Soft top stuck

[Ronmurr]

Was putting the soft top down on my 71 and it got jammed at  the release latch in the soft top bay and is now it won’t go up or down. The bottom of the top won’t clear the latch  The folding top is also stuck in the half fold Down position to

[Cees Klumper]

This has come up several times in the past - I don't know the solution myself but if you search the forum and/or technical manual, it's sure to generate tips.

[Garry]

If you did not completely lock in the rear bow of the frame to the rest of the top, you will need to either try to get a strap around the whole top that is in the soft top hatch and use the strap to pull up whilst standing in the car on the tunnel or try to get hold under the bottom/rear frame to lift up at the same time trying to lift the middle of the soft top.


As Cess said, there has been lots written on here on this problem.

[ja17]

The rear bow is on a cam mechanism. Normally the rear bow should be "locked" in with the top assembly as it is lifted. Sometime some of the special shoulder bolt hardware in the top mechanism become loose or worn with age. As the top mechanism is lifted the rear bow may have been left in the top well. When this happens the rear bow moves rearward and jambs itself into the rear wall of the top well. Allow the top mechanism to rest as far rearward as possible under its own weight. Two people (one on each side) can work their hands down at each side of the rear bow and lift in unison. I made a two metal "j" straps to use since my hands are too big to fit down in the top well. In the future always check to make sure the rear bow is locked to the top mechanism before lowering it. Also make sure the rear bow always follows the top mechanism up when raising the top. If wear or a twisted frame is your problem, invest in a "bow buddy". If loose or missing shoulder bolts are the problem, tighten or replace any damaged or missing.

[Ronmurr]

Thanks will give this a try and make sure not to make the same mistake in the future.

[dirkbalter]

To illustrate ja17 explanation.
I had a similar problem.
 

[rwmastel]

.

[ja17]

The mechanism is completely different on Ronmurr's 71 280SL.

[dirkbalter]

Oh, I thought they are similar. In that case, please ignore my picture.

[Ronmurr]

Solved the problem. On the 71 there are release levers on each side of the Frame where it attaches to the body on the car. They have a L shape.  It takes two people one on each side to push them out simultaneously.  This then releases the rest of the top allowing it to fold back. I was then able to push the top-down completely passed the latch it was stuck on.