looks like a neat idea.

[Dave H]

https://www.ebay.de/itm/Mercedes-Pagode-230-250-280-SL-Schlieshilfe/253214071201?hash=item3af4bc19a1:g:BD4AAOSwS5NZgEu8

No affiliation...just looks like a neat idea , apart from the self tapping screws that is . Thoughts anyone?

[Charles 230SL]

yep,, that is a neat idea, I just wish I'd had something like that the first time I (a 'newbie' at the time) lowered my soft-top.
The torn weather-stripping/seal is a sore reminder that haste-makes-waste. I now carry wax paper in the soft-top box.

[mbzse]

.../...looks like a neat idea , apart from the self tapping screws that is . Thoughts anyone

Yes, we use this type of device all the time to save wear on the Soft top fabric when operating soft top. Easiest is to use thick plastic sheet from a folder/pocket (office supplies)
Look in our Tech Manual under heading Soft top and sub-heading "Protecting the soft top material".   Also search for "shoe horns" with Forum web search function.   Yes, self tapping screws = horrible!

[pagoden]

FWIW, the link in the OP above has morphed into an offer in German to sell wiper assys.

[WRe]

Hi,
this idea comes from Wolfgang (Roadbook) from Pagodentreff. He has a wonderful web site: http://w113.eu/geschlossen/Optimierungen/schliessungshilfe_fuer_das_softtop.htm.
...WRe

[MikeSimon]

I am not quite sure that I understand all of that correctly and get what he has done. It has been a while that I operated the soft top the last time, but if I remember correctly, I used to open it halfway and then go on both sides and tuck the flaps inside before it gets squeezed in the mechanism.