Pagoda SL Group

W113 Pagoda SL Group => Body, interior, paint, chrome, and cosmetic items => Topic started by: louisz on July 04, 2011, 20:52:58

Title: Hard Top removal
Post by: louisz on July 04, 2011, 20:52:58

Hi everyone,

I have a 71 280Sl that I purchased from a guy in Florida long time ago.  Question that i have, might sound stupid, but How do you remove the hard Top?  looks like I need a tool or something.

Title: Re: Hard Top removal
Post by: Norm on July 04, 2011, 21:52:23

I'm in Spring Texas also.

I will send you a PM with my phone number and be happy to show you how to remove the top.

Norm

Title: Re: Hard Top removal
Post by: treedoc on July 04, 2011, 22:24:47

You need a set of latch handles as per image below, they appear on eBay from time to time or else contact "Woody" at the Classic Centre California tel 949 598 4848

Black vinyl pouch shown probably NLA

Title: Re: Hard Top removal
Post by: louisz on July 05, 2011, 01:08:29

Thanks guys,  I found one latch tool in a spare parts box, so I tried it and I figured how to take them off.  the rear latch brhind the drivers side is broke, but I was able to turn it, I guess i need to get that part replaced.    Car sat in a storage for over a year, since the ignition key was lost, I was able to get a key made and one for the door, but still need to get a locksmith to open the glove compartment and trunk...who knows what hidden treasures are to be found.

Car runs strong, look forward to meeting you guys at a next event.    Thanks Norm for the info.  i will post a picture later

Title: Re: Hard Top removal
Post by: Raymond on July 06, 2011, 19:45:58

Louis

The glove box is not so much a lock as a latch.  Both my door key and the trunk key open the glove box.  I could probably use a screw driver.  (Maybe mine is defective.)  I believe it rotates to the left from locked.

Title: Re: Hard Top removal
Post by: louisz on July 11, 2011, 02:18:24

Raymond,

I will try that.

Title: Re: Hard Top removal
Post by: rmmchl on July 12, 2011, 00:22:42

I would tape a piece of vinyl material on each rear side of the deck lid, right where the rear portion of the top meets the body. The top has a sharp piece of chrome on each side, and a lot of people scratch the paint when taking off the top. Be sure that each of you lift up on top evenly. If you lean the top towards the rear as you lift it off, you have a good chance of gouging the metal in your paint. Bud of Bud's Benz showed me this technique before he passed away.