Sewn in rib on soft top rear

[mbzse]

I invite comments to this item.
On my old soft top, which I believe to be original from factory [colour 708, Hellgrau (light grey)] I noted this strengthening metal bar, sewn in beneath the rear window.
I cut the fabric open, See pictures attached. Measurements for this bar (rib) thickness 1,5mm, width 10mm, length 800mm.
/Hans in Sweden
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[hkollan]

Hi,

All original 280 SL softtops that I have seen, had this metal bar inserted.
On the last softtop I replaced I reused the metal bar.
Since I already had a ready made softtop to use, i got the bar inserted by making a small cut (on the inside)
 on the side under the window Just enough to be able to squeeze the bar into place. 
Sealed the cut with a little contact glue, hardly visible unless you know exactly where to look.
Even better would be to have it sewn into place when having the Softtop custom made.
Will be doing that when I get to the softtop on my current project.
The bar is steel and a magnet will stick if the bar is present, good way to check for originality.

Hans

[rwmastel]

All original 280 SL softtops that I have seen, had this metal bar inserted.

Hans,
Just to be clear, only 280SL soft top?  Not earlier tops?

[tel76]

If anyone has one of these missing I have one that is surplus to requirements.

[hkollan]

Hans,
Just to be clear, only 280SL soft top?  Not earlier tops?

Hi,

I can only speak with certainty regarding 280s, but from other comments I've read  it seems that they where present on all pagodas.
And to be specific there where two metalbars found on an original factory installed softtop.
One just below the rear plastic window and a slightly shorter bar just above the window.

Hans

[mbzse]

../... only 280SL soft top?  Not earlier tops?

My top (in the pictures) was mounted from factory on a 250 SL
/Hans in Sweden