Pagoda SL Group

W113 Pagoda SL Group => Body, interior, paint, chrome, and cosmetic items => Topic started by: rbouch8828 on February 05, 2020, 16:06:03

Title: Vinyl Strips to Ease Soft Top Raising and Lowering
Post by: rbouch8828 on February 05, 2020, 16:06:03

I once ran across someone showing the use of vinyl strips to ease the raising and lowering to the soft top and to also save on the wear and tear of the soft top cover. I tried to do a search for it, but didn't find anything here. It might have been somewhere else.

Does anyone recall seeing that and if so, do you know where I might look to get that info?

Best,

Roland

Title: Re: Vinyl Strips to Ease Soft Top Raising and Lowering
Post by: mrfatboy on February 05, 2020, 16:24:40

I just used plastic folders from office depot. $1. Cut to size. 

People have also used empty plastic containers, etc that have been cut to size.

Just use something thin, smooth,  flexible, and durable.

Title: Re: Vinyl Strips to Ease Soft Top Raising and Lowering
Post by: Mike Hughes on February 06, 2020, 01:04:23

 A couple of Hefty 1-gallon zip-lock freezer bags work a treat!  Freezer bags are much thicker material than sandwich bags.

Title: Re: Vinyl Strips to Ease Soft Top Raising and Lowering
Post by: 450sl on February 06, 2020, 09:13:31

When you buy a softtop from  Khm you get 3 pcs of leftover rearwindow material extra.   (Soft-Pvc ).

Title: Re: Vinyl Strips to Ease Soft Top Raising and Lowering
Post by: kampala on February 06, 2020, 13:15:43

from tech manual - look at section that says "protecting soft top"

photos are a bit difficult to see but read the notes as they are pretty clear.

https://www.sl113.org/wiki/Tops/SoftTop

Title: Re: Vinyl Strips to Ease Soft Top Raising and Lowering
Post by: rbouch8828 on February 08, 2020, 17:39:46

Quote from: kampala on February 06, 2020, 13:15:43

from tech manual - look at section that says "protecting soft top"

photos are a bit difficult to see but read the notes as they are pretty clear.

https://www.sl113.org/wiki/Tops/SoftTop

That is the description of what it is I am looking for. Someone once posted either pictures or video of the process. That was what I was trying to find.
Thanks very much,
Roland

Title: Re: Vinyl Strips to Ease Soft Top Raising and Lowering
Post by: Mike H on February 09, 2020, 05:29:00

Check this clip. It covers both tops.

brabus280sl hardtop installation

Mike.

Title: Re: Vinyl Strips to Ease Soft Top Raising and Lowering
Post by: mbzse on February 09, 2020, 12:07:30

I was surprised, this video that Mike mentions is somewhat useful. Shows use of "shoehorn" pieces to save rubber seals when lowering soft top.
A note: It is a good thing to put a towel or roll inside the rear vinyl soft top window when folding, to avoid sharp crease
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dcvG2HfMat4&t=99s (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dcvG2HfMat4&t=99s)

Title: Re: Vinyl Strips to Ease Soft Top Raising and Lowering
Post by: rbouch8828 on February 09, 2020, 14:44:30

Perfect! That is the video I have been looking for. They put the 2 vinyl pieces on either side before folding down the soft top.

Thank you to all,
Best,
Roland

Title: Re: Vinyl Strips to Ease Soft Top Raising and Lowering
Post by: Pawel66 on February 09, 2020, 17:11:27

Quote from: mbzse on February 09, 2020, 12:07:30

A note: It is a good thing to put a towel or roll inside the rear vinyl soft top window when folding, to avoid sharp crease

I think this is important. We have lots of ideas on this in posts on the forum, e.g. pool noodles. I took the pipe foam insulation, about 10cm in diameter and covered it with felt.

Title: Re: Vinyl Strips to Ease Soft Top Raising and Lowering
Post by: rbouch8828 on February 09, 2020, 17:19:51

Quote from: Pawel66 on February 09, 2020, 17:11:27

I think this is important. We have lots of ideas on this in posts on the forum, e.g. pool noodles. I took the pipe foam insulation, about 10cm in diameter and covered it with felt.

Sounds like another good addition to the storage process.