fitting a repair soft top correctly

[Bob G]

I just got my Soft top for Gernold in Main SL -Tech he put a lot of work into
getting it as cost to perfect aas possible. I had him send the  soft   top
to Bob Onager in San Degio. Is there any ttip I can send Bob to help him
fit the top properly and adjust the windowwnss to the rubber molding
on the hadd top and soft top.
Look forwaard to a reply!
Bob Geco
1968 280SL

[badali]

I had the windows adjusted to the hard top first.  After you get a good fit adjust the soft top to the windows.  This will give you the best fit with either top.

[Jonny B]

I would concur. I had the window mounting rubber inserts replaced and the top of the door frame "fuzzy" rails. I specifically left the hard top in place to ensure the fit there first. If you fit to the soft top first, you run the risk of broken windows when the hard top is put on.

[jameshoward]

The theory here is probably perfect, ie fitting the windows to the hard top first. But just a point for those who don't have a refurbed soft top or whose soft top maybe slightly out of alignment, it probably makes most sense to set be windows to the top you plan to use most rather than stick to a rule that was for cars 50 years younger. I set mine to my hard top, and then nearly broke the windows when the soft top was up. My soft top has not been refurbed, and has the really annoying kink in the two arms that run along the top of the window. So for me, and maybe a few others, it makes more sense to fit the windows to the soft top, I think.

JH

[71Beige280SL]

The other thing you need to worry about is the rubber seals on the soft top and those on the front posts (windshield frame). I made the mistake of not getting the fabric covered OEM seals. The window would bind because the seal wasn't "slippery" enough. I checked the window alignment. Seemed fine. Used a silicone lubricant as a temporary fix that I applied with a rag. I received the fabric covered seals and will put them on in the next week or so.