I hope the work instructions helped you out. Let me know if they need modified.

 

Alfdoc,

Thanks a lot for the install instructions. You ended up using OEM bars in yours correct?

I am looking for someone with the mercedes bars to give me a realistic idea of whether the install is easier or harder than the OEM, it looks easier because they look shorter. Any help is appreciated.

John

 

i just finished uninstalling the OE bars (see post #1) and installing the SLK roll bars from 'autogrimmig' on ebay. $150.

the install was EASIER than the OE bars because they are shorter, and with the cutting template i got from squirrelcrusher & rush, it couldnt have gone any smoother.

the next person who wants the template, just let me know... its waiting here to be shipped out.

 

Ordered bars, would GREATLY appreciate template if you are still able to ship out. Let me know and I can PM you my address. Thanks.

John

 

John, PM'd you.

 

Thanks NXMX5

I will be getting the template next, but I am sure there are others out there who would like it as well. I will quickly get mine taken care of and be happy to send to the next guy who wants to complete this mod...

 

one note on the instructions in the template... there is no 2 9/16" hole saw; i used a 2 1/2" with no issues...

 

Glade you had sucess with the instulation. Lenox makes the 2 9/16 hole saw that's 65MM. It will give you a little more wiggle room,but if the 2 1/2 works> Great! Squirrel Crusher

 

Don't cut them they will never look right just bolt something between the tabs,,,TV ,, chriscross seat belts, or a storage bag( like motorcycle bag) on each one of the bars jim

 

Im 1/2 way through with my installation. Thanks Pat and Squirrel Crusher and everyone else that helped. I found that those small torx screws (3) that hold the black alumnin trim on are actually t-8's. I sucessfully got both of the other screws out by stuffing a tissue inside to prevent the screw from falling.

My question now is about removing the trim peice thats next to the window and covers the bulkhead top. Am I correct that you pry up on the front / middle then pull it forward?

Ive also taken pics of alot of the steps to add to this thread.

I like the chrome plates that sit on top of the bulkhead but am going to try to grind off the little tabs on them. If it doesnt look good I bought the toilet shank washers that are far better looking that what came with the bars

 

Bars look good in Coupe.....hell I want one of those windscreens with red illumination in my Coupe.

 

You sorta already have one! It's your back hatch. LOL

 

LOL!! yeah I want the etched glass thingy though..but I guess the led brake light will suffice.

 

Curtis - Just saw your post - yes to your question on the window trim. Be gentle. Mine broke when I put it back in. They are about 18 bucks to replace. I also tried your tissue trick and when the screw dropped as I went for it the screw found the one place where the tissue wasn't and it was bye bye. Let me know how your install went.
Thanks - Pat

 

Well all done, just ran out of time to tighten and button it all back up. Took lots of pics too. Funny thing, I ended up doing the install with a flashlight in my mouth and using both hands to fit it in. Found out you cant do one side then the other, have to fit them both in simultaniously. I used a 2 1/2 drill saw and it ended up being off just enough that the bulkhead slid down ok but wont slide back up (hung up). Still I managed to get 3 or the bolts in. Used Squirrel Crushers toilet shank washers for an excellent look, they also hide the gaps if your off some like mine was. Good to know about breaking that tab off on the install, Id of never seen that one coming. Here are the pics, sorry they are out of sequence.

The elusive screw that falls into oblivion. Any size self tapping screw is an ok replacement. When putting it back together, ensure the small clip this screw goes into is ligned up.







heres the #8 torx screws/plate removed



drilling after template



This is whats under the plastic bulkhead cover. The primer gray cut outs are where the roll bars slide in. Peel the carpet back a bit and you will see the rollbars bolt holes line up. Dont pull the carpet away to much or the speaker cover will pop off and break some


this whats going on with the top hook on the map pocket, I found my multi tool in here still in the bag!. Just pull each top corner towards the window of your car and they come right out



heres the famous trim part that seems to break tabs. Notice the tab with 2 arrows, I didnt pay attention to it at first but it slips into another trim part in the trunk, eaisily overlooked and a PITA to get back in correctly.




Carpet pulled back and you can see where the bolts go




here they are all done



The problems I encountered are 1. When prying up the seatbelt trim part (by rear window) the screwdriver popped it up but to much force scratched my tint...be gentle. 2.The bulkhead and seatbelt trim pieces did not fit back 100 % right and it caused a SLIGHT misalignment visible only in the cargo area but the roll bars are worth it. 3. Pay attention to the small clips and tabs that need to be properly aligned when putting it back together. One tab for the umbrella hook came loose and prevented my bulkhead from popping into place. I had to undo all the rollbar bolts to get to it. Again, watch the little things. Im sending the template and directions to TVT so they can tweek them. Thanks to everyone who helped.



Curtis

 

oh and I found out the bars keep the seat from reclining back an inch or so.

 

And make sure your seat back is not reclined back enough to hit the bars or they will rub on the back of your headrest.

 

Green-Ghost those are some good pichures to go with mod. by the way just a FYI for others that may do this mod, I just looked at mine witch are the oem ones and they don't hit the seat backs like the chrome ones that you have, yours look like they have a little different forward angle to them.

 

Nice job green - ghost and thanks for posting those pics. Did your bars come with the grommets? Mine did not? Then again mine were the 49$ bars.
Pat

 

yes, the grommets and chrome base plates are yours if you want them the toilet shant washers looked good on the plates its just that the plates have small protusions/tabs on them, appairently to hold some trim in place, and I didnt like that look. Grommets are little more than a big rubber O ring