Help! Hardtop removal

bettybenz · 05-03-2010, 10:47 AM

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 ?????

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slik560 · 05-04-2010, 08:54 AM

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.

bettybenz · 05-04-2010, 09:28 AM

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!

slik560 · 05-05-2010, 12:00 PM

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.

Breezie · 05-12-2010, 10:46 PM

Hello,
Kudos on getting your top off. I thought I'd post this pdf file for others.
Breezie

Ari Bass · 06-25-2010, 06:24 PM

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.

myway · 06-28-2010, 02:05 PM

I use a Harbor Freight electric hoist and the top straps sold by Performance Products. Less than $150.00 total if you catch the hoist on sale. Top weighs 90 pounds.

Ari Bass · 07-07-2010, 03:14 PM

Thanks. I appreciate the guidance.

Richard / E320 · 06-05-2011, 11:38 AM

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

05-04-2010, 08:54 AM	#2
slik560 Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Overland Park, Kansas Posts: 195 Drives: 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. __________________ Kevin A 1987 560SL 2003 ML320

05-04-2010, 09:28 AM	#3
bettybenz Newbie Garage is empty, add now Join Date: May 2010 Location: DFW, N Texas Posts: 6 Drives: 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! __________________ 1978 450SL ~ mine FFR MKII registered 65 Shelby Cobra ~ his others less interesting... 96 Lexus...01 Ford F150...07 Sentra...08 Yaris, thrown in for good measure to balance our carbon foot print

05-05-2010, 12:00 PM	#4
slik560 Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Overland Park, Kansas Posts: 195 Drives: 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. __________________ Kevin A 1987 560SL 2003 ML320

06-25-2010, 06:24 PM	#6
Ari Bass Newbie Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Los Angeles, California Posts: 4 Drives: E500, 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.

06-05-2011, 11:38 AM	#9
Richard / E320 Super Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: North Bay Area, California Posts: 624 Drives: 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 __________________ Richard / E320 2001 M-B E320 / Glacier White w/ Java Leather / 18" AMG Style III & Bridgestone Potenza's / H&R Springs

06-28-2010, 02:05 PM	#7
myway Junior Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Middle of Nowhere, USA Posts: 30 Drives: 1984 500SL AMG	I use a Harbor Freight electric hoist and the top straps sold by Performance Products. Less than $150.00 total if you catch the hoist on sale. Top weighs 90 pounds.

07-07-2010, 03:14 PM	#8
Ari Bass Newbie Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Los Angeles, California Posts: 4 Drives: E500, 450SL	Thanks. I appreciate the guidance.

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