SL/R129: Changing the whole top
02-15-2017, 06:29 PM
#1
Changing the whole top
Hi, may be a stupid question but has anyone ever changed the complete top on a R129? Say if you had a donor car with a perfect top, take it off and put on another.
02-15-2017, 06:39 PM
#2
MBWorld Fanatic!
Just the top panels? Or all the hydraulics?
There isn't like, say 8 major bolts that hold the whole unit to the car, so you just remove those and lift the 400lb top module out and carry it to the other car.
If the other car is similar age, the hydraulics on it are probably also questionable.
What is the issue you are looking to solve?
There isn't like, say 8 major bolts that hold the whole unit to the car, so you just remove those and lift the 400lb top module out and carry it to the other car.
If the other car is similar age, the hydraulics on it are probably also questionable.
What is the issue you are looking to solve?
02-15-2017, 06:56 PM
#3
well I have a donor as mentioned and it has a perfect top and I didn't know if it may be easier to take off the complete top rather than remove canvass only. I would want hydraulics to stay in place. so remove mechanism only.
02-15-2017, 07:18 PM
#4
MBWorld Fanatic!
Then you should be able to remove the frame assembly, yes. It's not super simple but it would be no different than replacing one top, except you are doing it 1.5 times.
02-15-2017, 11:02 PM
#6
MBWorld Fanatic!
I haven't looked up the WIS procedure for that specific car, so i'm not sure if you have to take the canvas off first to remove the frame. Often times you do. If you just need the fabric, then that's probably all you will want to take off. I'll look it up tomorrow since now i'm curious.
02-16-2017, 12:23 AM
#7
Banned
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02-16-2017, 09:26 AM
#8
The donor is a 96 and the recipient is a 99 MY. I know there were changes at some point to the top hydraulics but not sure at what point and if it would affect my inquiry
02-16-2017, 03:49 PM
#9
Banned
Without checking documentation I can say that these two tops are interchangeable.
To remove the top disconnect the rods of the fabric bow and main drive cylinders from their attachment points on the top frame. You can plainly see these in the are of the "B" pillar. Next, simply remove 3 or 4 bolts on each side that attach the frame to the "B" pillar and lift the top off.
To remove the top disconnect the rods of the fabric bow and main drive cylinders from their attachment points on the top frame. You can plainly see these in the are of the "B" pillar. Next, simply remove 3 or 4 bolts on each side that attach the frame to the "B" pillar and lift the top off.
