Pagoda SL Group
W113 Pagoda SL Group => Body, interior, paint, chrome, and cosmetic items => Topic started by: Steve Barrett on March 09, 2025, 15:06:26
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I have recently acquired a 1969 280SL California coupe. Tonneau cover was not ordered as an option and I did not receive one with the purchase. Does anyone have experience with these? How they attached? Are they available to be purchased? Any help appreciated. Steve
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If I remember they were not an option from MB. These were after market products, and I seen to think they were attached with buttons to pins that were screwed into body and dashboard. Much like the tonneau covers for MGs, Healys, Jags of that period.
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Buds Benz has a kit to instal a convertible top in a California coupe. I know it's pricey but you would have the convertible top option which would add so much value to your car.
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Interesting point. Would installing a frame and soft top " add so much value to the car" ?
I am not convinced. There were so few California Coupes made so somewhat rare.
In a judged show would point be taken off because of a non factory original soft top was installed ?
I would be interested in hearing what the valuation experts say.
Respectfully,
jz
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These photos might help you. My friend made his own.
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I have this one: https://www.classicadditions.com/en-GB/mercedes-benz-230-250-280sl-pagoda-waterproof-outdoor-half-car-cover/vmd_10074-168053
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I have a right drive one that came with the car , I don't use it if anyone is interested.
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Cutting and welding on the body to install a tub and top are not likely to improve the value of the car as much as the cost of the conversion and re-painting. It will never be "original" to the purists. Pawel's car cover solution looks like an easy solution if you just must remove the top and leave the car open somewhere. I choose to embrace the shape of the Pagoda roof and enjoy having a coupe. For long trips, I like having the extra storage space with the rear seat folded down. Not to mention the significantly lower road and wind noise and better A/C effectiveness.
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You can also order the cabin cover from MB. This cover is for the W107s but fits nicely on the pagoda.
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Do you know the part number for the cover from MB?
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I like the covers in the photos that run at the belt line but I cringe at the thought of drilling attachments into that beautiful body.
jz
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Thanks. In data card information on optins thought a saw a designation for a factory tonneau. But really not interest in snaps, etc. Likely will keep and enjoy as original and use good weather planning when wanting to go top off.
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Thanks. May consider conversion but likely just keep original. Things to like about the California coupe.
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Tend to agree. I like the history of and originality and relative rarity of the car. Find it interesting the California coupe option actually added price to original car.
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Wow. Thanks. Very helpful and interesting. Will look in datail.
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Covercraft makes a cockpit cover, and I believe they made them for MBNA, for the W107s. Look up Covercraft covers.
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thanks a bunch...looks like a good option.
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believe I saw an option code for oneon the data card descriptions detail.
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my preference is definitely to keep as ordered. Gus herein Houston has converted a few I believe and seen one excellent conversion example. One were a whole separate car (assume a beyond project condition) was bought for the conversion.....but I actually like and don't see a big problem as is.
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Thanks, looks really good and may go that way. Heard of some installing snaps but definitely don't want to go that way.
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mine is lhd and assume there would be a steering wheel pocket? But if not am interested.
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Agree.