472
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Posted 11/25/2013 2:11 PM
Otiswesty
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RE: De-bling the G --- Side moldings

OT: Here ya go



(Pur1.JPG)



(Pur2.JPG)



(Pur3.JPG)



(Pur4.JPG)



(Pur5.JPG)



Attachments
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Attachments Pur1.JPG (123KB - 2 downloads)
Attachments Pur2.JPG (146KB - 2 downloads)
Attachments Pur3.JPG (114KB - 1 downloads)
Attachments Pur4.JPG (145KB - 1 downloads)
Attachments Pur5.JPG (174KB - 1 downloads)
#218476 - in reply to #218456
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Posted 11/25/2013 2:18 PM
94rover
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Re: De-bling the G --- Side moldings

Yeah, OT my apologies for the thread hijack & pic request but 4 more images of side moldings, worth it. Thanks for the additional images.
#218477 - in reply to #218476
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Posted 11/25/2013 3:41 PM
MudMonkey
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Re: De-bling the G --- Side moldings

No Sir, I'm equally enamored by that Pur. I want to de-bling my G, specifically because I like the utilitarian G's.

So, if I have read the responses correctly, I can remove the decorative "second layer" from my MBUSA side molding, with some heat. However, it may provide some functional value/structural support to the black base layer of molding. And the base layer of molding is also attached using an adhesive... so I have to be very careful if I try to remove the second layer with heat, because I could pull the base layer off with it... correct?
#218478 - in reply to #218456
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Posted 11/25/2013 3:53 PM
AlanMcR
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Date registered: Apr 2006
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Re: De-bling the G --- Side moldings

MudMonkey - 11/25/2013 12:41 PM No Sir, I'm equally enamored by that Pur. I want to de-bling my G, specifically because I like the utilitarian G's. So, if I have read the responses correctly, I can remove the decorative "second layer" from my MBUSA side molding, with some heat. However, it may provide some functional value/structural support to the black base layer of molding. And the base layer of molding is also attached using an adhesive... so I have to be very careful if I try to remove the second layer with heat, because I could pull the base layer off with it... correct?

The strip should be easy to remove with some heat.  I would think that the very thick body of rubber would protect the moulding-to-body adhesive during that proccess.

#218479 - in reply to #218478
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Posted 11/25/2013 9:03 PM
Otiswesty
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Date registered: Jun 2007
Location: Portland, Oregon
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Re: De-bling the G --- Side moldings

I concur with Alan. It should be pretty easy to remove only the top layer if that is what you are trying to do.

As to your original question. The 460/461 side moldings are solid rubber with screw holes, the 463 moldings are hollow plastic molded tubing attached with an adhesive emblem tape.
#218487 - in reply to #218476
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Posted 11/26/2013 11:52 AM
thebigblue

Date registered: Jan 2012
Location:
Vehicle(s):
500
Re: De-bling the G --- Side moldings

otiswesty - 11/26/2013 3:03 AM

I concur with Alan. It should be pretty easy to remove only the top layer if that is what you are trying to do.

As to your original question. The 460/461 side moldings are solid rubber with screw holes, the 463 moldings are hollow plastic molded tubing attached with an adhesive emblem tape.


So, on a 463 there will be some unused holes behind it ??



Edited by thebigblue 11/26/2013 11:52 AM
#218500 - in reply to #218487
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Posted 11/26/2013 12:08 PM
fernweh



Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: Calabasas, CA - Centenario, BCS - Luebeck, Germany
Vehicle(s): Few Mercedes-Benz, a Toyota Amphibious and a Vespa
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Re: De-bling the G --- Side moldings

thebigblue - 11/26/2013 8:52 AM

otiswesty - 11/26/2013 3:03 AM

I concur with Alan. It should be pretty easy to remove only the top layer if that is what you are trying to do.

As to your original question. The 460/461 side moldings are solid rubber with screw holes, the 463 moldings are hollow plastic molded tubing attached with an adhesive emblem tape.


So, on a 463 there will be some unused holes behind it ??



Yes, it is true, our beloved W463's still have some W460 skeleton in the closet

Karl
#218501 - in reply to #218500
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Posted 11/26/2013 12:11 PM
thebigblue

Date registered: Jan 2012
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Vehicle(s):
500
Re: De-bling the G --- Side moldings

fernweh - 11/26/2013 6:08 PM

thebigblue - 11/26/2013 8:52 AM

otiswesty - 11/26/2013 3:03 AM

I concur with Alan. It should be pretty easy to remove only the top layer if that is what you are trying to do.

As to your original question. The 460/461 side moldings are solid rubber with screw holes, the 463 moldings are hollow plastic molded tubing attached with an adhesive emblem tape.


So, on a 463 there will be some unused holes behind it ??



Yes, it is true, our beloved W463's still have some W460 skeleton in the closet

Karl


Alright then, so bee it, - I will tell myself it is for the purpose of weight-savings
#218502 - in reply to #218501
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Posted 11/26/2013 12:35 PM
gbenzer
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Re: De-bling the G --- Side moldings

thebigblue - 11/26/2013 12:11 PM

fernweh - 11/26/2013 6:08 PM

thebigblue - 11/26/2013 8:52 AM

otiswesty - 11/26/2013 3:03 AM

I concur with Alan. It should be pretty easy to remove only the top layer if that is what you are trying to do.

As to your original question. The 460/461 side moldings are solid rubber with screw holes, the 463 moldings are hollow plastic molded tubing attached with an adhesive emblem tape.


So, on a 463 there will be some unused holes behind it ??



Yes, it is true, our beloved W463's still have some W460 skeleton in the closet

Karl


Alright then, so bee it, - I will tell myself it is for the purpose of weight-savings :ahhh:



Think of them as factory made attachment points for Karl's accessories.
#218504 - in reply to #218502
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Posted 11/26/2013 1:09 PM
DUTCH
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Re: De-bling the G --- Side moldings

thebigblue - 11/26/2013 11:52 AM

otiswesty - 11/26/2013 3:03 AM

I concur with Alan. It should be pretty easy to remove only the top layer if that is what you are trying to do.

As to your original question. The 460/461 side moldings are solid rubber with screw holes, the 463 moldings are hollow plastic molded tubing attached with an adhesive emblem tape.


So, on a 463 there will be some unused holes behind it ??



Yes, and if you put the square plastic screw anchors from the W460 in those holes, it will help you to line up the moulding properly when you install it. There is a grove on the back of the moulding that fits perfectly around those screw anchors.
#218505 - in reply to #218500
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Posted 11/26/2013 4:37 PM
elvis100
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Date registered: Nov 2013
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Re: De-bling the G --- Side moldings

Can anyone tell me if the chrome strips are available separately for a w463? Or can someone tell me how thick they are or what they are made of. Maybe a picture if someone removes them. I'd like these on my Euro G350TD.
Thanks
#218517 - in reply to #218456
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Posted 11/26/2013 8:13 PM
djdinaz
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Date registered: Jun 2007
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Re: De-bling the G --- Side moldings

Yes, the inserts are available separately. Part numbers range from A463698 (10 thru 31) 62. Depending on the application, some need an option code for what they came on (e.g. Grand Edition, standard, etc.). For example, A4636982762 is the part number for a G55 front door strip.

What are they made of? Just going by what a parts department wants for them, I'd guess ground unicorn horns and fairy dust (A4636982762 retails for $182). Actually, when I pulled mine off to replace the adhesive (they started falling off) they looked to be aluminum veneer covered in clear plastic.
#218527 - in reply to #218456
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Posted 11/26/2013 9:04 PM
Otiswesty
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RE: De-bling the G --- Side moldings

Yes, it is funny that the side holes are the same in a 463 and 461. I never realized that...
Here are a couple more pics from the factory after the dipping in zinc phosphate bath, and putting the doors on. The mirror mount holes are the easiest clue to differentiate between 463 and 461.



(bare461.JPG)



(bare463.JPG)



Attachments
----------------
Attachments bare461.JPG (119KB - 2 downloads)
Attachments bare463.JPG (149KB - 2 downloads)
#218528 - in reply to #218456
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Posted 5/11/2015 5:08 PM
Otiswesty
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Re: De-bling the G --- Side moldings

fernweh - 11/26/2013 9:08 AM
otiswesty - 11/26/2013 3:03 AM
I concur with Alan. It should be pretty easy to remove only the top layer if that is what you are trying to do.
As to your original question. The 460/461 side moldings are solid rubber with screw holes, the 463 moldings are hollow plastic molded tubing attached with an adhesive emblem tape.

Yes, it is true, our beloved W463's still have some W460 skeleton in the closet
Karl

Last Fall I decided to pull a skeleton out of the closet...
Giving it more of the look of the Edition Pur pictured above. The old plastic trim came off, I cleaned all of the tenacious foam adhesive backing tape, poked holes in the sound dampening mats in the panels, and inserted the clipsmutter. The 461 belt trim went on easy, looks great, and should last 15-20 years. I used a black stainless screw off of Amazon.

Edited by otiswesty 5/11/2015 5:10 PM




(Trim3.jpg)



(Trim2.jpg)



(Trim1.jpg)



(PurTrim.jpg)



Attachments
----------------
Attachments Trim3.jpg (72KB - 1 downloads)
Attachments Trim2.jpg (42KB - 1 downloads)
Attachments Trim1.jpg (40KB - 1 downloads)
Attachments PurTrim.jpg (64KB - 1 downloads)
#228056 - in reply to #218501
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Posted 5/13/2015 2:00 PM
atg
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Date registered: Nov 2014
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Re: De-bling the G --- Side moldings

That shiny strip crap was falling off my g55 trim in places so i used rubber cement to stick it back on. You can just pull it off with your fingers and rub the leftover adhesive off. No idea what the black stuff looks like inderneath though; maybe some holes. Could cut strips of anything and stick them in eg wood etc
#228101 - in reply to #218456
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Posted 5/13/2015 2:02 PM
atg
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Re: De-bling the G --- Side moldings

Use double sided high tack tape
#228102 - in reply to #218456
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