Hardtop Handles & Rails - Questions

[Andres G]

Hello All,

I had a question or two regarding the Hardtop.

The handles on our hardtop have show some signs of pitting and was thinking about replacing them. How expensive are they? Anybody have a part number? Also, do they come together with the fixture that holds them in place or are they separate parts?

Regarding the Chrome Rails, these are not present on our Hardtop and I was wondering if these could be added. How hard are these to fit? Part numbers?

Thanks in advance,
Andres G

[waqas]

I don't think the handles are still available. So what exactly is pitting? The handles are plastic, but the little ends are chrome. You can simply have these 'ends' removed and re-chromed by themselves.

The strips on top are a factory option. These were used to receive the roof-rack and other roof-mounted accessories (ski-rack, etc). The headliner needs to be removed to drill holes and attach the rails. The inside trim and wood needs to be removed in order to remove and re-fit the headliner. This is a long and involved job.

[Andres G]

Ok, this is great. I was thinking about cleaning or even replacing the headliner and I'm already working on the wood trim piece (I've suprised myself with the quality job I've performed), so maybe I can add these before the headliner is replaced.

I'm not so excited about the handles... I'll check ebay but I may end up having them rechromed. I have to check the local chrome shop to see what they can do. What I mean by pitting is that there is some places on the handles where the chrome is bubled up and cracked, almost protruding outward. I will try to take pictures of this.

Thanks for the advise.
Andres

[waqas]

I recall another thread here recently wherein it was concluded that the hardtop handles and the door handles were interchangeable, except for the geometry and colour. In any case, you can probably remove the chrome trim off a good set of door handles and use those.

The railings are not cheap. The SLS catalog shows the railing and the necessary hardware required: http://www.sls-hh-shop.de/index.php/cat/c3_Mercedes-Benz-230-280SL--R113-.html/XTCsid/724fcb492eab4185dfb4206d8d6196ac#cat_94_position_102_prod_0

[waltklatt]

Andres;

Chrome handles on the hardtop?
You mean the removable ones that hold the top to the windshield or the ones behind the doors on the base of the hardtop?

They are interchangeable only from soft top to hardtop.  They need to be from the same side though.  The corkscrewing action is reversed and the locking is opposite.

Email me off list if you are interested in exchanging a set that I have on a hardtop that's I'm trying to sell.
I also have the removable set on another hardtop and the handles in the pouch.

Waqas;
Plastic handles for the hardtop? 
No way, they are all chromed pot metal (mazak casting) and they do pit and break.

Thanks,
Walter
1967 220SL-diesel

[waqas]

Sorry, I thought Andres was referring to the grab-handles under the hardtop. They are ivory coloured plastic with chrome trim on the ends.

[waltklatt]

Hello Waqas,
Those handles, ahh now I see (smacking palm on my forehead).
Those are indeed a rubber plasttic variaety, but they have a metal strap that runs inside to retain shape and give it strength.
Walter
1967 220SL-diesel-old locking gas cap is now fixed and has a key fitted with a new chromed look.

[waqas]

Walter, spare your forehead, I think Andres was indeed referring to the hardtop locking handles (as you correctly surmised).

Perhaps Andres can provide clarification...

[Andres G]

I was in fact, reffering to the hardtop locking handles. I had the feeling they were interchangeable with the ones on the softop, so thanks for confirming that.

Walter, would you mind sending pictures of these? I will send you an email to follow up.

Regards,
Andres G

[Shvegel]

Andres,
If you are trying to keep everything original and correct if you do have the handles re-chromed be sure to tell the shop not to smooth out the scratches(file marks) in the area where the handles fit into the socket. It looks like Mercedes  made the handles and hand fit them with a file before they chrome plate them.

Most shops want to make everything perfect so they polish off all the character of the piece.

[Flyair]

Hello everybody,

I have found a nice 280sl, but it has only the softop. I was curious to know whether there a some hardtops available separately for sale. Also, if the car has its softop, then I understand it will accommodate the hardtop by definition, ist that true?

thanks for any advice and - even better - for helping me to locate a hardtop
Stan

[hkollan]

Stan,

Separate Hardtops are advertised  on a frequent basis, on eBay etc. ( and here in the "Items for Sale" section)
If you are looking for a nice one, take your time and be prepared to pay more up front for the best one you can find.
Since restoring a hardtop in bad or mediocre shape can be  quite expensive as parts and labor is expensive if you're
getting it professionally restored.
The hardtops are basically interchangeable, but keep in mind that they where all specifically adjusted for the car it came with from the factory. So a perfect fit might require some adjustments.
.

[Flyair]

Andres,

have a look at this site. Hope it will help
Stan

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MERCEDES-230-250-280-SL-113-HARD-TOP-SOFT-TOP-HANDLE-S_W0QQitemZ120414571861QQcmdZViewItemQQimsxZ20090502?IMSfp=TL0905021110003r4278

[Andres G]

Thanks Stan. Just to clarify, those handles are for the softop, not the hardtop... they are different from the ones in my car, at least.

Andres G

[Ulf]

Here's a pretty nice looking hardtop - http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120410384646QQssPageNameZMERC_VI_RSCC_Pr4_PcY_BIN_Stores_IT&refitem=120414571861&itemcount=4&refwidgetloc=active_view_item&usedrule1=StoreCatToStoreCat&refwidgettype=cross_promot_widget&_trksid=p284.m184&_trkparms=algo%3DDR%26its%3DS%252BI%252BSS%26itu%3DISS%252BUCI%252BSI%26otn%3D4

Ulf

[Flyair]

Ulf,
many thanks
I am bidding on the hardtop right now:-)
Stan

[cjrated]

Hi I am still having trouble locating the hard top handle at the rear behind driver s side ,
They do not come up for sale regularly can anyone help me to find one .

Many Thanks
CjRATED

[waltklatt]

Hi CjRated,
The handle that operates the latching mechanism for the soft top cover release.
I have one if you are interested.
Walter