How I tackled the cracking gear shift surround issue on my 190E

[StrangelySane]

Removed the trim panel. Removed plastic trim and switches. Ground panel on a linisher to get it flat with a good key. Put some leather sheet face down on a self-healing cutting board. Painted a thin coat of Evo Stick contact glue on the face of the trim panel and plonked it down on the back of the leather sheet. Taped it down tight on the board with duct tape. Let it set and then trimmed to suit. Bought a leather gear shift gaiter and refitted the ensemble - tucking the bottom of the gaiter BETWEEN the plastic retained and the panel. Job done!

 

[tygertyger]

Always satisfying to do a job like this. well done

 

[StrangelySane]

Always satisfying to do a job like this. well done

Cheers. Initially, I'd cast around for a decent second-hand item, but people were asking silly money for items in the same condition as mine. Someone was asking around £150 for an okayish unit. As this was the only bit of "wood" trim in the interior, it wasn't hard to ditch it and go with leather. I'm pleased with it, but if I did again, I'd have put some thin foam under the leather for that floomfy look and feel.

I toyed with the idea of matching the leather to the plum interior (or is it wine?) but that just wasn't realistic and would have looked pants. Black is so much easier to match and goes with everything.
If I'd had more wood in the interior, I might have entertained getting some of that self-adhesive "wood" sheet they use on cheap shelving units and such - then buried it in lacquer. Some ideas there for someone to try.