Hardtop 450sl

[edenning]

Hi there 107 fans. Had a diff and auto trans oil change today on the 450sl , that all went well, but it looks like some guy has tried to raise the soft to whilst the hardtop was on. I can now see the rubber seal under the hardtop from the inside. Not sure if the hardtop will have to go off and the soft top set up to rectify, but I can't get it to all go back to how it was. Any ideas of what to do next, I can't be sure if that they have upset the cable function.

[T-Modell]

Hi there 107 fans. ... to raise the soft to whilst the hardtop was on. ...

I really don't know what you mean; but first of all I'll try to get the hardtop off. If that works, you shouldn't have a problem with the softop, just check then. What can you do with the soft-top, when the hard-top is on? :think:

Thomas

[edenning]

Thanks Thomas, will get the top off when I get an extra person to help. Not sure that the hardtop is on properly now. One of the side rear locks looks like it is not tightening down as well as the other side. Hopefully if we get the top off we can get it back on ok as the winter rains are coming. The problem is that I can now see the half inch rubber between the hardtop and the body, from inside the car. It was not like that before. cheers

[AMG]

simply sounds like a case of the hardtop rubber separating from the bottom of the hardtop, OR, you are mistaking the rubber for the heater cable, or this 'rubber' you speak of is the convertible roof cowl seal, in which case your hardtop is not on properly.

make sure you correctly release the rear latch, the side locks and front locks, remove the top. Check the base of the hardtop thoroughly for broken sections of seal. replacements are available. Suggest you call forum sponsor if this is the case.

check the convertible roof is correctly folded and stowed in place, and the cowl is properly shut.

then locate the hardtop into place firstly with the rear pin in the correct hole, then lower the front pegs into the windscreen frame & lock. lock the sidelocks, then lock the rear pin using the crank handle.

If you still have a seal issue, then you have a problem which needs more explanation.

[T-Modell]

I agree with Joe,

be careful with the hardtop, it's heavy. I bought this from that guy in Berlin:
http://www.ebay.de/itm/Mercedes-SL-R129 ... 336720dca7

here is a photo of my garage ... http://www.sternzeit-107.de/modules.php ... 86&forum=6

that makes it pretty easy to lift the hardtop up and down ...

and while you're at it, get those : http://www.ebay.de/itm/VERDECKHEBEL-VER ... 3cc9bd9acf
you can leave them on, doesn't matter, if the softtop is closed or in the box ... very practical!

Regards and good luck
Thomas

[edenning]

We got the hardtop off with a bit of fiddling to get the pin out of the centre rear locking hole. The hardtop seal was missing several plastic clips holding it to the hardtop on one side. We put on the extra clips, the seal looking in reasonable condition. The soft top cowl did not move with its crank, although both handles are facing rearward when the hardtop is locked down. I think someone has put the handles on facing the wrong way, which makes it impossible to follow the handbook instructions. I can still see the hardtop seal from inside the car, so it is still not right. Will try and post some photos later. The handles should be easy to take off and put on in the right direction? Ran out of time this morning having to get to work. The car looked great with the hardtop off! Joe would MB spares have the rubbers that surround the windows that are fixed to the hard top? Thomas great photos of car and hoist many thanks.

[edenning]

]Here goes trying to post some photos of inside car.

image.jpg

looks like the soft top cowl is not hiding the underside of the hardtop properly. cheers

[edenning]

Finally some good weather and the help off a friend and we got the hardtop off again. The cable that actives the release of the locking pin was sliding on its clamp, making it ineffective. I screwed down the two plastic pieces to either side of clamp to stop cable sliding. Still not quite right. Photos show the locking lever if not releasing needs to be moved to drivers side in RHD car to release if you have to use a coat hanger from the locking pin hole above. Does anyone one have a photo they can post of this cable and its position and are the handles inside the car mounted correctly or not?
Cheers happy cruising

[T-Modell]

I have some photos here of 2004 when I bought the car ... it definitely worked that way:

500 SL weiß - 0002_1024x768.JPG

500 SL weiß - 0003_1024x768.JPG

500 SL weiß - 0004_1024x768.JPG

It's a weak spot of the R107; this guy here has developed an alternative solution (it's in German, but the pictures should tell): http://www.sl-repro.de/product_info.php ... -r107.html

Regards
Thomas

[edenning]

Thanks Thomas!
Very interesting. I note from the repro site that the cable goes under and attaches, someone has installed mine over and around. I was tempted to try reinstalling mine that way as it looked like it should go that way, but was waiting to see some photos that proved it.
Do you have a photo of your car with the cable attachments showing the left hand side. Also what about the handle position.
With the repro adaptor plate, do you have to buy the cable as well or just the plate. Is the hole the cable feeds through threaded to screw cable on or do you think the cable slides straight in.
Many thanks again Thomas

[edenning]

Thomas thanks for the photos, for some reason the photo of the inside of the car and handle did not download first time.Do you have a photo of the handle position when everthing is locked down?
cheers Evan

[T-Modell]

Thomas thanks for the photos, for some reason the photo of the inside of the car and handle did not download first time.Do you have a photo of the handle position when everthing is locked down?
cheers Evan

Just quickly today; the handle positions are clearly described in the manual; do you have yours? I would have to go to the car (it's not here) to copy.

The repro solution is not just repro; it is actually an improved version to avoid the problem you have. It includes the cable, basically what's on the first photo ... he replaces the plastic stuff with steel ... I didn't have the problem so far, but I've read of some people in the German forums, that it's good quality what that guy produces ...

Thomas

[edenning]

Many thanks for the photos and web site. I have the manual which is why I questioned the handle position in the first place. Seems like I need to relocate the cable underneath and reposition the handle to make the necessary adjustments work. Will try this tomorrow night all being well. The steel bracket is already slightly bent and weakened as a result. The extra plate looks a much stronger option.
Cheers Evan

[T-Modell]

Evan,

I'm pretty busy @ the moment; if you need it, I might drive to my SL and take the photos for you this week ...
Thomas

[edenning]

Thomas thanks for all your help! I have found a photo of the left hand side of car and cable fitting and saw the "cam" on my car was facing forward and not rearward where the lever cable inserted. I was able to take the interior handles off and flip the cam to face rearward, reattach handles correctly and everything works properly. Now I can put the soft top up knowing I can release it and stow it away. :dance: cheers mate!

[T-Modell]

Hi,

today I installed the hardtop ... before that I took some photos ... here we go:

DSCN0244_1024x768.JPG

DSCN0245_576x768.JPG

DSCN0246_1024x768.JPG

DSCN0247_1024x768.JPG

Regards
Thomas