Hard Top

[n/a]

Will the older 230 tops fit a 68 280? I know the handles are different. I'm missing mine and found a potential candidate.

My car was repainted red (not an original color) and I'm sure matching would be quite a challenge. What are the opinions out there on contrasting colors for the top. I'm thinking white or black. Then when I get the car completely repainted, I'll go to one color.

Shawn Rock
Philly, PA USA
1968 280 SL 4 speed

[George Davis]

Shawn,

I think contrasting hardtops look very sharp.  My car is white with black h/t, I like the combo.  I've seen red with black h/t, too, very good looking.  As far as I know, the cars and h/t's could be ordered in any color combo.

I'm not sure on the fit question, but I'm sure others know.

George Davis
'69 280 SL Euro manual

[Cees Klumper]

I would go with black, although white probably looks good too.
AFAIK the fit should be the same. I'm not sure, but I think some of the trim (like the headliner) may be different. One thing to watch for is rust in the lower rear corners of the top. Also the rear quarter windows / gaskets apparently are a real tough job to replace.

Cees Klumper in Amsterdam
'69 white 280 SL automatic

[Mike]

Shawn, my car was delivered with a signal red body and white hardtop (which sounds hideous to me).  It's now all red but I plan to paint the top black which I have seen and I think looks good.  The issue is then what color to paint the hubcap centers.  I think they should be black to match the top even though the car is red.

Michael L. Hund

[Bob G ✝︎]

230SL hardtop such work.

Bob Geco

[rwmastel]

Mike,

I believe it's widely accepted that on the 2-piece hub caps, the hub cap center matches the hard top and the steel wheels match the body.  On the 1-piece caps, they match the body.

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

[n/a]

Thanks for the insight. I'm thinking black. My interior is white and I have alloy wheels. My soft top is a dark beige which looks pretty nice, but only for canvas.

Shawn Rock
Philly, PA USA
1968 280 SL 4 speed

[Douglas]

Rodd:

Correction: Cars with the late-style one-piece hubcaps and a contrasting hardtop should have hubcaps painted to match the hardtop, not the body.

Douglas Kim
New York, NY
280 SL #018260