Top Latch on Hard/Softtop is loose

[vincesy]

Does anyone have problems with the hardtop's top latch coming loose during driving?  I have this problem even with the soft top.  I'm wondering if there's an easy way to fix or adjust this.  Thanks.

[bpossel]

It's possible that the rubber washers that sit around the locking pins need to be replaced.  I replaced mine and it has made the softop and hardtop tighter against the windshield.  Easy to replace!
Bob

bpossel  (Memphis, TN.)
'71 280SL  /  '97 E320

[vincesy]

Bob, thanks for the advice.  Is it something that one can just fish out and replace with new washers?  I don't see washers around the locking pins.  Maybe that's why I have this problem?

[bpossel]

SLS carries these hard rubber washers.  They simply slide over the locking pins (no glue) on both the hard top and soft top.  They are a very tight fit, stretching a bit while sliding over the pin.
Bob

Click on this link and scroll down to the softtop page.  Refer to item #43 (Buffer ring on lock)
http://213.239.220.84/bin/dbframes.phtml?mid=IN02


bpossel  (Memphis, TN.)
'71 280SL  /  '97 E320

[vincesy]

Bob,

Thanks for the advice.  I've ordered the rubber washers and hopefully this cheap and easy solution does it.  I don't even know how long the car has been without these washers.

Vincent