SL/R107: Help! Hardtop removal
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 6
Likes: 1
From: DFW, N Texas
1978 450SL
Help! Hardtop removal
I originally posted this in the wrong place, oops!
I bought my first Benz ~1978 450SL~ and I have no idea how to remove the top. I see the tool, I see where the locking mechanisms are, and I can give each lock 1/2 turn. I see the tension release and the top rise slightly, then ?????
I bought my first Benz ~1978 450SL~ and I have no idea how to remove the top. I see the tool, I see where the locking mechanisms are, and I can give each lock 1/2 turn. I see the tension release and the top rise slightly, then ?????
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 270
Likes: 3
From: Overland Park, Kansas
SOLD both: 1987 560SL 2003 ML320
you have to release the rear of the top with the lever on the side behind the driver's seat. Push it towards the rear of the car and this should release the pinion on the hard top that inserts into the body. The levers are used for the two side latches and the two on the windshield latches. That top weighs about 90 lbs, so removal is NOT a one person job...unless you have one of those special hardtop winches installed in your garage. There was a separate hardtop manual that came with the car, if you're lucky enough to have had the original owner keep everything. It might be something to order from MB.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 6
Likes: 1
From: DFW, N Texas
1978 450SL
It's the turn-handle part that I was missing. Skies are blue this morning after a spring thunderstorm late yesterday afternoon, so NOW I can take her out topless. Thanks so much!
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 270
Likes: 3
From: Overland Park, Kansas
SOLD both: 1987 560SL 2003 ML320
You're welcome. Once I got my hartop off, it's been sitting on a wheeled carrier in the garage with a cover on it. I may never have it on again unless I'm forced to drive the car during the winter months.
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles, California
S550, 450SL
450SL hard top garage winch
Where can I purchase a garage winch to remove and install my hard top? Is there a specific product sold, or are there other, better winches that work well.
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Super Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 669
Likes: 1
From: North Bay Area, California
2001 E320
Here's a post with instructions for removing and installing both the hardtop and soft top from another forum.
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/r-c1...-soft-top.html
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/r-c1...-soft-top.html
