1999 SL Interior Troubles
 

I've got a 1999 SL with less than 100K miles on it. Great except that the interior is sort of disintegrating. Ceiling tears, rips in seat seams, broken hand holds in the rear. Is this common in these vehicles? Can the interiors be repaired for an investment that makes sense given the value of the car?

Thanks for any insight you might be able to offer.

Everything you mentioned can be had pretty cheaply at a pick and pull salvage yard. The headliner isn't that difficult to replace. I've done 2 SC Coupes and one Dodge Grand Caravan. Most of your time is taking everything loose. A pillar, B pillar and C pillar plastic trim, seat belt bolts and light covers along with the sun visors. Not much too it. Drop the old one down and maneuver it out one of the doors. If you have a hatch back, it's really easy! Seats and handles are no big deal either, but the bolts holding the seats to the floor are a real pain in the ass to remove. You need a special socket. It's kind of like a reverse torx, but has more grooves. Take a close look before you mess with those.