Author Topic: Hard Top Seals Fitting  (Read 1871 times)

Pawel66

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Hard Top Seals Fitting
« on: September 27, 2020, 12:16:42 »
I have a kind request to confirm:

1. The front seal (between hard top front and windshield frame) goes in into its slot in the chrome rail. No glue needed. Correct?
2. The rear bottom seal that goes around the bottom of the hard top - has two tabs to hold it on the ends and is glued around the hard top bottom. Correct? Or there is a slot that it goes in?

I saw many posts on hard top restoration, but have not found this particular info about the rear seal. There was only a picture of how the end tabs hold it.
Pawel

280SL 1970 automatic 180G Silver
W128 220SE
W121 190SL
G-class

mrfatboy

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Re: Hard Top Seals Fitting
« Reply #1 on: September 27, 2020, 16:44:19 »
I used a URO seals for the front and back. The front seal fit in the chrome channel “ok” but slightly loose and sometimes would pop out. I think I ended up putting a couple of “dabs” of glue just to tack it down securely.

I also used URO seal for the rear. I used 3M black weatherstrip adhesive 80019 (EDPM) to glue down entire seal.

Unfortunately I didn’t take any pictures.
1969 280sl (Aug 1968 build)
Signal Red
4 Speed

mrfatboy

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Re: Hard Top Seals Fitting
« Reply #2 on: September 27, 2020, 16:55:43 »
Found a picture. Is this what you wanted?
1969 280sl (Aug 1968 build)
Signal Red
4 Speed

Pawel66

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Re: Hard Top Seals Fitting
« Reply #3 on: September 27, 2020, 17:11:49 »
Thank you! Clear now!

I found this kind of pictures, so with yours I have what I need.

What I was after mainly was gluing of the rear seal - so glue it is. Thanks, I thought I might have been missing some rail or tabs or clips.... but it is glued.

The front one I bought from MB - it fits ok, not so easy to tear it away. You just have to manage length as you go - you are stretching it when pushing into the slot, so you need to compress/slide it back otherwise it is too long.

When I tried to order the rear seal from MB, it was EUR 450. I decided to order it. But when it came, it was already almost EUR 1000. I did not take it, I wrote a complaint - on price being different when ordered and when delivered.

I bought one from SLS.
Pawel

280SL 1970 automatic 180G Silver
W128 220SE
W121 190SL
G-class

mrfatboy

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Re: Hard Top Seals Fitting
« Reply #4 on: September 27, 2020, 17:19:21 »
There is a technique for applying the edpm adhesive. You apply glue to both sides of what you are glueing, wait until it sets a bit then affix the pieces.

I started in the middle and worked my way forward about 6 inches at a time. Be sure not to stretch because you want end at the correct position. Take your time.

Google for videos.
1969 280sl (Aug 1968 build)
Signal Red
4 Speed

Pawel66

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Re: Hard Top Seals Fitting
« Reply #5 on: September 27, 2020, 18:06:16 »
Thanks again!
Pawel

280SL 1970 automatic 180G Silver
W128 220SE
W121 190SL
G-class

lowpad

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Re: Hard Top Seals Fitting
« Reply #6 on: October 08, 2020, 01:38:49 »
The rear hardtop seal is fun.  Unfortunately, there isn't a channel or other more accurate guide to locate it.  I did a test fit and then marked the centerline of the seal and the top before I put the glue down and worked from the center out.  Having a friend to hold it up as you progressively lay it down makes it easier.  I used the 3M "Black" adhesive.  What's important is to apply in a thin, consistent, wide layer -- and then have the patience to wait until it's tacky.  Seems to be OK. 
1966 230SL (6/66 build)
French export
4-speed manual
158 Exterior / 040 Hardtop
2001 SLK230
1996 Porsche 993
1991 Acura NSX

Pawel66

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Re: Hard Top Seals Fitting
« Reply #7 on: October 08, 2020, 13:00:07 »
I did mine too. When i get home for the weekend, I will see if it is still there or fell off :).
Pawel

280SL 1970 automatic 180G Silver
W128 220SE
W121 190SL
G-class