Pagoda SL Group
W113 Pagoda SL Group => Body, interior, paint, chrome, and cosmetic items => Topic started by: tarheel on June 18, 2017, 18:53:02
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Happy Father's Day to all experts! I'm in need of an information gift from you...
Today was the first day to take my hardtop off the 1969 280SL and drive topless. The previous owner put a brand new black top on.
I pulled the left top storage well lock lever and pulled up the cover of the storage well to expose convertible top.
Then I pulled the convertible top upward to attempt to reach A piller holes.
However the back of the convertible top remained secured down. I can not figure out how to disengage the back of the soft top so that the entire convertible top can be moved forward.
Also, when I look at the back bow of the soft top from inside, there is a fat metal hook that is visible - but I can't budge it.
Does anyone have a suggestion how to release the back of the soft top from the back of the well? It is stuck and I can't seem to get it released.
:'(
James
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Hi James,
Happy Fathers day to you as well. I am no expert, but I have owned a few in the past 40 years.
The geometry of the frame is ingenious and so designed to push the rear bow backwards in order for the 'fat metal hook' to engage in a lock between the boot lid and the horse shoe cover.
Step 1. Drop the soft top back into it's storage bin. Now, lift the entire hood frame up into the vertical position(do not allow the rear bow to stay behind) I say again, lift the entire hood upright.
Once you have the entire hood upright, fold the front section forward and engage front locks. Push the rear bow as far forward as possible and close and lock the horse shoe cover in position. Pull the rear bow down and push the 'fat metal hook' into rear the rear lock. Now close(lock) the front locks, remove and stow the handles and viola, all done.
To stow the soft top: pull the handle behind the left seat, which will release the ' fat metal hook' as well as the horse shoe cover. Lift the rear bow and push as far forward as possible. Carefully fully open the horse shoe cover. Release and disengage the front locks, ( remove and stow the locking handles) close and sandwich the roof in the vertical position before reclining the entire roof in the stowage area. Carefully tuck all loose ends and flaps into the stowage area, ensure the locking handles are removed before closing the horse cover.
Regards
Chris
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WsGrXPTM_ks
a visual of cfm65's description.
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You may also want to read this: https://www.sl113.org/wiki/Tops/SoftTop#StuckSofttop
Peter