What is this part/tool?

[mrfatboy]

I came across this part/tool in an old box I had. Does anybody know what it is and what it is used for?

[WRe]

Hi,
it looks like a roof handle for open/close the tops (normally chromed).
...WRe

[Benz Dr.]

Not if it's from a 107.

[mrfatboy]

It came in a spare parts box when I bought my 280sl 22 years ago.  I never knew what it was for our even if it belongs to the car.

[Jonny B]

I would guess it is for an earlier car earlier than even the 190 SL. From a pontoon convertible, or a 300??
Will check with a couple of my cohorts to see if they can come up with a better guess.

[mbzse]

That is a soft top handle "long tang" for a R107.
They do fit the W113 late type soft top/hard top round locking device
They were dull surface for W107; not chromed like handles for our W113's

The specimen in the picture has been deformed (bent)

[neelyrc]

The attached picture shows two sets of soft top handles. I thought my original short tang handles (on left) had been stolen in shipment from London in 1970 and ordered a new set from MB.  They supplied the long tang set on right. The originals were found in the car later.

I understood that the roof attachment mechanism changed on the 280SL sometime after my car was built thus requiring the long tang version.  Did this long tang version go forward to the W107?

The long tang version shown will work on my car but they do not "seat" when inserted.

[mbzse]

.../.... the roof attachment mechanism changed on the 280SL sometime after my car was built thus requiring the long tang version.../...

It was changed at 280SL Chassis No 12 193

 

Did this long tang version go forward to the W107?

Yes, this is so. However with a longer, non-shiny style handle
Picture of "round late type" locking mechanism attached

[Jonny B]

The word I got back from my local experts, is in the same vein. This is a 107 top handle, most likely aftermarket.