Author Topic: Soft top questions (Read 9987 times)

Larry & Norma · « **on:** December 31, 2009, 15:23:45 »

The time has come to renew my softop. On investigation it looks like my top frame, on a '70 280SL, is infact a 230SL version. The latches and long wire spring things are missing but where they were is evident. Firstly a) are the tops identical for all frame versions? b) Do new tops come with the tensioning cables? c) How come the tops are so much cheaper from America? It is cheaper to import from US and pay shipping and duty than buy from the uk! Unless anyone knows of a UK or European supplier with a reasonable price?
Thanks

jameshoward · « **Reply #1 on:** December 31, 2009, 16:24:53 »

You don't need to import from the US. There are some very good manufacturers in Europe, and one alleges to make roofs that are shipped to the US for distribution.

I got my roof from Cabrio in Germany. I have found them to be excellent. Their website is pretty good also, and is in English and German. (www.cabrio.de) They cut their own tops and have a mass of colours. Their service is excellent in my experience. A number of forum members have used them also.

I believe all the tops are the same for all cars regardless of engine size or slightly different frame design. You will need to order new wires, and will also need to order the two foam things that go atop the door windows to ensure a good fit. I think that's about it. They have all that kit.

I did my own top; it's quote doable with help. I'm in SW London if you're close by. PM me if you want to take a look and talk it through.

Larry & Norma · « **Reply #2 on:** December 31, 2009, 16:51:15 »

Hi James - thanks for that.
My problem was not with supplier but with price! UK/Europe 575 Euros plus tax, US $400 dollars plus. Quite a lot cheaper for same spec top.
I am intrigued by these foam things you talk of, any pics? I may take you up on your offer as I am in Southampton and travel to Surrey frequently.
Maybe when the weather is a little warmer. I do intend to fit it myself so any advice will be welcome. What glue did you use?
Larry
(Cabrio.de site does look good 'tho)

J. Huber · « **Reply #3 on:** December 31, 2009, 17:02:56 »

Hey Larry. Just for some clarification -- yes tops can be found in US for 400 but the fact is if you bought one from say GAHH (probably the best quality out there) you are looking at more like 700. So prices vary and quality/reliability of vendor is a factor.

If I were you, I'd definitely take James up on a visit. He's earned his stripes as an authority over the years...

jameshoward · « **Reply #4 on:** December 31, 2009, 17:46:36 »

Quote from: J. Huber on December 31, 2009, 17:02:56

If I were you, I'd definitely take James up on a visit. He's earned his stripes as an authority over the years...

Thanks, James, but having just been busted for talking squarely from my derrière about exhaust suspension rings I think I'll keep my mouth closed for a while! (Thanks to Naj and Richard M, and of course Joe for pointing out my muppetness).

(But Gnuface, you're welcome to pop up from S'hampton anytime. Bring your car and we can go and meet a few others who are nearby).

J

Larry & Norma · « **Reply #5 on:** December 31, 2009, 18:45:58 »

Ok James, I will pay you a visit before I go any further as i am in no hurry. I would like it finished for the European trip in September.
I will be in touch when things warm up some and firm up a date.
Larry

jameshoward · « **Reply #6 on:** January 01, 2010, 00:05:15 »

PM me and we'll sort something out. I live not a million miles from Naj, who is the MB Club marque captain and someone who knows a thing or 6 about the 113....I am sure he'd like to say hi if he you don't already know him!!!

Look forward to meeting you.

JH

badali · « **Reply #7 on:** January 02, 2010, 04:30:04 »

Here are the 2 foam things you asked about. They came with the GAHH top.

Larry & Norma · « **Reply #8 on:** January 02, 2010, 08:56:01 »

Hi badali, are they the rubber pieces that the top of the window glass sits in when shut?

jameshoward · « **Reply #9 on:** January 02, 2010, 09:36:20 »

Gnuface, yes. They are stuck to the underside of the hood above the windows where there's a small lip. They are wedge shaped, and they came with the new top from Cabrio.de. Having checked the receipt the only extra I purchased were 2 new wires.

Separately, is your car currently running or are you in the process of a restoration?

JH

badali · « **Reply #10 on:** January 02, 2010, 17:29:37 »

Those pieces fill the gap between the canvas and the top frame. They can not be seen from the outside.

Ulf · « **Reply #11 on:** January 04, 2010, 09:11:28 »

I recently replaced my soft top with a new one from Germany, but as it was an insurance issue (slashed by vandals) I don't know the price, but it looks great and is very original (mine is a 230SL and I was told that there is a difference between this and later cars).
One of my previous classics - a Triumph TR6 got a new top from Prestige Autotrim in UK and it was really great and rather cheap as well - their website is: http://prestigeautotrim.co.uk/

Best of luck

Ulf

PeterW113 · « **Reply #12 on:** July 27, 2012, 08:42:15 »

Quote from: badali on January 02, 2010, 04:30:04

Here are the 2 foam things you asked about. They came with the GAHH top.

Hi Brad and Larry,

Are these seals easy to replace, one of the wire tensioners is broke on my soft top and I would like to know the best way to replace the wire as well as these? I do not want to fit a new roof just because of one the wires are broken.

Thanks

Peter

Larry & Norma · « **Reply #13 on:** July 27, 2012, 09:05:17 »

Hi Peter
They are more 'fiddly' than difficult. Getting the tension correct is a trial and error procedure.
Too tight and you will break the wire. Adjust while the top is is folded slightly and then when fully up
is at a reasonable tension. The wire has to be threaded through the channel in the soft top.
The seal is glued to the soft top, I suggest using a glue that will allow a little working time as it
is 'fiddly' to get in the correct position. Hope this helps.
Larry

PeterW113 · « **Reply #14 on:** July 28, 2012, 09:28:47 »

Hi Larry,

Many thanks for your reply, as the wire is broken and the tension released, other than having the roof in a slightly folded position, is there anything else that needs to be removed or released in order to remove the two rubber seals ( as shown in Brads pictures) and replace the wire tensioner?

Many thanks

Peter

PS the Coco matts look a treat.

badali · « **Reply #15 on:** July 28, 2012, 13:34:45 »

Peter,
I had an upholstry shop install the top a few years ago. I know they put new cables in but I was not there when they installed it.

Larry & Norma · « **Reply #16 on:** July 28, 2012, 16:38:39 »

HI Peter,
I do not think that you have to remove the seal to replace the wire.
The wire runs through a channel in the soft top and should just pullout.
Mine is fastened at the front by a Screw (4mm I think) and nut through the softtop.
I think the old one had a poprivet holding it in place. The other end is
secured on the B pillar of the roof by a nut and bolt, the bolt has a hole in it which the wire passes through
and is clamped tight by a washer and nut. So nothing to remove except the old wire.

rmmchl · « **Reply #17 on:** July 28, 2012, 23:36:53 »

is rubber cement the glue used? I have 2 new foam pieces bought fron GAHH but have not installed them. I also would like to know the techniques and tools used to remove the old ones from the soft top.

Larry & Norma · « **Reply #18 on:** July 29, 2012, 09:13:21 »

I used a contact adhesive that allowed some working time to assist final placement.
I believe it was a version of 'Evo-stick' sold in UK.
Mine was a new soft top so I did not have to remove old seals.

Garry · « **Reply #19 on:** July 29, 2012, 09:57:53 »

I like Larry, used contact cement on a new top and that worked fine and they stayed put.

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Author Topic: Soft top questions (Read 9987 times)