Adjustment of Hardtop Latch

[treedoc]

Took our 280SL for a 650 km round trip yesterday, running in reconditioned engine.
Some of the back country runs where a little rough,
Half way through the trip RH side front hardtop latch came loose causing the top to rattle , it now comes loose on any bump.

Does anyone kown how to adjust the latch assembly ?

[49er]

It looks like you are missing the round compression ring that fits around the screw. They were originally cork but I replaced mine with a common O-ring.

John

[treedoc]

John,

I think you are right it does look like there is the remains of something that could have been cork around the pins.

What cross section o-rings did you use?

Thanks,

Geoff

[49er]

Not sure what the cross section is but they are #12 o-rings. Picked up a box at my local DIY home center:-)

John

[66andBlue]

Geoff,
it is not cork but a relatively hard plastic or hard rubber ring and is relatively cheap from SLS (part number 277018).
Order 4 since your soft top will probably need replacements too.  
Here are two photos showing the parts of a 230SL lock, aside from the attached handle yours should be similar. Note the angle of the pin when you reassemble.

[treedoc]

Thanks John & Alfred,

I happen to keep 5/8" inside diameter x 7/8" outside diameter o-rings in stock for our tree injection systems, they fit perfectly,
Have fitted o-rings and test driven, dosen't unlock, no rattles.

If ever there was an example of the value of this forum it's this question and the speed of the answers
 

[49er]

Just to follow up, I did find the package of unused o-rings and here is a picture that details the size (purchased at Home Depot:-). Thanks Alfred for your info. I know that I slip sometimes on original parts for my car, but in this case, the o-ring seemed like a simple solution and have found it to be a good substitute. We have driven our car on many rough country roads, and the HT handles have stayed nice and snug. And Geoff, glad to hear it has worked for you as well.

John

[66andBlue]

John,
I agree with you that a simple O-ring will work just fine, perhaps not last 30 years like the original flat washer-type rings, but at the Home Depot price one can afford a replacement every couple of years. 

[Bill Sgro]

I use a simple washer for a garden hose.  It fits perfectly and provides more compression than an O-Ring.  I also think it is more the shape of the original too!

[rb6667]

Great tip on the hose washer Bill.  Thanks!  I tried one today on my car.  Like you said, fits perfectly.  Now I'm off to find some black ones. 

RB6667