Hard Top Lever For 1971 280 SL

[liskinemail@gmail.com]

A local shop lost one of my hard top levers.  They insist it was not the original set anyway as they are not stamped by MB.  I have had two very low mile 280SL's and believe the hard top levers I had were original.  They are chrome and fit in the plastic case.  I would appreciate confirmation from members that I am correct.  I have attached a photo of the one remaining lever and the case.   Thank you.

[bogeyman]

I have 3 cars with these levers - 2 113s and an early 107 and none of them have logos on them. They are all like your photo. i didn't buy any of them new, but two of them I have owned for 30 years +, so I am pretty sure they are original.

[liskinemail@gmail.com]

If the shop cannot find the one they lost do you know how I can replace it with the same lever?  Thanks

[TJMart]

Authentic Classics has them. They are not cheap!

http://www.authenticclassics.com/category-s/51.htm?searching=Y&sort=13&cat=51&search=top%20handles%20&show=14&page=1

Tony

[liskinemail@gmail.com]

Thank you for the information.  I have actually learned that the lever I need is no longer available as my car is a 1971 and the lever was slightly different.  I understand that reproductions are available in Germany.  I am hoping the shop finds my lever.  If not, I am undecided if I should purchase two new "incorrect" levers for my car because they are factory made or go with one of the reproductions that is "correct" for my car.  The lesson learned is to never leave anything in your car that you don't want to lose.  Even with the best of shops.

[mbzse]

.../...and the lever was slightly different.  I understand that reproductions are available in Germany.

Yes, beware. There were two types of locking mechanisms for soft/hardtop on the 280SL; an early "oval" design and a late type "round" design (which BTW was subsequently carried over to the W/R107). Switch over was at Chassis No 12 192; Summer of 1969.
The later, round type lock needs a longer tang on the handle end. This is what is shown in the picture you posted. The type available (as seen in the URL posted by TJMart) has a shorter tang; no good for you.
A tip: put the original black vinyl pocket for your handles in a safe spot; NLA, quite rare and valuable when in mint condition (as yours seems to be)!
I attach a picture of the round type locking mechanism [borrowed pic from Web]
/Hans in Sweden
.

[TJMart]

Well I went and checked my Levers and found that I have two different ones. One has a long "tang" and the other is a short "tang". I guess that I always thought mine were correct.  I also noticed that Authentic Classics carries both of them according to the link. What was more interesting was that my 1970 280SL chassis number is 13110 and has the "oval" design and not the "round one". It appears that according to Authentic classics I should have the "round" design.

Also was a leather pouch available or just the vinyl one?

Anyone have an extra "short tang" that they would be willing to sell??

[mbzse]

.../...Authentic Classics carries both of them.../...

They do, but the "long tang" version is a W/R107 item. However, it certainly works for a W113 too, just not period correct.

Also was a leather pouch available or just the vinyl one?

Only vinyl. The black vinyl pouch for W/R107 handles can be bought from M-B. It is similar to but longer than the W113 item.
/Hans in Sweden
.

[jaymanek]

Does anyone have the part number for the pouch please?

[mbzse]

Does anyone have the part number for the pouch please?

This is from the M-B parts web portal:

Bezeichnung        Teilenummer        Preis ohne MwSt.    Preis mit MwSt.    
   
 TASCHE                   A113 776 0186    74,00 €                           88,06 €

Note This is the black vinyl pouch for W/R107 handles, it is similar to but longer than the W113 item

[neelyrc]

The quote below is from a post I made back in October when another member was looking for a set of replacement levers.  I did not hear from him.

"I have an extra set (without the pouch).  When my car shipped to the USA in 1970, a number of items went missing.  It was originally thought the levers were among the missing items and a new set was purchased from the local MB dealer.  It turned out that the original levers were still in the car.  If you can wait until December you can contact me with a PM.  I will be back in Alabama then."

I am now scheduled to be back in Alabama (where my car is) on November 27.  I believe both sets are the "short tang" type as my 280SL is an early 1969 production (Chassis number 007749).  I will check them out when I get home.

[neelyrc]

Surprise, surprise!!  When I got home I dug out the extra set of levers. I had not looked at these in several years and I assumed that they were the same as the originals.  They are in fact the "long tang" version.  They do fit into the locking mechanism and can be used to lock/unlock the roof but due to the length of the tang and the rounded end, they do not fully seat.