rear of soft top doesnt sit flush to body

[robgmf]

Hi Everyone, i am new to this forum and i have just bought a 1969 280 sl, The problem i have is that when i fit the soft top there is a large gap all around the rear and on the curvature  where the soft top meets the body so it doesnt sit flush with the body , i can actually place my fingers through the gap.. it seems that at the sides closest to the B pillar the frame  is preventing the back from dropping down. I unscrewed the slotted screws so i could disconnect the rear part of the hood when i do this the roof fits flush. Its as if i need to raise the mechanism which is attached with two bolts to the car.. this im thinking would raise where the frame is touching and allow the back to drop ?... is this a normal adjustment ? i think i see a packer under this mechanism or is there an other form of adjustment ?

[Pawel66]

Hi!

Have you checked our Technical Manual? https://www.sl113.org/wiki/Tops/SoftTop

I am sure fellow Members will help if need be.

Might consider some introcution in New Members section.

[robgmf]

Hi Pawel

yes checked that link first, but unfortunately it doesnt explain the problem i have..

Regards
Rob

[Tyler S]

Yes there may be shims under the top mechanism where it bolts to the car. It is possible these are missing. This raises the entire frame up from the body. New shims can be made from aluminum plate. However this may affect the alignment of the side windows at the doors.
Another thing to check is to make sure the horseshoe cover is completely closing flush and latching with the body. This can be adjusted with the latches on either side. Some downward effort to latch the cover is normal.

[mbzse]

.../... It's as if i need to raise the mechanism which is attached with two bolts to the car.. this im thinking would raise where the frame is touching.../...

Yes there may be shims under the top mechanism where it bolts to the car.../...

In parts list a nominal four shims are specified - but the number used should be according to the need on a specific car.
Shims available from vendors or you make them yourself

[robgmf]

Thank you very much  mbze and Tyler S ..  i think thats it  i need the shims.. i can see possibly 1 under the mechanism , just need to get access to those bolts holding the mechanism down.. not alot of room there especially the bolt to the back 

[robgmf]

Hi Guys after looking at the photo of the shims and comparing it to a photo of my shims, it looks like i already have about the same amount on my car, so I'm wondering if there is another adjustment to be made ?  has anyone seen more shims  used ?