project deforestation...stg 1 completed

[valvfloat]

a few shots from the completion of stage 1...

i didn't care for the burlwood and plaid...waaay too much going on...matte black vinyl is easy to source and relatively inexpensive...

it is far from perfect, but all in all i'm reasonably pleased....

stage 2: a smooth leather 'Star + V8' shift knob from formymercedes.com...shipped out today....

stage 3: an all black sportline steering wheel or perhaps an e55 wheel...(anyone ?)

comments welcome

 

[T-500]

Having seen the vinyl job on the console and interior, up close, I can say it's a very nice job - looks really good. I agree the interior would look a bit busy with plaid and burl together.
The other effective solution would be leather or cloth inserts to replace the plaid - $$$ !

The all-black leather, MB Star and V8 shift knob is widely accepted as the best item to dress up your interior and chicks dig it the most !!!

BTW - is that exhaust mellowing out?

 

[mistermiata]

I like it, once you do the shift knob and steering wheel, it should look fanatastic. Love the plaid, BTW!

2 questions:

For the cubby under the radio, did you just remove the ashtray, or did you have to redo that area somehow?

What did you put on the door pockets?

Thanks for the pics!

Andy

 

[Rudy]

wow nice job!
did mine 3 years ago, but shiny black piano lacquer.

Really nice interior when finished (stage 3).

Rudy

 

[valvfloat]

thanks fellas

I like it, once you do the shift knob and steering wheel, it should look fanatastic. Love the plaid, BTW!

2 questions:

For the cubby under the radio, did you just remove the ashtray, or did you have to redo that area somehow?

What did you put on the door pockets?

Thanks for the pics!

Andy

andy...the ashtray was re&re'd with an euro delete kit from Rik J (2phast)...he may still have one or two left...door pockets are stock AFAIK....they are covered in a velour-type material, that is not at all heat resistant as can be seen on the rear card that has been subject to torture via cherry....

sean...the exhaust has mellowed but is still a tad noisy at part throttle load....considering squeezing in a 5"x11" oval at the back, perhaps in the spring

 

[gerryvz]

chicks dig it the most !!!

It's ALWAYS good to know (when it comes to E500E mods) what the chicks dig the most. Thanks for the update on the knowledge base on this !!

Cheers
Gerry

 

[sheward]

I agree. That does look better with the plaid. Nice work!

btw...Will the burlwood get me into the house after a first date? It's kind of confusing.

Drew

 

[gerryvz]

Burlwood is ALWAYS better than plain-Jane MB Zebrano wood.

Though, I have to say that the jury's out on whether the chicks prefer leather or checkered cloth. I think European chicks tend to go for cloth or velour, while in the US it's more of a leather (or for the uninformed, MBTex) thing.

Alcantara is nearly guaranteed to get you a kiss, if not much more.

Cheers,
Gerry

 

[T-500]

sean...the exhaust has mellowed but is still a tad noisy at part throttle load....considering squeezing in a 5"x11" oval at the back, perhaps in the spring

Thanks, I'll have to listen to it again, next time. Maybe by then you'll have your shiftknob upgrade.

Yesterday, I saw a Brilliant Silver E500 at Oak/41st. Never seen it before.

 

[KarlC]

a few shots from the completion of stage 1...

stage 2: a smooth leather 'Star + V8' shift knob from formymercedes.com...shipped out today....

stage 3: an all black sportline steering wheel or perhaps an e55 wheel...(anyone ?)

comments welcome

Looking good !

I'd be intrested in your wood shift knob and wood steering wheel, will you be selling those ?

 

[valvfloat]

latest iteration:

shift knob and wheelskins cover...

 

[Ronev]

valvfloat, it's a beautiful thing! Love it.

The wood in my 500E is pretty badly cracked. Did you remove the wood or cover over it? The vinyl would probably not show the cracks underneath.

I was considering wrapping, and I'll do a test wrap, but almost certain cracks will show through. The vinyl is a great idea.

Thanks!

 

[gsxr]

Doran (valvfloat) is long gone... he sold his 500E.

Not sure if he's still reading the forum at all.

 

[Ronev]

Thanks.