Pagoda SL Group

W113 Pagoda SL Group => Body, interior, paint, chrome, and cosmetic items => Topic started by: ChrisInNashville on May 22, 2021, 19:38:27

Title: Soft Top Stuck...the rest of the story!
Post by: ChrisInNashville on May 22, 2021, 19:38:27

So, a little while ago, I posted an SOS since the rear bow of my soft top was jammed and wouldn’t fold up.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51195705106_592268e660_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kZZnuN)


I deleted the post when I found some outstanding instructions in the technical manual
https://www.sl113.org/wiki/Tops/SoftTop

But, it still didn’t work.   In the technical manual, there’s a sequence noted and then an addendum referencing a “release lever” in ‘70/‘71 models.  My ‘69 has the release lever.   Using the release lever, I was able to partially fold the top, but the rear bow was still jammed.

I simply grabbed some rope and threaded it around the soft top frame including the rear bow and pulled hard and that unjammed everything.

A happy ending for my day...

Title: Re: Soft Top Stuck...the rest of the story!
Post by: cabrioletturbo on May 22, 2021, 19:56:45

It happened to me once, when I was the first time user.

Ideally, you want the whole roof assembly to pivot out of the compartment. Once you clear the softop compartment lid, you want to get the lid down and secured. From thereon is easy.

If you get stuck, much like your picture shows, I notice it helps to put the soft top back into the compartment and try slowly to pivot it out of the compartment. It may require some force, but the frame is flexible enough to come out of there.

Title: Re: Soft Top Stuck...the rest of the story!
Post by: ChrisInNashville on May 22, 2021, 20:01:46

Agreed.  In this case, it happened while I was folding it and it wouldn’t allow me to complete the fold.  It got 95% folded, but wouldn’t get all the way and there was no place for me to get my hands around things to apply force.  Alas, I’m happy...but sore for 30 minutes of trying to force it before I found the technical manual

Title: Re: Soft Top Stuck...the rest of the story!
Post by: GM on May 22, 2021, 20:05:03

I don't know if he still has them, but mrfatboy used to sell a "bow buddy" that works beautifully!
https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=29865.msg216324#msg216324 (https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=29865.msg216324#msg216324)

Title: Re: Soft Top Stuck...the rest of the story!
Post by: ChrisInNashville on May 22, 2021, 20:13:21

What an awesome invention!

Title: Re: Soft Top Stuck...the rest of the story!
Post by: mrfatboy on May 22, 2021, 21:10:29

Thanks for the kind words. I sold out of all my Bow Buddies over a year ago. It is a life saver 👍.

Maybe I should make more? 🤷‍♂️

Title: Re: Soft Top Stuck...the rest of the story!
Post by: ChrisInNashville on May 22, 2021, 21:21:15

Quote from: mrfatboy on May 22, 2021, 21:10:29

Thanks for the kind words. I sold out of all my Bow Buddies over a year ago. It is a life saver 👍.

Maybe I should make more? 🤷‍♂️

Maybe you should  ;D

Title: Re: Soft Top Stuck...the rest of the story!
Post by: mnahon on May 23, 2021, 02:52:05

I'd be in for one...

Title: Re: Soft Top Stuck...the rest of the story!
Post by: AndrewB on May 23, 2021, 07:24:39

Count me in for two please !

Title: Re: Soft Top Stuck...the rest of the story!
Post by: ChrisInNashville on May 23, 2021, 19:24:05

Quote from: mrfatboy on May 22, 2021, 21:10:29

Thanks for the kind words. I sold out of all my Bow Buddies over a year ago. It is a life saver 👍.

Maybe I should make more? 🤷‍♂️

Count me in ;)

Title: Re: Soft Top Stuck...the rest of the story!
Post by: mrfatboy on May 23, 2021, 19:56:08

If there is enough interest by June 1, 2021, my wife and I will consider making another batch  ;D

Please go to this thread and let me know if interested.

https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=29865.msg216324#msg216324