Soft top cover question.

[waltklatt]

Dear all Pagodaers,
I'm confused about the soft top cover operation.
When one closes the top after stowing the top in the well.  Does one push the release lever to the close position and then press the top down till it clicks on the drivers side.  Does the passenger side also click when pushing down?  On mine, I have to hold the passenger side down and pull the release lever forward a slight bit till I feel the catch click on the that side and then it's locked.  Do others have the same method of closing the cover?  
I recently helped another member replace the latching cable and his cover closes all at once.  
It's a bit ridiculous to lean over the car and press on the passenger side and twist the lever to lock it.  
Walter
1967 220SL-diesel
1963 230SL-gas

[J. Huber]

Hey Walt. I never touch the lever (after the initial pull to pop the case open). I simply lower the top in as far as it will go, then lower the case and do a CPR-style move to lock it in place. Then go to other side and do same.

James
63 230SL

[Ed Cave]

I use the Huber technique as well.

Ed Cave
Atlanta, GA


1971 280SL
1973 911S
2004 A4 3.0
2006 GS430

[ted280sl]

CPR is not a required part of lowering the top. It sounds as if you are working way to hard to close the top cover. It is adjustable. The locks and bumpers can be adjusted to make closing very civilized. If you need to manually move the handle to lock the cover I would look at the cable and the springs. We are driving a Mercedes. It should work properly.
Ted 1969 280SL Today is a perfect NY summer day for a ride.

[enochbell]

Walter,

Please take no offense at this simple suggestion, I know you are experienced with these cars, but make sure you throw the top latches to the "closed" position before securing the hatch (arms toward the midline/center of the car).  Mine gives me fits if the latches are not retracted as they are in the closed position. Otherwise follow the advise of other members, the catches and stops are highly adjustable.

Best,

g

'64 230sl, fully sorted out...ooops, spoke too soon

[J. Huber]

It's a fairly gentle CPR move -- maybe I should have called it a double-palmed massage move...but I will look into adjustments. Thanks.

James
63 230SL

[TA250SL]

I never understood the tips that recommended retracting the soft top latches prior to closing the compartment lid.  On my car, the threaded latch pin pivots with the handle, but at no time retracts.  At any handle position, the pin height remains consistent and never interferes with the closure of the soft top lid.  The top is pulled tight against the windshield frame when the latches engage the fittings at the windshield and travel along the threaded pin when the latch handle is turned.

Tom
Early 1967 250SL
Euro version    
Los Angeles

[rwmastel]

Tom,
Maybe the handles themselves contact the soft top lid if they are not in the right position?  Just a guess.

James and Ted,
I do a little CPR on my lid as well, but I thought it was because the soft top needs compressed to fit into the well under the lid.  I believe we all know that the lid contacts the soft top, so I figured the required pressure was normal.

Rodd
Powell, Ohio, USA
1966 230SL, Euro, Auto, Leather, both  tops
1994 E420

[bsimaz]

I have wondered about this as well.  My top fit very tight in the compartment.  Seems odd.  So much so that I have take off the front levers in order to close the lid because they are too high.  Even after removal of the levers it still fits tight.  Wondering if some part of the top might be bent as to cause this.

Bill
'66 230sl
(Almost Done)

[waltklatt]

Ahh, thanks for all the helpful hints.  CPR move sounds like what I've got to do at the moment.  Guess this way brings us much closer to our loves than we give credit for.  Wink!
I'll see what kind of adjustments can be done and report back.
Walter Klatt
1967 220SL-diesel
1963 230SL-gas

[Bob G ✝︎]

One added note is to turn down the locking pins that are facing upwards when lowering the top into thestorage area.

Bob Geco

[rwmastel]

quote:Originally posted by TA250SL

I never understood the tips that recommended retracting the soft top latches prior to closing the compartment lid.  On my car, the threaded latch pin pivots with the handle, but at no time retracts.  At any handle position, the pin height remains consistent and never interferes with the closure of the soft top lid.  The top is pulled tight against the windshield frame when the latches engage the fittings at the windshield and travel along the threaded pin when the latch handle is turned.

Bob,

I think Tom has a point here in that these pins don't travel up/down.  They just rotate.

Rodd
Powell, Ohio, USA
1966 230SL, Euro, Auto, Leather, both  tops
1994 E420

[Vince Canepa]

The latch pins on my top DO retract into the top header as they turn.  Therefore, if the handles are in the "locked" position an additional 4mm or so of "clearance" is gained, making the soft top cover easier to close.

Vince Canepa
1967 250SL
113.043-10-001543
568H Signal Red
116 Caviar MB-Tex

[TA250SL]

That would explain the advice to adjust the handles so the pins are retracted.  Maybe there are two latch designs, but I only know how the ones on my car operate.  It would be interesting if others could report on how their soft top latches are designed, retractable or non-retractable.

Tom
Early 1967 250SL
Euro version    
Los Angeles

[rwmastel]

quote:Originally posted by TA250SL

At any handle position, the pin height remains consistent and never interferes with the closure of the soft top lid.

Tom,

I've never heard of a soft top lid that does not touch the soft top locking pins.  Actually, there should be thin hard rubber squares gluded to the inner surface to protect it from the pins.

Rodd
Powell, Ohio, USA
1966 230SL, Euro, Auto, Leather, both  tops
1994 E420

[J. Huber]

Just investigated. My levers were pointing in when I popped the case. By lifting the top slightly it allowed me to swing the levers in the other direction. I see a slight drop in the pin when levers point out. Here's my summary (230SL).
1. The pin does move down when levers are pointing out.
2. The top closes easier this way. One handed versus two.
3. The topcase still hits the pins. I have no pads -- just some worn-in indentations.

PS. When I popped the case, there was a small ball-bearing (looked like a BB) just sitting by one of my levers. Am I right to assume it came from the lever mechanism -- anybody have ideas?




James
63 230SL

[Mike Hughes]

When the handles are pointing in on my 230SL the pins are close to 1/4 inch further out than when the handles are pointing out.  This definately makes a difference when trying to close my cover.  I have the rubber squares but prefer not to push the envelope, so I always return the handles to the position that retracts the pins before closing the cover.

- Mike Hughes  -ô¿ô-
  1966 230SL Auto P/S
  Havanna Brown (408)
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