Soft Top Jammed

[tarheel]

Hello:

Well the problem surfaced again whereby the soft top roof will not release from the base.  Last time this happened I had to bring to a mechanic

So it is not quite up, and can't put it down.

I pull the lever behind driver's side, but the back portion of the soft top does not release from the back.

What do I do now other than panic?  Is there another button/lever or mechanism to release the rear portion of the soft top?

Thank you

James

[Cees Klumper]

There are quite a few posts on this issue, search will be your friend here until someone with the knowledge chimes in. Sorry, this hasn't happened to me (yet) so can't help.

[ja17]

If you open the trunk lid, you will see a factory access hole in the metal top well, right below the latch. You will feel a metal tab in and above the hole. The tab can be moved to one side to release the latch. Can't remember which way to move it at the moment. You need a tool to move the tab.  I used an allen "L" wrench clamped in a vicegrip as a the tool.

[Pawel66]

James, I have not experienced it yet, so may not be of much help. I just wanted to check if you looked there: https://www.sl113.org/wiki/Tops/SoftTop#StuckSofttop

And, as advised already, some threats on this:

https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=2245.msg11871#msg11871

https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=26187.msg187631#msg187631

[PhillyMark]

James,
This has happend to me 2 times so i have a creative answer for you. What you will need to do is use a painters pole called a slim jim, it is a Handel with a slender wire stalk attached. It is the type that you can buy from your home care center, which has a head that is about 6 inches wide. You will need to heat the stem using a tourch and straiten the stem, then you will have to bend that same stem to make a hook. Once you have your new release tool you will have to open the trunk and slide the hook of the pole into the opening where the arms for the soft top lid travel. In the boot area is the release cable that runs around the boot, use your tool and give the cable a tug, that should do the trick.

Philly Mark
1967 250 (1 of 2 registerd)
1968 250

[66andBlue]

The release procedure through the trunk mentioned by JA17 is described in the Technical Manual, with photos! 
https://www.sl113.org/wiki/Tops/SoftTop#StuckSofttop
If the pin hook is already free then it depends on what kind of soft top you have, 230SL soft top, or 280SL - early or late?