SL/R129: R129 Top Leaks
#1
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1991 Mercedes Benz 300 SL
R129 Top Leaks
Hello,
About 3 years ago I replaced the top on my '91 300 SL. Everything seemed fine until I was travelling last fall during hurricane Hugo. I stayed in a motel one night during the storm and discovered when I went out to the car the next morning that there was a leak over the driver's seat where the top meats the windshield frame and the seat was soaked. I took the car to my mechanic and he made some adjustments but there still seems to be a leak in the same spot. When I replaced the original top I bought a top that had not been used much from a wrecked R129, and everything seemed good until last fall. The original top was in bad shape but never leaked. Does anyone have any suggestions as to how to remedy this problem? the seals and rubber all seem to be in pretty good shape.
I would appreciate any help on this issue.
Thank you,
Phil
About 3 years ago I replaced the top on my '91 300 SL. Everything seemed fine until I was travelling last fall during hurricane Hugo. I stayed in a motel one night during the storm and discovered when I went out to the car the next morning that there was a leak over the driver's seat where the top meats the windshield frame and the seat was soaked. I took the car to my mechanic and he made some adjustments but there still seems to be a leak in the same spot. When I replaced the original top I bought a top that had not been used much from a wrecked R129, and everything seemed good until last fall. The original top was in bad shape but never leaked. Does anyone have any suggestions as to how to remedy this problem? the seals and rubber all seem to be in pretty good shape.
I would appreciate any help on this issue.
Thank you,
Phil
#2
It may just be my somewhat cynical view and past history with convertibles but I have always found convertibles to leak to *some* degree. It varies with the installation of the top and some cars are much better at it than others but I, personally, would not expect a dry interior in a convertible where a tropical storm is involved.
You can try new(er) seals on the top but otherwise it tends to come down to how well the installation was done in the first place. Just my two cents...
You can try new(er) seals on the top but otherwise it tends to come down to how well the installation was done in the first place. Just my two cents...
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From: Eastern Kansas
94 SL 600, 98 993, 89 XJS Conv., 85 Daimlier Princess 16 Hybrid Lincoln 16 Chevy crewcab
While Benz makes a great vehicle, I have never had a leak-less top on any removable system. ( soft, hard and retracts ) Minor air leaks, car wash high pressure water leaks. I have not been in extreme rain but would expect nothing less. Good to read your personal health was not the conclusion to your travel.
My car list of leaks covers 50+ years of benz, bentley, Jaguar, chevy, AC Bristol,
My solution is Depends! mop up and discard
My car list of leaks covers 50+ years of benz, bentley, Jaguar, chevy, AC Bristol,
My solution is Depends! mop up and discard