Softtop stuck

[n/a]

The softtop of our 230 sl is stuck. While opening we have first pulled the frontpart to the front instead of pulling it forward together. Now the rear end is stuck beneath the boot cover and the bars on the side (partnumbers D77 101 and D 79 080) are kept in place somehow.
Problem: we cannot put the frontpart back (side bars of the softtop are kept in place) and we cannot pull it out (rear end is stuck )

Can someone tell me how to relase the side-bars of the softtop.

Thanks in advance.

Greetings,

Gerbertjos :?:

[mdsalemi]

Gerbert,

This is a common occurence, usually once or twice "per owner".

You have a two person job ahead of you; you need to use a long-bladed screwdriver; use them to press back the spring loaded latches which are mounted in the well on each side, and pull it all out.  You might need to do this from both sides simultaneously.  Depending on how this was done and how it is stuck you might need a bit of force to pull out that rear part.  It isn't impossible, just a pain!

At a Mercedes Benz Club Concours this past September, one of the newly-restored show-class 280SL's had this same thing happen (with an unfamiliar owner); the owner was white with fright until I showed him how to undo it moments before the cars had to be left alone for judging!

Michael Salemi
1969 280SL
Signal Red w/Black Leather
Restored

[waltklatt]

Hello Gerbertjos,
Michael, I think Gerbertjos has the top cover open, but cannot pull the top frame out of the well.  
Gerbertjos, simply push the top back together into the well and then reach under the lower frame of the top and then lift the entire assembly out.  I think the lower bar attachments to the main hinge are bent and need to be replaced or readjusted.  If you want, I can mail you via post a copy of the MB instructions to adjust the top.  Of course they are in English.
Email me off list if you want a copy.
Happy Pagodalidays!
Walter
1967 220SL-diesel

[Kenneth Gear]

Walter, If i am reading it correctly Michael had it right if the cover is open.  The two release latches can been seen at each end of the well.  Push them outwards -- toward each side of the car and the top frame will release from its locked position



Ken G
1971 280 SL
Silver/red

[n/a]

mdsalemi:

The spring you are refering to , is it part : D77 115.

thanks in Advance.

[Kenneth Gear]

I am not sure of the part number but it is an L shaped bracket.  One leg of the "L" points up in the air against the outer wall of the soft top compartment.  Reach in and push it out away from the center of the car.  That will release the top.

Ken G
1971 280 SL
Silver/red

[Kenneth Gear]

better yet.. see this post and the photo on Dick M's reply

http://index.php?topic=2635,top,stuck

Ken G
1971 280 SL
Silver/red

[waltklatt]

Ken, Gerbert,
Maybe a picture can help with the description.  Seems we are running different interpretations on the scenario.  
Michael, if I'm wrong, then I apologize.
I will look at my spare frame tonight to see how it will be released.
Walter
1967 220SL-diesel

[Cees Klumper]

I suspect Michael's reply and the reference to Dick Mentzer's post in the old thread will probably do the trick.

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

[mdsalemi]

quote:Originally posted by waltklatt

Ken, Gerbert,
Maybe a picture can help with the description.  Seems we are running different interpretations on the scenario.  
Michael, if I'm wrong, then I apologize.
I will look at my spare frame tonight to see how it will be released.
Walter
1967 220SL-diesel

You learn by doing.  There are two kinds of "soft top stuck" that I know of, from first hand experience, unfortunately!  One is the classic "wedgie" where the top seems to be partially stuck in about a 30% open position, and you can't get it back down or up.  Then, there is another case--and I think that's what Gerbert experienced, is when you try to move the top up when the rear part isn't firmly locked to the front part; it wants to stay down, and gets caught in the well.  The latter is actually a bit more difficult to deal with, but both require moving those spring loaded stanchions--at least they were in my cases.  The bad news is it is a pain.  The good news is if that's your biggest 113 problem, you've got it made as once you learn the tricks it can be solved.

Michael Salemi
1969 280SL
Signal Red w/Black Leather
Restored