Pagoda SL Group

W113 Pagoda SL Group => Body, interior, paint, chrome, and cosmetic items => Topic started by: Rolland on February 10, 2011, 18:47:58

Title: BlackForest Soft Top
Post by: Rolland on February 10, 2011, 18:47:58

I'm about to send my soft top frame to BlackForest to have gone through and planned to have Michael put on the GAHH top I recently purchased.  After talking to Michael he told me about the top he has available and sent me photos of the "industry standard" and the one he uses.  His is an excellent replacment and has reinforcements to help mitigate or prevent the corner curl problem.  I'm curious of anyone out there has a BlackForest top and how it is holding up.

Thanks in advance!

Rolland

Title: Re: BlackForest Soft Top
Post by: thelews on February 10, 2011, 19:02:53

I've seen two of them installed in his shop (I live in Milw).  You will NOT be disappointed.  Excellent fit, and I'm picky.  I've seen the fit of this new top compared to a GAHH, also in the shop.  The GAHH is nice, but the new one is even better.

I was so impressed, I'm having him redo (he didn't do the first) my 190 SL top.

Title: Re: BlackForest Soft Top
Post by: hauser on February 10, 2011, 20:44:06

What brand/manufacturer does Black Forest use for their tops?

Title: Re: BlackForest Soft Top
Post by: Rolland on February 12, 2011, 01:41:46

Thanks for your comments.  John, I really wish I was like you and as close to Black Forest.  My limited dealings with Michael have been great.  My frame will be sent to him early next week and I'm certain will be having him install one of his tops.

Rolland

Title: Re: BlackForest Soft Top
Post by: thelews on February 12, 2011, 04:47:26

I'll keep an eye on your top for you!

Hauser, I don't really know, I believe it's proprietary.

Title: Re: BlackForest Soft Top
Post by: hauser on February 12, 2011, 05:25:52

From what I've been told a MB top has two strips of metal above and below the vinyl window.  The GAHH top was redesigned after input from Gernold.  Not sure what can be placed between the fabric layers to keep the corners from curling? 

Title: Re: BlackForest Soft Top
Post by: ja17 on February 12, 2011, 14:02:32

Hello,
During installation, the rear flap and beading  have to be pulled down far enough so the top willl tuck down tight against the body of the car.   As this is being done the top is also stretched toward the side windows from the center of the bottom bow, so you don't get those funny  little corner wrinkles near the door/top/window corner area. The back bottom  bow flap and beading  area of the top can also be re-stretched and re-glued in the in the future, without too much difficulty, if wrinkles or flips occur after installation.  Naturally making sure the flap is not flipped up when you put the top down will help also.

Title: Re: BlackForest Soft Top
Post by: thelews on February 27, 2011, 17:51:41

Quote from: thelews on February 12, 2011, 04:47:26

I'll keep an eye on your top for you!

I saw your top yesterday.  Looks like the frame may need some remedial work, some loose fittings in there.

Title: Re: BlackForest Soft Top
Post by: Douglas on February 27, 2011, 20:27:53

What does the Black Forest/aftermarket plastic rear window say in the corner? Is there any writing in it? Just curious.

Title: Re: BlackForest Soft Top
Post by: Rolland on February 28, 2011, 02:51:27

Doug, I have only see photos of it and can't see any printing on the window.  Maybe John can shed some light.

John,  I got an email from Michael on Friday, but was gone all day so didn't get it until well after he would have gone home for the day, so will be calling him in the morning.  I know from the few times I tried to use it that is had some issues, so will keep my fingers crossed until we talk (he does have access for me on his website to see photos of it).  Thanks for the info!!

Rolland