Soft-Top Issue

[J. Huber]

Hello. Many of you are familiar with the "pinching" or tearing of the side edges that sometimes goes on when stuffing our soft-tops into the case. Mine is horrible -- at this point, the damage is done -- but I am in a dilemma. If I replace the soft-top (again), I'll flip my lid (no pun intended) if it tears up.

I have studied the closing mechanism over and over again and it appears that the frame is square and that there is no real room for adjustment. Yet the folded top simply has nowhere to go but directly into the topcase seal channel. My seal, which I have replaced, is torn to shreds. Its simply a matter of the top hitting it and squeezing by. It is not a slight rub, its a head-on collision. Has anyone successfully troubleshot such a thing. Any ideas. Is mine unique? Thanks as always.

James
63 230SL

[Cees Klumper]

Same problem (although it sounds like a bit less serious) on my car. Seen others too, so it's relatively common. Would be interested in the fix as well?

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

[Patrick]

Hi Everyone,

I would be interested in this fix as well. Mine opens with a bit of effort with the two of us.

Patrick '68 250SL

[hauser]

I was in Viginia for the presentation of the Mechatronic MSL 320.  I was very impressed with one very simple  and inexpensive add on.  It had a flap of very flexible clear vinyl secured to the bottom of top storage compartment.  Once the  bottom end of the top is lifted the vinyl is drapped over the car body then the top is loweded and the remaining vinyl drapes over the top assembly.  A very simple idea and alot easier than trying to keep the shoehorns in place during top storage.

1969 280sl 5 spd
Gainesville, Fl.

[Jonny B]

As a variation on what Hauser said. I found a couple of stiff plastic inner liners from a three ring binder and keep those in the soft top boot for lowering the top past the edge. It also helps to keep the rubber seal intact. I cut up plastic milk carton will do the job about as well.(not very elegant, as with the Mechatronix approach, but workable).

Jonny B
1967 250SL Auto

[JamesL]

I took a 2 litre soda bottle

Chopped off the top and bottom and then halved it lengthways. The bits live in the well and when getting the roof down, they are positioned just behind the hinge to help the whole lot shoehorn into the well.

Works a treat and generates some odd looks when in use!

[J. Huber]

I am curious how you can use the plastic shoe-horn trick on both sides at the same time? Or am I missing something.

James
63 230SL

[hauser]

James, it is a bit difficult with the plastic shoehorns because I struggle with them each time.  I mentioned the Mechatronic flaps because it makes it so much easier.

1969 280sl 5 spd
Gainesville, Fl.

[J. Huber]

Thanks Hauser. Did you happen to snap a picture of the doodad? I can understand how that might work best... And for the crowd: does your folded canvas drop about directly onto your top case seal as I described? I realize the plastic will do its thing there but just curious if ours all are that super-tight.

James
63 230SL

[hauser]

James, I took a few pics of the MSL but none of the strips.  There were quite a few of us there snapping pics perhaps someone has one and can post it.



1969 280sl 5 spd
Gainesville, Fl.

[TheEngineer]

Once I became aware of the interference, I started using a piece of cardboard about 5 inches square, one for each side, like a shoehorn. Works, but the Mechatronics thing might work better. It is also important to reach in and fold the edges of the soft top under. If one doesn't do that, they lay on top of the wheel well and take an upward shape. Then , when the top is raised, the edges do not lay against the body, but remain in an upward position. No great harm done, it just looks bad.

'69 280SL,Signal Red,Automatic,retired engineer, West-Seattle,WA

[J. Huber]

This may turn into an expensive thread... A buck twenty-five for the vinyl strip and another $1000 for a new top!  

James
63 230SL

[hauser]

The clear slats are similar to walk-in cooler strip doors although the these strips are a bit too thick.  Here's a like to the strp doors.http://www.superprod.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10001&storeId=10001&productId=791106&langId=-1&parent_category_rn=245765

1969 280sl 5 spd
Gainesville, Fl.

[bpossel]

  Hi All!

When I had my top replaced, I also started using the straight plastic pieces that one finds in new binders in order to protect the canvas sides.

The more I have thought about this though, why wouldnt just strong material work?  Something like a strip of canvas (~4" wide) attached to the bottom part of the frame.  Prior to folding down the top, pull the canvas strips up and have them drape over the edge of the car.  As the top is folded down and up, the canvas strips take the beating.  Obviously, the strips will need to be replaced on occasion.  

The idea with the canvas is that it is very flexible, and can be easily laid over the top when the lid is folded down.  Today, as I use the plastic pieces, the plastic edges stick up and I have to bend them over as I close the top.  A lot of extra manuvering...

[:0]I see yet another project in my future.  Need to finish my carpet 1st....

 :?: Thoughts?

Bob


bpossel  (Memphis, TN.)
'71 280SL  /  '97 E320

[Jonny B]

I would think that the plastic, with a smooth and slick surface would be easier on the fabric. Even the fabric rubbing against fabric would produce some further wear.

Jonny B
1967 250SL Auto

[J. Huber]

Ok. So I did a little playing today. I found a heavy clear plastic bag that one of the kid's foldable beach chairs came in. Decided to chop it up in the name of Pagoda science. I cut about a 6" wide by 10" long piece (2 of them), and taped them into the soft top well. It may not be as ideal as the Mechatronic version but I think it may just work...

Download Attachment: Soft-top1.jpg
55.79 KB

James
63 230SL

[George Davis]

Thanks for experimenting, Herr Prof. Huber!  I may have to follow your lead on this!

George Davis
'69 280 SL Euro manual

[Mike Hughes]

Very nice and sanitary installation, James!  I've been using a pair of thick 1-quart ziplock freezer bags for this.  The main thing is to have a slick surface for the top material to slide past the rubber gasket.

- Mike Hughes  -ô¿ô-
  1966 230SL Auto P/S
  Havanna Brown (408)
  Light Beige (181)
  Cream M-B Tex (121)

[Douglas]

James,

For what it's worth, I try to tuck the corners in while folding it up rather than letting that corner stick out outside the folded frame.

Douglas Kim
New York
USA

[J. Huber]

Why thanks everyone for the kudos but I really just went on Hauser's idea...It is so simplified -- but seems like it will work in a "pinch!" yuk yuk..

So, now I have to buy a new soft-top. You'll be hearing from me...

And Douglas, I have tried to rectify that curl thing -- but don't quite have the technique. First of all, I try to push the edge down as my top recedes into the well, but then my fingers are in there too. Also, how the heck can I do both sides?

James
63 230SL