Soft-top Questions

[J. Huber]

As a ritual of spring, once my hard-top comes off, I give my soft-top its annual once-over. I cleanup the rear window, tighten all the various screws, check hinges, etc. So far so good.

Well, this year I think I might also replace my rear rubber seal. I have the new MBZ piece from a kit I bought way back -- and its about time I put it in... Problem is I have no idea how this piece goes in. Is there a channel, or is it somehow secured under metal? Has anyone changed it lately?

Question #2: has anyone ever tried a waterproofer called 303 something or another? My boat place has it -- I am wondering if I should try it. I have never reimpregnated? my top -- and although I never drive in the rain, I might do it anyway.

Last one: has anyone in the Northern California area replaced their soft-top lately?? If I decide its time for a new one, I'd like to find an experienced guy to put in on. I replaced mine 12 years ago -- but in southern CA. A local yokel here spouted out 1100 without even seeing it -- which struck me as high -- and he has never done a 113....Next...

Thanks.



James
63 230SL

[Douglas]

James,

303 is very good stuff, but I wouldn't use it on my soft top. It's the equivalent of Armor All, so it's intended for rubber. Highly recommended.

The best product for soft tops is Ragg Topp. It's a two-part process with a cleaner and water repellant. Many here justifiably rave about it. (I bought mine from Bob Geco, incidentally.)

Douglas Kim
New York
USA

[psmith]

Hi James,

When/if it ever stops raining I'm going to take mine to a San Jose shop that was highly recommended by this site (sorry guy's I love these Alfa GTV's too) http://www.greend.com/the_alfa_21.htm   Mine has never closed right and I hate to force the lid closed.  I'll let you know how it goes.

Pete S.

[Cees Klumper]

The new rear rubber seal should be pretty straightforward to put in; I did mine about a year ago and am pretty sure it goes into a channel. The old one was glued down in there, but I put the new one in without glue just to see if glue was really necessary, and so far it has stayed in just fine.

Cees ("Case") Klumper in Amsterdam
'69 white 280 SL automatic

[isofast]

No glue on the back rubber seal it just slides into the groove. sometimes it is best to put the seal in the sun to wring out any wrinkles in the rubber from storage. Then it slides into the channel.
Some previous top installer put a  super tiny small screw into the end of the channel to help keep the rubber trim from coming out of the channel my top guy said "NO THE RUBBER JUST SITS IN THE GROOVE NO SCREWS AND NO GLUE". My rubber was all wrinkled so i just put it in the sun and it slid right in.
I have heard good things about the top product that the rest recommend but have not tried it yet.
Ernie

[erickmarciano]

MAKY SURE YOU DON"T PUT THE RAGGTOP CLEANER < EVEN ADROP> o the rear window or it will melt it , tust me did that on my new top . besides that the product is great
thanks
Erick

1971 280sl
1962 VW
1954 Allstate vespa
1958 gs150 vespa
1962 gs160 vespa

[J. Huber]

Danke friends.

Not sure if my seal is glued or not -- was hesitant to start pulling on it until I sought your advice. I guess I'll go for it before long.


Pete: Let me know how your top works out. I happened to ask Roy Spencer for a contact -- he gave me a name & number, but I am keeping my options open. I am figuring about 550 for the top -- its the labor side that will make or break my choices.

Douglas: Thanks, I may try Raggtop then. The boat guy explained there is a 303 for vinyl (as you mention) but also one for fabric. I guess its good for canvas boat covers, etc. But if Bob G. recommends Ragg Products, I'm convinced!



James
63 230SL

[pferg]

I've tried the 301 product and it is great!  I don't think you can go wrong with this product.

[pferg]

Correction-303

[J. Huber]

Seal is in! Really very easy. Initially, I started to work it in from one end and slide it. Then I discovered it was easier to simply press it into groove in situ. (always wanted to use that phrase...)

Notes: the seal needed to be trimmed slightly at an angle on the ends so the top-case would clear it. Also, the new seal caused the rear pin to sit higher, so locking the rear of top was difficult. But I got it.

James
63 230SL