Author Topic: New soft top Genuine or oem?  (Read 7518 times)

lamakdaddy

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New soft top Genuine or oem?
« on: August 10, 2013, 13:47:21 »
I am keen to replace the top on my 1971 280sl.  Classic Center are quoting $970. Germs auto tops are at $395 and Gahh are at $525.  Is the genuine one the way to go or will I be happy with one of the other 2? 

badali

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Re: New soft top Genuine or oem?
« Reply #1 on: August 11, 2013, 15:48:10 »
I have a top from GAHH and it is fine.  Looks like the factory top.  I'm happy with it.
Brad

1961 220 Sb
1966 230 SL (Sold)
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KevinC

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Re: New soft top Genuine or oem?
« Reply #2 on: August 11, 2013, 19:16:32 »
I don't know for certain so just guessing that like "MB TEX" while Original-type there really isn't such thing as a "Mercedes-Benz" cloth....just a product that MB would have purchased from their approved vendors. Wasn't it Haartz that provided the original fabrics?...

  http://www.haartz.com/en/products/convertible_toppings/cloth/cloth_convertible_topping.asp

rmmchl

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Re: New soft top Genuine or oem?
« Reply #3 on: August 11, 2013, 21:00:29 »
THE CLASSIC CENTER BUYS THEM FROM OTHER SOURCES.  GAHH sells a ton of them, for all  imports. They all are cut from a factory template and sewn to factory specs. If you wanted to pay double for the same thing, you could buy it from Mercedes.  Be sure to tell them you want the one that is the most OEM fabric for our cars. They sell a few different types of canvas. This topic has been discussed many times here, especially on the reasons why most of the tops edges,  curl on the back corners. Most have learned to live with this. I feel the installation is more important than the type fabric used. Please don't feel that you have to drive half way across the country to have it installed. The pagoda top is a standard install for an experienced top installer. I understand that our cars are easier than most, but I would make sure he has done many of them before I hired him. I would even ask for references if he has them. Find out where most of the import dealers in your area send their cars, to get tops installed. Your Mercedes dealer would be a good place to start. They could give you the name of the place that they use.
« Last Edit: August 11, 2013, 21:16:15 by rmmchl »
michael romeo           
1967  250sl
signal red

Cees Klumper

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Re: New soft top Genuine or oem?
« Reply #4 on: August 11, 2013, 21:36:45 »
This topic has been discussed many times here, especially on the reasons why most of the tops edges,  curl on the back corners. Most have learned to live with this.

Nobody needs to live with curled edges; the cure has also been posted here, which is to fold the edges under when stowing the top. This will undo any prior curl and prevent it from returning.
Cees Klumper
1969 Mercedes 280 SL automatic
1968 Ford Mustang 302 V8
1961 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Coupe 1600
1962 FIAT 1500S OSCA convertible
1972 Lancia Fulvia Coupe 1.3
1983 Porsche 944 2.5
1990 Ford Bronco II

Markbhai

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Re: New soft top Genuine or oem?
« Reply #5 on: August 11, 2013, 21:39:08 »
I agree with Ceres. I do this all of the time and have no issues.

Shvegel

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Re: New soft top Genuine or oem?
« Reply #6 on: August 13, 2013, 05:19:09 »
Most convertible tops are fabricated by one or two companies. Electron top is one of the actual manufactures. Unless you need the correct window stamp for a Concours car (1 point deduct if memory serves) I would suggest buying the aftermarket top.

jameshoward

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Re: New soft top Genuine or oem?
« Reply #7 on: August 13, 2013, 05:30:58 »
It's not actually that hard to do it yourself. It will take time to do it properly, but it isn't difficult to achieve a very good result. There are many photos on here to show how it's done, the correct order, etc.
James Howard
1966 LHD 230SL

Garry

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Re: New soft top Genuine or oem?
« Reply #8 on: August 13, 2013, 08:21:06 »
I have enough faith in KHM Cabrio DE that I am getting my top from them after getting my carpets from them as well. Great supplier suggest you consider them also

http://www.cabrio.de/khm/index.php?lang=en

Garry
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1969 MB 280SL 5 speed RHD SOLD.
1965 MB 230SL Auto RHD Lt Blue 334G, Top 350H, Tourist Delivery.
1972 MB 280CE Auto RHD 906G
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Alf

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Re: New soft top Genuine or oem?
« Reply #9 on: August 13, 2013, 15:07:23 »
Quote
Nobody needs to live with curled edges; the cure has also been posted here, which is to fold the edges under when stowing the top. This will undo any prior curl and prevent it from returning

Cees's method works for me and my hood now looks like it should. Many thanks again to Cees for sharing the wisdom BUT I find if I fold the edges under EVERY time I get too much curl the other way. So If it starts to look a bit odd I put it away without folding under and its fine for a while longer. Maybe do this 1 time in 5 - somthing like that
Alf
'69 280SL. Silver (180 G) with black hardtop