soft top challenges

[thelews]

Does anyone know why they changed this procedure?

Norm

Because it works better, based on experience they had.  

[J. Huber]

Not so sure about that John. MY experience (had car since 1980) is that the way that works best is back first, then front. I'd like to hear from other 230SL owners. I sense from being here and there on these forums that most 230 folks have better luck with the recommended way.

[jacovdw]

I'm with James on this one.

With my early '64 230SL it is easier to latch the back first and then the front.
If I'm not mistaken, the design of the soft top frame changed slightly during the evolution of the models and that probably necessitated the change in procedure.

[jaymanek]

On both my R107 and my 69 Pagoda I put the front on first, do up the latches half way then slam the rear down... Then do up the front fully.
Doing the rear first just doesnt work on either of my cars...

[douglas dees]

My 69 280 SL gets the front locked first and then the rear. I fix the curl by wetting the corners and then holding them down with blue tape when the top is up for a week over the winter. I also put a soft towel between the folds in the plastic so the window does not scratch. In collapsing the top, I put a cloth over it so the top does not pinch on the corners as it goes into the top compartment.
regards
Doug DeesToronto

[roadsterdude]

I believe that one difference on the R-107 is that after inserting the rear pin you then finish by tightening the mechanism with the handle, so there is more play to begin with, isn't that right?  (A better design than the 113, I'm afraid)

[thelews]

I believe that one difference on the R-107 is that after inserting the rear pin you then finish by tightening the mechanism with the handle, so there is more play to begin with, isn't that right?  (A better design than the 113, I'm afraid)

That's right dude.

[jaymanek]

Of course the R107 is a superior design but lets face it, thats progress.