Soft top mechanism emergency problem

[dcseidman]

Yesterday I removed the hardtop from my 1969 280SL for the 37th springtime unveiling.  [It was a bit easier when she was new – I was only 31 then vs 68 now!]

As I was checking out the soft top mechanism (for some occult rattles) the rear section slipped into the storage well (below the tonneau hinge arms) and the rest of the soft top was stuck, unable to go down more than @ a 12 inch clearance from the windshield header – top extended, it will clear more @ the header,if you fold the top back @ the first joint, but the rest of the  top mechanism seems stuck against some sort of ratchet-type stop.  Pulling on the release handle does NOT release this stop (or whatever it is).  After some struggle, I removed the four nuts securing the housing for the rear center top holding hook, thinking that with this housing removed, the rear part of the soft top would clear and I’d be OK. Wrong!  The rear top bow (the lower rear edge) is still stuck in the boot.

 So, [1] has anybody had a similar experience AND solved it in such a way that I might try their method? [2] How do you release the stop/ratchet that is holding the top from descending down into the boot? [3] If not a job for the relatively limited-skilled owner/tinkerer, to whom (generically) do you recommend I turn (e.g., top installer, M-B dealer, high-grade M-B shade tree mechanic)?

 Spring has finally come to Northern Illinois, the hardtop is hanging from the hoist in the garage, and I’m stuck with a lovely but unusable roadster with a soft top half up, half down.

Many thanks for your help with this.  





David
1969 280SL 4-spd

[isofast]

I am in Northern Illinois maybe I could help I also have had same problem.
I am in Lake Bluff
Ernie

[isofast]

Mine also 4spd auto


1969 280 4spd Papyrus White

[nick350]

this happened to me just the other day. It does seem impossible to remedy but it isn't. I just kept going through the motions of putting the lid back on the windshield then opening it up again with my right hand under the stuck bow, just holding it, rocking back and forward and easing it up  from the compartment floor. Finally, after about six go'es managed to put it in the compartment as normal.

Now, I know that this doesnt explain the mechanics of how to unstick your top but it does tell you that this is easily cured and not as terminal as it might seem right now. No damage was done and now Im not scared if it happens again.

Nick350
r107 SL red
w113 SL white