Pagoda SL Group

W113 Pagoda SL Group => General Discussion => Topic started by: mrfatboy on November 11, 2005, 18:08:04

Title: Soft Top Quality
Post by: mrfatboy on November 11, 2005, 18:08:04

I will need a new soft top soon. I have been looking around and have been quoted $300 to $600. I found this on ebay.


http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Mercedes-Benz-230sl-250s...temZ4589134644QQrdZ1

Is this a good one?

Title: Re: Soft Top Quality
Post by: Douglas on November 11, 2005, 18:14:11

link not working

Title: Re: Soft Top Quality
Post by: mrfatboy on November 11, 2005, 18:16:23

try this

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=4589134644

Title: Re: Soft Top Quality
Post by: mrfatboy on November 12, 2005, 19:15:57

Doesn't anybody have a comment on this?  I am surpised that there isn't a flood of them  :(

Title: Re: Soft Top Quality
Post by: J. Huber on November 12, 2005, 20:45:48

Hey MFB, my initial thought is Ebay is not the first place I'd go for a top. Not sure why. I feel same way about seat covers. It just seems like most of us have gone the more traditional vendor route -- where you deal with a well-known name or a shop that specializes in tops. When I replaced my top, I went through a local auto upholstery place -- they sold me a Sunfast-G German Canvas top. It was (is) good quality and fit and looked fine. Installed the total was 700 something. That was '98. Only regret I have is the top eventually got scuffed up and pinched on the sides. I should have been more careful.

But I really can't say that Ebay thing is NOT a good deal.

James
63 230SL

Title: Re: Soft Top Quality
Post by: rwmastel on November 24, 2005, 08:34:33

Do they make their own tops?  They don't really elaborate if they manufacture their own or if "their tops" are bought elsewhere and resold under their name.

There were ZERO bids on the auction, that might tell you something.

Perhaps the eBay seller can send a small sample of the material.  I would think other soft top vendors would do the same and you could compare.  Call the vendors and ask them not only for samples, but ask them what makes their tops so good.  You'll eventually find our who knows their product.

Rodd
Powell, Ohio, USA
1966 230SL, Euro, Auto, Leather, both  tops
1994 E420

Title: Re: Soft Top Quality
Post by: ja17 on November 24, 2005, 20:22:01

Hello mrfatboy,

There are quite a few good quality manufacturers of aftermarket soft tops. First thing to look for is "original German Cloth" with the correct reverse side matierial. (forgot the name).  The original tops will have original factory trademarks on the clear plastic window which the aftermarket tops may not be able to reproduce legally. This will cost you a few points in a National Show if that is a issue.

Some good quality aftermarket tops come from  K&K Manufacturing, Bud's Benz, Electron Top Co., Robbins Top Co., and Bill Hearsh, Millers.

Insist on original German material inside and out. The best price you will find, uless you get lucky, will be around $350.00 to $400.00.

Proper instalation of the top will have the biggest impact on quality.



Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio

Title: Re: Soft Top Quality
Post by: A Dalton on November 25, 2005, 08:05:13

Happich German Canvas is used on the better tops.
  Well worth the extra $$.