California conversion to Soft Top

[Irish280SL]

Hello,

Has anybody had any experience converting a california model (no soft top has
a back seat) to a soft top model ? Perhaps I am wrong but I presume the body is
the same and the soft top compartment is an add on that can be retro fitted ?

I see they are selling the parts for the conversion here but it looks like the body is
actually different?
 
http://www.sltechw113.com/parts/parts_index.htm
     

[Shvegel]

It is a different body. To do a complete conversion requires the entire top compartment to be welded into the car.  The compartment is what Gernold is selling.
I have seen where someone has added just the top without the compartment which means the top is exposed behind the seats when down but at least you can go fro a drive and not get caught in the rain.

[Irish280SL]

Thanks for the reply. I am currently getting the car restored so it may be a good time to do this especially since it
tends to rain a lot in Ireland !
So am I right in thinking that this compartment just has to be welded into the car ? The body of the two cars are
essentially the same ?
 

[Shvegel]

Yes they are essentially the same.  Besides the compartment you will need the top of course and the carpeted plywood bits for behind the seats as well as the top compartment cover etc. Gernold(W113SLtech) will know what you need.

[Benz Dr.]

You need:
soft top frame
soft top compartment
hatch cover
release cables and latches
chrome caps LT anmd RT ( NLA )
hatch cover seal
new soft top ( if needed )
deck lid and hatch cover springs and arms
box section to mount wooden panels
wood panels

It takes a full afternoon or more to cut the compartment out of a parts car. The whole assembly weights about 130 pounds as far as shipping goes.

[Irish280SL]

Thanks for all the help. I am going to get prices for the parts and see what it would work out at, I think it could be worth doing while the car is being restored.