California Coupe Tonneau Cover

[steve_barrett1958@att.net]

I have recently acquired a 1969 280SL California coupe.  Tonneau cover was not ordered as an option and I did not receive one with the purchase.  Does anyone have experience with these?  How they attached?  Are they available to be purchased?  Any help appreciated.  Steve

[zoegrlh]

If I remember they were not an option from MB.  These were after market products, and I seen to think they were attached with buttons to pins that were screwed into body and dashboard. Much like the tonneau covers for MGs, Healys, Jags of that period.

[dpreston Virginia]

Buds Benz has a kit to instal a convertible top in a California coupe. I know it's pricey but you would have the convertible top option which would add so much value to your car.

[zak]

Interesting point. Would installing a frame and soft top " add so much value to the car"  ?
I am not convinced. There were so few California Coupes made so somewhat rare.
In a judged show would point be taken off because of a non factory original soft top was installed ?

I would be interested in hearing what the valuation experts say.
Respectfully,

jz
 

[zoegrlh]

These photos might help you. My friend made his own.

[Pawel66]

I have this one: https://www.classicadditions.com/en-GB/mercedes-benz-230-250-280sl-pagoda-waterproof-outdoor-half-car-cover/vmd_10074-168053

[MP]

I have a right drive one that came with the car , I don't use it if anyone is interested.

[Raymond]

Cutting and welding on the body to install a tub and top are not likely to improve the value of the car as much as the cost of the conversion and re-painting.  It will never be "original" to the purists.  Pawel's car cover solution looks like an easy solution if you just must remove the top and leave the car open somewhere.  I choose to embrace the shape of the Pagoda roof and enjoy having a coupe.  For long trips, I like having the extra storage space with the rear seat folded down.  Not to mention the significantly lower road and wind noise and better A/C effectiveness.

[zoegrlh]

You can also order the cabin cover from MB. This cover is for the W107s but fits nicely on the pagoda.

[Pawel66]

Do you know the part number for the cover from MB?

[zak]

I like the covers in the photos that run at the belt line but I cringe at the thought of drilling attachments into that beautiful body.

jz

[steve_barrett1958@att.net]

Thanks.  In data card information on optins thought a saw a designation for a factory tonneau.  But really not interest in snaps, etc.  Likely will keep and enjoy as original and use good weather planning when wanting to go top off.

[steve_barrett1958@att.net]

Thanks.  May consider conversion but likely just keep original.  Things to like about the California coupe.

[steve_barrett1958@att.net]

Tend to agree.  I like the history of and originality and relative rarity of the car.  Find it interesting the California coupe option actually added price to original car. 

[steve_barrett1958@att.net]

Wow.  Thanks.  Very helpful and interesting.  Will look in datail.

[zoegrlh]

Covercraft makes a cockpit cover, and I believe they made them for MBNA, for the W107s. Look up Covercraft covers.