As I posted in another thread I've been helping a friend put a 280SL back together. A new top was just put on and a couple of issues have popped up. One is that I think there is too much material at the base of the rear window. I'm referring to the material between the bottom frame and the beaded edge that lays flat around the trunk area. It's almost impossible to get it past the latching mechanism when you try to put the top down. So how much distance is "normal" past the body gasket for the top cover? On my 450SL it's about 1/2", on the 280SL it's about 1.5". The next question is the springs. They aren't there and there doesn't seem to be a place on the top frame to attach them. Can someone post a detail shot of the springs for me? From what I can see they aren't necessary for properly sealing the top when it's up, but make life easier when you are raising and lowering the top.
Thanks for helping out a noob on the W113. If I could only find someone to trade the 450SL for a 280SL 5 speed.