Pagoda SL Group
W113 Pagoda SL Group => General Discussion => Topic started by: JP on March 31, 2005, 22:42:22
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Hi all,
I am considering the purchase of a "california coupe" 280SL (no softtop). Does anybody have any special info/opinions about these cars they are willing to share with me? Thank you.
Also, how difficult is the conversion to a softtop?
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I believe there have been a number of posts about the conversion process (try conversion, California coupe, or similar in the search function). From what I recall reading, conversion is quite an involved process, comnplicated, etc process.
Jonny B
1967 250SL Auto
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JP,
My understanding is that the difficulty of a conversion depends on how accurately you want to reproduce the factory configuration. The closer to a factory Coupe/Roadster, the more difficult the process. You'll need an actual donor car for parts if you choose to install the well for the soft top frame and tonneau cover.
On the other hand, I've seen a far less complex conversion that doesn't look like the factory job but is very effective. Use the search feature as Jonnny B suggests. There are pix of it on this site.
The Coupe is an interesting example. Prices are generally lower than Roadsters, but they have the same pretty lines.
Douglas Kim
New York, NY
280 SL #016220
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JP, I own a 69 Calif coupe and haven't missed the soft top but others may. It depends on your climate and driving preference and whether you need the fold down back seat or the soft top. Since I have a Roadster I will be selling my Calif Coup on Ebay. http://24.56.70.142/~zanone/sl/sl_index.html
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I had some friends of mine who were seriously considering a California coupe here. It really depends on how you are going to use the car; they found that as a second vehicle, it wasn't practical enough - unless you were prepared to get wet with the roof off. Maybe in CA it wouldn't be an issue, but in Vancouver, you never know. Do you really need the back seat?
Also - it would seem to me that with the number of roadster/coupes out there, it would seem that you'd be better off buying what you want, rather than doing a complicated conversion. Will the value of the car be the same with a modification like that?
Just my 2 cents.
Rich
'67 250SL
'87 560SEC Euro Spec
http://qube.myvnc.com/mercedes/250SL/photos/
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Gernold at SL-Tech sells convertible top compartments for $1800, not including the soft-top frame. You might want to discuss conversion costs with him at www.sltech113.com I agree with others that the project might not be worth the expense when there are so many roadsters available.
Tom
1967 250SL
Los Angeles