SL/R129: Has Anyone Attempted Replacing the Soft Top Themselves at Home?
05-02-2018, 08:34 PM
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SL500
Has Anyone Attempted Replacing the Soft Top Themselves at Home?
Hello,
I have a 1995 SL500. It still has the original top. Both of the small side windows are cracked and the rear window is so opaque and cloudy that I can't even see out of it. A convertible top repair shop said if he tried to replace just the rear section of the roof with the windows, it would be a waste of time and the front section would likely fall apart in the process. He wants $2200 to replace both sections of the roof. He showed me his book which lists the top at just under $1000 and calls for 12 hours of labor (at $100 per hour) to swap out the tops. I saw a top on Amazon for $350 and I'm tempted to at least try replacing the top myself. Would I be an idiot to even attempt this myself? Thanks for your advice!
Hank Koster
I have a 1995 SL500. It still has the original top. Both of the small side windows are cracked and the rear window is so opaque and cloudy that I can't even see out of it. A convertible top repair shop said if he tried to replace just the rear section of the roof with the windows, it would be a waste of time and the front section would likely fall apart in the process. He wants $2200 to replace both sections of the roof. He showed me his book which lists the top at just under $1000 and calls for 12 hours of labor (at $100 per hour) to swap out the tops. I saw a top on Amazon for $350 and I'm tempted to at least try replacing the top myself. Would I be an idiot to even attempt this myself? Thanks for your advice!
Hank Koster
05-03-2018, 09:21 AM
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05-03-2018, 05:59 PM
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94 SL 600, 98 993, 89 XJS Conv., 85 Daimlier Princess 16 Hybrid Lincoln 16 Chevy crewcab
No to the negative labels! Yes you might have a top that won't last like an all new complete replacement. In the past my profession required continuing education and I would spend big bucks for the best weather to experience that expenditure! If that wouldn't apply in your situation then hire it out!
I have had a shop replace two back windows for $4-600 each time, well worth the time!
In other MB models (107, and 100 )and several Jag's, Super 90, TR7 I have replaced the top myself. I even thought a few turned out tight and square, but then there were the others!!!
Have fun the worst outcome you will hire it out!
I have had a shop replace two back windows for $4-600 each time, well worth the time!
In other MB models (107, and 100 )and several Jag's, Super 90, TR7 I have replaced the top myself. I even thought a few turned out tight and square, but then there were the others!!!
Have fun the worst outcome you will hire it out!
05-06-2018, 09:59 AM
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1998 SL600, 2017 GLC300
I did mine when I had my 92 500sl. Watch the videos posted here they are very good. There are small cables in the material quite often those have to be replaced. Also by the main rear window, there is a plastic part that hold the cables in place there, they tend to break. Take your time be patient, and it will come out fine, mine did
