Author Topic: diassembling rear lockdown levers for hardtop  (Read 3389 times)

rd9146

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diassembling rear lockdown levers for hardtop
« on: January 21, 2012, 02:45:01 »
I am trying to take the handles off the hardtop to refinish it.  Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.  Tim   htefgc@aol.com
« Last Edit: January 22, 2012, 10:45:48 by 280SL71 »

BaronYoungman

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Re: diassembling rear lock down levers for hardtop
« Reply #1 on: January 21, 2012, 05:29:23 »
I am also going to tackle this project can you take pictures of the entire project as you go?  I read that you need a 4mm punch, check the archives tech manual, but mine looks larger than that.
Bob
Bob "Baron" Youngman
1971 280 SL silver  1 car 0 boxes
1983 500sec Wheeler Dealer AMG w AMG coupe
1965 220se coupe restomod
1988 560sec  Japan "Yakuza Car"

69280sl

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Re: diassembling rear lock down levers for hardtop
« Reply #2 on: January 21, 2012, 16:56:16 »
Here's what worked for me, others may have a better way. Also, the description of the pin is appropriate for my setup. Don't know if they are all the same.

You have to first drift out the cross-pin. Look at the ends. One will be solid, the other sleeved. Push the pin out from the sleeved end with a drift pin that contacts only the center, not the sleeve. It will not go easily.

When the pin is out, the two plastic cones will fall out revealing a hex nut that secures the latch handle to the sheet metal of the hardtop.

If you irrepairably screw up any of the parts, Bud's Benz has a kit that includes everything but the handle for about $80.

Good Luck, Gus
« Last Edit: January 21, 2012, 17:03:49 by 69280sl »
Gus

68 280sl, signal red/ beige/black softtop. Car # 1084

bogeyman

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Re: diassembling rear lock down levers for hardtop
« Reply #3 on: January 22, 2012, 01:07:06 »
Black Forest LLC has an excellent video on hardtop restoration including removing the pins.
Their address is in the suppliers section of the Tech manual.
Rick Bogart
1970 280SL Black(040)/Parchment
1969 280SL Silver(180)/Green
1993 500E
1972 350SL
1995 E320 Cabrio