Hard Top Restoration

[w113bkk]

I have read the hard top restoration thread on this site and found it to be very informative. I wanted to get opinions on changing the process up a bit. My painter and upholster both believe it would be better to install the headliner first and then mask off the headliner and paint the top. My car is black and installing the headliner on a freshly painted top with it spinning back and forth on a bench doesn't sit well with me. Also, does anyone have any pics of disassembling the hardtop latch and release mechanism? I was reading on the forum that the shaft in the center can be drilled out. I also was looking to see if new ones are available but they are $320 +

[Jordan]

When you refer to the latch/release mechanism I will assume you are talking about the bottom ones, that fit in just behind the seats.  You shouldn't have to drill out the pins.  I removed mine last fall and used a hammer to tap on one side (the centre part).  One came out easily and the other I had to spray with lubricant for a day or two to get it to move.  Replacements can be had a Bud's Benz for $99 per side,  You can see what you get on their web site.

Can't comment on the paint aspect as I haven't done it.

[66andBlue]

....My car is black and installing the headliner on a freshly painted top with it spinning back and forth on a bench doesn't sit well with me. Also, does anyone have any pics of disassembling the hardtop latch and release mechanism? I was reading on the forum that the shaft in the center can be drilled out. I also was looking to see if new ones are available but they are $320 +

bkk, did you read Gernold's article here? https://www.sl113.org/wiki/Tops/HardTop
You don't "spin" the top while installing the liner, you turn it over twice. Of course, you should not do this right after the top was painted when the clear coat still needs to cure and become hard.
If your top has the chrome rails then it is difficult to do a good masking job. Better to paint the stripped top first.
Also look at the photos in these topics:
https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=17847.
https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=25577 - this one also lists sources for new pins.