Hard top restoration

[n/a]

Has anyone done a hard top restoration? I just purchased a rough top that needs lots of work. Some rust to repair, new headliner, refinish the wood. Any tricks for removing chrome and glass? What about weatherstripping? I pick-up the top next week and will be able to assess the situation then. Thanks.

Shawn Rock
Philly, PA USA
1968 280 SL 4 speed

[hughet]

I restored mine a couple of years ago following an excellent article in the March/April '94 Star. The article (which I think was written by Gernold) has pictures of every phase of the job.

[pablo_o2]

I also want to restore mine. I heard the side windows are very hard to deal with as wel as the side handlles to fix the roof. If you happen to find the article mentioned here I would be happy to get a copy of it. Good luck wth your restoration, Paul.Included a picture of mine.

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[Ed Cave]

Shawn:

Se third paragraph of this page, for what its worth...

http://www.motoringinvestments.com/RestoLog3.htm

Good luck with it.


Ed Cave
Atlanta, GA

1964 356C
1971 280SL

[hauser]

Ed, how is the restoration comming along?  You must be getting very excited by now!

1969 280sl 5 spd        1999 ML320          Gainesville,Fl.

[Joe]

I can't imagine why it takes three days to dismantle a hard top. Obviously, great care must be taken, but even then....
Can someone explain this?
Joe2

[n/a]

I received my "new" hard top. As I expected, it is in need of lots of work. I have the Star article which will be a huge help. Has anyone made a replacement for the wood window trim? I haven't take a really good look at mine yet, but it looks to be delaminating. Any suggestions? I don't want to spend a fortune for a new one. I'm pretty handy in the wood shop and was planning on making a replacement.

Shawn Rock
Philly, PA USA
1968 280 SL 4 speed

[LFrank]

that degrading foam in my old hardtop is one reason I'm sticking with the convertible top until the last possible weekend; that stuff is nasty! :x

LFrank
Washington DC
65 230 sl - auto
DB334/Hellblau

[J. Huber]

You read my mind LFrank. My hardtop is actually in decent shape -- except -- for the falling debris if somebody touches the headliner. I still put it on in the winter but have to tell the kids not to touch it! Is the foam part of the liner or behind it? Seems like a major job to change it.

James
63 230SL

[pablo_o2]

Shawn thanks for the copy! I wait untill spring to restore mine. Right now i am working on the interior (heater-handles, changing lightbowls etc.)Good luck with the job, Paul

[Cees Klumper]

Shawn - on the wood trim: if the base wood is in ok shape, you may be able to glue on new veneer. I did this on a Triumph dasboard once, and the result was very good.

Cees Klumper in Amsterdam
'69 white 280 SL automatic

[n/a]

Does anyone have a reprint/access of the '94 Star article on hardtop restoration. Mine is ready and this article would be quite helpful, I am sure, thanks!

[Benz Dr.]

The side windows are nearly impossible to install with the new seals. Don't remove them unless you REALLY have to. All of the chrome trim is plated brass and will bend or kink easily while being removed, so yes, do use a lot of care.

Daniel G Caron

[Ben]

quote:Does anyone have a reprint/access of the '94 Star article on hardtop restoration. Mine is ready and this article would be quite helpful, I am sure, thanks

If anyone has this article I could use it also. I plan to get through the winter and restore it during the better weather early next year!

I had that problem with the foam falling down, every bump I hit I got showered. My temporary solution was to remove the hard top but prop it up with the help of a few boxes in its correct orientation. I then put some saftery glasses and as dust mask on and banged on it from beneath until the stuff stopped faling. Then I hoovered it and remounted it !

Now I stay clean !!

Regards,
Ben in Ireland.
'64 230SL 4sp.
'03 CLK Kompressor