Pagoda SL Group

W113 Pagoda SL Group => Body, interior, paint, chrome, and cosmetic items => Topic started by: markbhai on May 28, 2009, 16:03:35

Title: Converting a 2+2 to soft-top
Post by: markbhai on May 28, 2009, 16:03:35

I am considering buying a 250SL 2+2 but I would ideally like a SL with a soft top (UK weather does not offer optimism!).

Are there kits available or is searching breakers the only option?

Any recommendations would be apopreciated.

Mark

Title: Re: Converting a 2+2 to soft-top
Post by: Cees Klumper on May 28, 2009, 21:21:14

Hello Mark - this has been covered (pun intended) here before, and my best exec summary is that it can be done, but at relatively high expense, particularly if you would want to do the job properly (that is, also install the metal soft top well). The soft top frames in decent shape are multiple thousands to start with. Maybe try a search of the older posts to get more detailed information.

Title: Re: Converting a 2+2 to soft-top
Post by: Benz Dr. on May 28, 2009, 23:40:00

You need a doner car, soft top frame, hatch covrer, chrome end caps and release cable with handles. Aside from cutting out the top frame from a doner car the rest is pretty much bolt in.
I think I have everything here. Some new parts would be needed such as seals and a new top for the frame.

Title: Re: Converting a 2+2 to soft-top
Post by: Richard Madison on May 29, 2009, 09:42:41

Unless the specific car is special in someway or you want to take on the challenge of conversion, it may be best to avoid the cost and possibility of a misfit top and pass on this car and look at cars that already have a soft top.

Richard M, NYC

Title: Re: Converting a 2+2 to soft-top
Post by: markbhai on May 29, 2009, 09:59:58

Thanks to everyone.

I am in love (some wold say irrationally) with the Pagoda, but I only have £15,000 to spend and it has to have a soft top, my budget (for the car) will either buy be a rotten shell soft top pagoda or a half decent 2 + 2.  An additional budget would be limited to around £1500 - £2000 to add a top to a 2+2 but it sounds like that is not achievable?

I think I need to keep on looking and hoping.

Cheers Guys

Mark.

Title: Re: Converting a 2+2 to soft-top
Post by: Naj ✝︎ on May 29, 2009, 10:23:55

Hello, Mark,

If you do a search on 'California Coupe', you will find that some people to just bolt on the soft top frame onto the 2+2 and have a usable convertible

naj