Soft Top Replacement

[crossword]

I live in the Marietta, Georgia, area (northwest of Atlanta). I need a new soft top for my 1970 280SL. I know the framework for the top is complicated and fragile (pot metal), so I obviously want the work done by someone with experience. My longtime mechanic (at Autobenz) is struggling to find someone he trusts to do the work. Does anyone have any suggestions as to where I can get this done?

[114015]

Hey Cross,

Welcome.
Well...,
1^st, the softtop frame is not pot metal but made of welded steel profiles, then chromed.
It's not as sensitive as you mentioned but can be bent and also wear in the joints heavily over the years (decades), some bolt holes more than others....

2^nd: Bud's Benz in Douglasville, GA is known to be a good address; they are 40 kms (25 mls) away from you ...
Com'on, you could at least provide them a visit.

The most renown and honored soft top expert known here on the forum is surely Gernold Nisius in Aurundel, ME.
He can fix bent or broken softtop frames best.

Not associated with both of them. Just share (common) knowledge.

Achim
(lives too far away from both ...)


 

[Delvis]

agreed,  Gernold Nisius at SL-TECH is top self. I was in need of some typical soft top frame repair and a new canvas. Gernold repaired the frame and replaced the canvas during his annual winter repair.

I would rate the returned Product 12 out of 10! I shipped the tired looking soft top assembly in a Bicycle box to SL-TECH and a couple weeks later received and better than new soft top assembly and canvas. highly recommend this option.

cheers.

Dev

[specracer]

Agreed on SL Tech, he has a 280 shell in his shop specifically to be able to set up the frame to install the fabric. Ship it to him.

[zagnor]

Hello,
New 68 280SL owner. Need new soft top, ballpark price from SL Tech?
Thanks

[114015]

Zagnor,

Just contact him. Then you'll know.

[Shvegel]

With Gernold you are not merely getting a top replacement but rather a full rebuild of the top assembly.  I remember his price being in the double ouch realm but if you want the best there is he is the one. Working in the highest level of yachting I often work with people who are the best at what they do.  You are not just paying them to do the work nut you are paying them to stop and walk away when things are not going well. That is the only way the best work happens.

[boterinse9]

Ive seen a lot of good work coming from Buds. Check them out...