Author Topic: Strange softtop  (Read 3829 times)

mulrik

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Strange softtop
« on: December 14, 2005, 12:36:02 »

Everywhere I go people (with knowledge about our cars) ask me if my softtop is original and why looks the way it does. I have no clue, but maybe you can help me. Have you seen this type of softtop before?
Merry christmas!
Ulrik

Download Attachment: Softtop.jpg
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'67 250 SL Papyrus White 113043-10-000023

jeffc280sl

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Re: Strange softtop
« Reply #1 on: December 14, 2005, 13:00:14 »
Merry Christmas to you!

The soft top looks like it came from a later 107 model.  As far as I know the W113 models had only one rear window panel.

Jeff C.
1970 280SL 4-speed

ranchomerced

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Re: Strange softtop
« Reply #2 on: December 14, 2005, 13:00:41 »
Yes, its a 107 top. kinda cool idea easier to see out of.

Cees Klumper

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Re: Strange softtop
« Reply #3 on: December 14, 2005, 15:52:01 »
Better looking (through), poorer looks in my humble opinion. Then again, it maybe just takes getting used to.

Cees ("Case") Klumper in Amsterdam
'69 white 280 SL automatic
« Last Edit: December 14, 2005, 15:52:44 by cees klumper »
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

TheEngineer

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  • '69 280SL,Signal Red,
Re: Strange softtop
« Reply #4 on: December 14, 2005, 17:58:51 »
I had a 230SL in the late 1960's. It was original (unmolested) i.e. all the molesting was done by me personally because I never had that car at any "We only work on Mercedes" service places. The soft top had just one window. Yes, storing the soft top puts a crease right down the middle, and storing it properly is somewhat labour intensive. But the 107 top looks just fine: Ignore other peoples comments; they are just jealous.
'69 280SL,Signal Red, 09 cam, License BB-59U
'67 230SL, 113042-10-017463 (sld)
'50 Jaguar Roadster XK120, #670.318 (sld)
tired engineer, West-Seattle,WA

mulrik

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Re: Strange softtop
« Reply #5 on: December 15, 2005, 05:58:18 »
Well thanks guys! I completely agree with Cees in that it looks poorer than the original so no problem Cees. Funny that the "softtop chassis" fits both tops.
Ulrik


'67 250 SL Papyrus White 113043-10-000023

Chad

  • Guest
Re: Strange softtop
« Reply #6 on: December 15, 2005, 06:50:16 »
It is somewhat interesting that the chassis fits both tops.  Would a 107 chassis fit the w113 body and also support a w113 correct softtop?? Just wondering.

AGT

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Re: Strange softtop
« Reply #7 on: December 15, 2005, 10:39:40 »
It would surprise me if the 107 and 113 tops are interchangeable but if they are what a fantastic modification. The 107 roof is so good that it can be put up at a red light without leaving the car (one or more wet small children are useful although not essential for this task).

Ulrik, does your roof mean that you don't need to stand on one foot between the front seats to haul it out the backbox without it unfolding and that you don't need three hands to fold the corners under as you stow it? We need to know.
Andrew

1966 230SL

114015

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Re: Strange softtop
« Reply #8 on: December 16, 2005, 17:17:51 »
Ouch, People,

No !!
The W107 softtop (frame) certainly does not fit on the W113 and vice versa. At least they're definitely different. Just look at the different sizes and shapes of the door windows! Maybe the one or other part and most likely the screws are interchangable but everything else is not.

It is most likely that one of the preowners retrofitted an aftermarket softtop canvas custom-made with three instead of one rear windows.
E.g. Bernd Meyer-Brockel of the German SL-Club Pagode has such a softtop canvas. But (very few) others have too.

Best,


Achim
(Magdeburg, Germany)
Achim
(Germany)

mulrik

  • Guest
Re: Strange softtop
« Reply #9 on: December 18, 2005, 11:05:26 »
Well I can assure you that I have exactly the same trouble unfolding and folding my softtop as the rest of you. It is possible that my softtop is nade with a 107look without being a 107'er. Anyway it is not original or some strange option, which is what I needed to know.
Ulrik


'67 250 SL Papyrus White 113043-10-000023