Correct hard / soft top handles?

[mauro12]

My vin ends with 001533. I have an early 250sl and I’m pretty sure the hard top is the original one and hasn’t been replaced . Soft top handles cannot be removed .

[Pawel66]

With this VIN, you should have single piece handles in soft top. Hard top - no idea, as I wrote. If the hard top is original it should have the appropriate number stamped on its rear rim.

[rwmastel]

If the hard top is original it should have the appropriate number stamped on its rear rim.

Mauro,

Yes, compare the hard top stamped production number to the one on the hood.  It is also on the soft top cover lid, I believe?  Maybe also on the transmission support plate?  These should all match and you will know if your hard top is original to your car.

For 230SL like mine and early 250SL like yours, all handles should be fixed into the mechanisms on both tops.  No need for a pouch.

[mauro12]

Thank you guys . I will check . I have also the data card with all numbers .

[mauro12]

Do you know exactly where the hardtop number should be specifically?

[mauro12]

I’ve just looked in the data card and there is no hardtop number , only option 416 hardtop mounted on the car . Should be a number on the data card that matches the one printed on the hard top ?

[Pawel66]

Mauro, we are talking about the last 3 or 4 digits of the Aufbau number that are stamped on various parts of the body (hood, trunk lid, gear box support, soft top, hard top). Refer please to the Technical Manual, line 4 here: https://www.sl113.org/wiki/DataCard/BodyandPaintNumberPlate

I am sorry, I do not have picture of exact location of this number on hard top, perhaps this can help, reply No. 5: https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=474.msg1957#msg1957

[BobH]

Have a look on here

https://www.motoringinvestments.com/mercedes-280sl-w113-buyers-guide/

[Pawel66]

I had a similar idea

http://historic.motoringinvestments.com/MainPage.htm

Go to Mercedes, look for "Holy Grail", scroll down through pictures a bit.

[dirkbalter]

Mauro.
On mine its on the rear underside crossbar of the top. 

[mauro12]

Thank you all guys . I have to go in garage and check . I haven’t been using the hard top for 5 years now . It’s stored in the trolley cart .

[zoegrlh]

Yes a set of handles come in a pair.

[mauro12]

I guys , I’ve just checked and I have the same number printed on the hard top and the bonnet , 1403. It means that the hard top and the bonnet are original .
No handles in the hard top .
What’s your view on that ?

[Jonny B]

Could the original handles have been replaced at some time with the two-piece ones? It is most unusual that an early 250 SL hard top would have the separate handles.

[mauro12]

Maybe in the hard top were removable handles and the previous owner lost it .

[rwmastel]

That's very strange that the production number on the bonnet and hard top is original and matching the data card and fender plate.  (Fender plate - see at bottom of this link, explanation of row 4. https://www.sl113.org/wiki/DataCard/BodyandPaintNumberPlate)

I don't know why your fixed handles would be changed out for removable handles.  How about the handles at the b-pillar?  Those should be fixed to the top as well.  The hard top on my w107 450SL uses the same removable handles from the windshield latches to operate the b-pillar latches.  I assume 280SL Pagodas are the same?  What do you have?

[mauro12]

I guess the easiest thing that has happened is that the handles for the hard top were removable for the production of my car ( April 1967) and they have been lost somehow .
I’m happy to see that all my number matches perfectly .