Pagoda SL Group

W113 Pagoda SL Group => Body, interior, paint, chrome, and cosmetic items => Topic started by: Jim Donati on January 09, 2011, 01:26:10

Title: Proper gap between hard top and body?
Post by: Jim Donati on January 09, 2011, 01:26:10

Can anyone tell me how much space should be between the rear lip of the hard top and the body of the vehicle?

 I have just set my newly repainted and restored hard top on my 1970 280SL and it just looks like it is sitting higher than I remember before. 

I had all the rubbers and seals replaced with all MB OEM parts from the Classic Center.  The fit seems nice and I was able to lock it down front and rear with minimal force.  But there is at least .25 inch (6.5mm) space between the rear most chrome lip and the body of the car.  This gap is even wider at the two rear corners as you can see by the picture I have attached.

Is this OK, will the rubber seals settle down and allow the gap to lessen, or is my memory of the pre-restoration gap wrong?

Thanks for any input anyone can share.

Jim

Title: Re: Proper gap between hard top and body?
Post by: DaveB on January 09, 2011, 02:18:19

Looks normal to me. Same as mine anyway.

Title: Re: Proper gap between hard top and body?
Post by: thelews on January 09, 2011, 15:24:43

I think your key is holding it up.

If it's sealed and you have no trouble latching the corners, I'd not worry.

Title: Re: Proper gap between hard top and body?
Post by: mbz.280sl on January 09, 2011, 15:43:02

I was wondering the same myself.
I had my hardtop redone with all new weatherstripping and it sits high just like yours.
Before the new seals it definitely sat lower.
I don't have the hardtop on so I'm not concerned about it.

Title: Re: Proper gap between hard top and body?
Post by: Jim Donati on January 09, 2011, 16:58:01

DaveB, John and Otto:
Thanks guys for your thoughts, I feel more comfortable now knowing that others are the same as mine.  I will leave the hard top on for the next 3 or 4 months over the winter and then I will remove it for another year. 

Jim

Title: Re: Proper gap between hard top and body?
Post by: Iconic on January 09, 2011, 22:35:55

Jim,
FYI: Mine sits up as much or more than that and my seals are NOT new. So, you might not get much settling.
Anybody else have old seals (at least I believe mine to be old) and still have the large gap?

Title: Re: Proper gap between hard top and body?
Post by: dtuttle123 on January 09, 2011, 23:50:13

Yes, I too have old seals and a large gap!  I was just thinking about getting new seals!

Title: Re: Proper gap between hard top and body?
Post by: J. Huber on January 10, 2011, 00:04:29

One of the nice things about the gap is that, if you have a hoist, the padded "clasps" can be placed easily as you prepare for lift off.  If I remember correctly mine has a decent gap as well (older seals). This winter I am enjoying the look of my soft-top. May or may not sport the hardtop before spring...

PS that key shot makes me nervous!

Title: Re: Proper gap between hard top and body?
Post by: Jim Donati on January 10, 2011, 01:12:29

James:
I carefully placed the key in the gap for reference.  There is absolutely no weight or pressure on the key.  but I reached for something in my immediate possession and found my key, I assumed everyone could relate to it's relative size.
Thanks for being concerned.  8)
Jim