I'm amazed at how soft the gear shift knob is, they must have used a softer backing back then.
Yes, for the 1971 model year (at least in the 108/109 cars) MB began using the large, bulbous "soft" gear lever design, rather than the Ferrari-style "black ball on the end of a chrome stick" that they'd used previously. I believe (have seen pictures) that the early 1968-1969 W114s also used the "ball and stick" gear lever design, before going to the bulbous-foam design in the 1970-1971 time frame.
I never liked the big soft foamy levers. Always liked my little lever....my 6.3 is shown below.
But right now the stock radio is not working so I have to run that issue down to see why. Do the speakers look original to you ?
Thx for all of the info !
For the radio, you can get it fixed right there in SoCal by the Walter Odemer Co., which is located a bit up the road from you in Burbank, CA.
Closer to home, you can also give a quick call to La Jolla Audio and see if they can handle the old Beckers. I seem to remember that they can, but it's been some years since I was last in contact with them. If all else fails, like I said just talk to Ed Ebel at Becker in New Jersey. Odemer well ought to be able to help you -- they're reputable and knowledgeable.
As far as the speakers ... it's sort of difficult to tell what you have installed. But yes, from what I can see, they look 100% original. The rear decker speakers are 100% proper and appropriate for that time period. They should be covered by black plastic covers that are held down to the back deck by four long sheet metal screws, and are easily removed.
Can't really see what you have in the front ... whether it is the round speakers with the square grill (typical) or the larger oval ones. I've seen both on various cars. Also, do you have a single mono center speaker in the center of the dashboard?
As I mentioned earlier, the old rear deck speakers' cones can get pretty bad from moisture and sunlight over the years, not to mention age, and replacements are available through Becker. They are not super cheap (IIRC last time I looked, years ago, they were around $50 apiece), and they are an odd size, so there are only a few sources for them. But the ones that Becker sells are 100% original & the ones to get. They are of a 4x6 oval design.
The front kick panels should have a speaker just forward of each front door. These are covered with small, square plastic covers. These are a 100mm (3.9370") speaker if I remember correctly. They generally survive OK because they are protected from the elements, but again age can get 'em. Given that you plan to keep the stock stereo, I'd just keep them, or if they need replacement, just get replacements from Becker.
Becker does sell both the speakers and the grills in sets if you need them. They also offer "upgraded" speakers in the factory sizes if you do plan to use a better stereo down the road.
Hope this helps.
Cheers,
Gerry