Hi,

One of the few things that bothers me about my car is that the glove box sags somewhat, so that the wood trim is misaligned, and there is a big gap between the top of the glovebox and the dash.

How does one go about fixing this... I would have to guess this is a common occurrence, judged by the design of the glove box. I didnt find anything in the forums on how to go about it, though, except for a 190E, which I am not sure what the door looks like, or if it is similar on a 123.

Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks

JMH

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Current Diesels:
1981 240D (73K)
1982 300CD (169k)
1985 190D (169k)
1991 350SD (116k)
1991 350SD (206k)
1991 300D (228k)
1996 Dodge Ram CTD (442k)
1996 Dodge Ram CTD (267k)

Past Diesels:
1983 300D (228K), 1985 300D (233K), 1993 300D 2.5T (338k), 1993 300SD (291k)

What Moraine described is exactly what I had to do to correct the glove box door on my w123. I replaced the catch and aligned and tightened the nuts on the door.

I noticed on mine that it is sagging also and the wood (what's left of it anyway) doen't line up.
It looks like the catch in the latching mechanism has about a 20 degree bend in it such that it bends toward the inside of the box to engage the catch.
Is it possible to bend this arm and make it tighter? Anyone tried it before?

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'99 S420 - Mommies
'72 280SE 4.5 - looking to breathe life into it
'84 300SD Grey - Sold
'85 300SD Silver - Sold
'78 Ski Nautique

On mine, if you would try to bend the arm, I think it would break off. It is not made of a very malleable metal. I did adjust the catch inside to make it a little tighter.

Yeah Mike I wondered about that too. It is a heavy guage metal and will probably snap off.
I think I'll check availability of the latch before making any neanderthal adjustments...

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'99 S420 - Mommies
'72 280SE 4.5 - looking to breathe life into it
'84 300SD Grey - Sold
'85 300SD Silver - Sold
'78 Ski Nautique

I should have been clearer. I adjusted the catch by loosening the 2 screws and pushing the catch back and then retightening the screws.

Well it broke as soon as I saw some flex in the metal in my vice...
Guess bending the latch is not such a good idea for adjustment.
Looks like pot metal.
Just thought I'd let you guys know in case someone else was thinking about making this type of stupid adjustment...
Of course I seriously doubt if anyone but ME would try something like this but hey you gotta live dangerously sometimes

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'99 S420 - Mommies
'72 280SE 4.5 - looking to breathe life into it
'84 300SD Grey - Sold
'85 300SD Silver - Sold
'78 Ski Nautique

I know the problem well. I'm affraid its tough to "fix" once and for all. I believe the heat slightly warps the parts, especially the surround making it hard to align. This is just my thoughts for I have done the adjustments and it still isnt flush. Good luck...

I have tried aligning mine several times, and the last time I think I got it as close as I can, so I am going to just leave it.

I bought a new catch and spring on ebay for about $15 and fixed mine, no problem. '78 300D

Folks, on mine I found that around where the slot nuts are , the plastic is cracked and is letting the whole glove box door sag and shift around a bit . and of course this has a mis alignment effect on the catch but after 20 years of use , it deserves to be replaced . I will order a new inner plastic section along with a new catch and latch. Its about time you just get tired of closing up the box after it keeps popping open all the time.

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A couple of Ford pickups F 150,250, 350 missed.
1983 240 D 256,000 miles ,auto, ac.

I put a few rounds of black (electrical) tape around the catch and mine now closes tight and lines up perfectly! Of course, this will only last a few years until I can afford a real replacement. Hey, I am a cheapskate!

Oilslick