Description

Given the disparity in our heights the front seats in her B200 are adjusted forwards and backwards rather regularly. This is done by lifting the lever under the seat, and scooting in the desired direction. However, while the Benz is in general a sturdy and dependable vehicle, after 16 years we found ourselves with one seat adjustment handle broken, and the one other missing altogether. Hence replacements were needed. It may  be possible to buy some, though most suppliers seem to be out of stock, but it is likely that commercial replacements will share the same fatal weaknesses of the originals ( viz.  breaking or even disappearing after a mere decade or two): Unsurprisingly we therefore decided to make our own, significantly reinforced, in the hope that it will now outlast the car, if not us too. To ease installation in the dark under the seat, the ridges on the inside of the handles have chamfered ends. In our case the handles fit snugly on the ends of the levers, requiring a satisfying amount of force to seat properly, which should ensure that they stay there indefinitely.  Printing Printed in ABS or PETG , with four outer walls and 40% infill (both for strength), using a 0.4mm nozzle, without supports . Though not our undisputed favourite filament, ABS does lend itself to the old acetone vapour treatment regime , which we used to attain that sensuously smooth shiny shape shown in the cover photo. It should also strengthen the part even further, by fusing the surface layers into a single contiguous skin. PLA would not be a good idea - it can get pretty hot in a car.