SL/R129: Soft top
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 53
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From: Renton, WA
1992 500SL (wife); 1996 Dodge Viper RT/10
Agge,
Probably not. We looked at a 500SL that had a hole in a plastic window, and the dealer checked into it and found that it had to be taken off to repair it, and wanted to add the cost to the price of the car - we said no way, and did not buy that car. Looking at the plastic windows, they are double, machine stitched, and I would say not possible on the car.
Later,
Don ruckmn@comcast.net
Probably not. We looked at a 500SL that had a hole in a plastic window, and the dealer checked into it and found that it had to be taken off to repair it, and wanted to add the cost to the price of the car - we said no way, and did not buy that car. Looking at the plastic windows, they are double, machine stitched, and I would say not possible on the car.
Later,
Don ruckmn@comcast.net
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Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 2,447
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From: UK
SL55 AMG
Can be done by an auto trim shop. The back section of the soft top comes off without disturbing the frame. The three windows can be replaced, cost me about $450 in 2002 and the replacements have been fine. This is far less than the cost of a new soft top. Fitting it is the stuff of nightmares.
I think taking the rear section off is reasonably easy to do yourself, so it's the sort of thing you could do and send it away (to Trimmania in Reading, UK if you cannot find someone to do in lovely Sweden) while your hard top is on for the winter.
blueSL key tip: Don't raise or lower the soft top when it's cold. The plastic becomes brittle at temperatures below 5 Celcius (40 F) and is likely to crack.
I think taking the rear section off is reasonably easy to do yourself, so it's the sort of thing you could do and send it away (to Trimmania in Reading, UK if you cannot find someone to do in lovely Sweden) while your hard top is on for the winter.
blueSL key tip: Don't raise or lower the soft top when it's cold. The plastic becomes brittle at temperatures below 5 Celcius (40 F) and is likely to crack.
Last edited by blueSL; Oct 28, 2004 at 02:07 PM.
Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 88
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From: Washington State
2001 SL 500
Originally Posted by blueSL
while your hard top is on for the winter.
blueSL key tip: Don't raise or lower the soft top when it's cold. The plastic becomes brittle at temperatures below 5 Celcius (40 F) and is likely to crack.
blueSL key tip: Don't raise or lower the soft top when it's cold. The plastic becomes brittle at temperatures below 5 Celcius (40 F) and is likely to crack.
Also, does the soft top window section go on and off easily enough to take it off before putting the hardtop on? Just a thought to save the window some grief.
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Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 2,447
Likes: 14
From: UK
SL55 AMG
No special prep, although some glycerine or rubber lubricant, sparingly applied, keeps the rubber seals in good shape.
As for removing the rear soft top section, I wouldn't recommend doing so as normal. When storing the soft top for the winter, do it in the warmth of a garage and use old towels in the folds of the soft top to minimise creasing of the plastic windows. A hair dryer can be useful in warming the windows before their 4 month (in the Uk anyway) time folded away.
As for removing the rear soft top section, I wouldn't recommend doing so as normal. When storing the soft top for the winter, do it in the warmth of a garage and use old towels in the folds of the soft top to minimise creasing of the plastic windows. A hair dryer can be useful in warming the windows before their 4 month (in the Uk anyway) time folded away.
Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 88
Likes: 0
From: Washington State
2001 SL 500
Originally Posted by blueSL
No special prep, although some glycerine or rubber lubricant, sparingly applied, keeps the rubber seals in good shape.
As for removing the rear soft top section, I wouldn't recommend doing so as normal. When storing the soft top for the winter, do it in the warmth of a garage and use old towels in the folds of the soft top to minimise creasing of the plastic windows. A hair dryer can be useful in warming the windows before their 4 month (in the Uk anyway) time folded away.
As for removing the rear soft top section, I wouldn't recommend doing so as normal. When storing the soft top for the winter, do it in the warmth of a garage and use old towels in the folds of the soft top to minimise creasing of the plastic windows. A hair dryer can be useful in warming the windows before their 4 month (in the Uk anyway) time folded away.
