Pagoda SL Group

W113 Pagoda SL Group => General Discussion => Topic started by: Bagspacked on November 13, 2020, 21:05:22

Title: Small tear in soft top
Post by: Bagspacked on November 13, 2020, 21:05:22

Hi
I have a small mark/tear on my soft top. Curious to know if anyone has come across someone that could fix in California. The tear is quite small but I’m sure there is a local legend that could make this perfect. Any advice greatly appreciated

Title: Re: Small tear in soft top
Post by: John Betsch - "SADIE" on November 14, 2020, 14:04:12

Cant help with  a recommendation. 

However, I think you may not be alone.  It seems to be that the piping on the top's edge joins at that spot and I have a very small unraveling of material- small but enough to be annoying.  Thought of covering with a 1/4" wide iron on black patch but am afraid to try.

Anyone have similar issues and recommendations for home repair

JB

Title: Re: Small tear in soft top
Post by: Bagspacked on November 14, 2020, 14:08:24

Cheers Sadie, I have a Spanish mother in law can do magic with a needle and thread. Guarantee there is someone out there that could do almost perfect fix jobs like this

Title: Re: Small tear in soft top
Post by: Jonny B on November 14, 2020, 19:08:33

You might try German Auto Tops in the LA area. They have been most helpful over the years.

www.gremanautotops.com
Phone  (866) 760-8677

Title: Re: Small tear in soft top
Post by: Bagspacked on November 15, 2020, 16:52:59

Thanks Jonny
Just sent them an email 👍

Title: Re: Small tear in soft top
Post by: paults1 on November 16, 2020, 05:06:39

I have a small tear in the same location as yours. I glued, using 3M trim adhesive, a small piece of the top material over it years ago. The patch is approx. 1 inch square with rounded corners. It prevents any further damage.

Title: Re: Small tear in soft top
Post by: Bagspacked on November 16, 2020, 15:47:30

Cheers

Title: Re: Small tear in soft top
Post by: ted280sl on November 17, 2020, 15:45:22

This post is not exactly on point but, it might prove to be helpful to some of our members. I recently experienced damage to my soft top and it was covered by my auto insurance. I got a new top installed at a local shop and it was fully covered by my insurance company.
1969 280SLw/original color tan top
Ted280SL

Title: Re: Small tear in soft top
Post by: Bonnyboy on November 17, 2020, 17:04:03

Re insurance coverage for the soft top - check the insurance company first and have them do an inspection and give you a written "out of pocket" estimate.  Up here in Canada our insurance company said they they would replace my top but ontop of the deductible they charged me the depreciated value of the top so it ended up costing me almost the same as a "cash" deal with the local top installer.   It was an MGB top so fairly easy to install so your results may differ.

Title: Re: Small tear in soft top
Post by: RAY on November 17, 2020, 18:36:03

I think you may find that the cause of this problem is the locking mechanism that holds this section of roof in place when you fold the roof down. It tends to come unlocked when folded away and rubs in the soft top box so be sure that it locks in place securely otherwise it will happen again, I know because it has happened to me.

Title: Re: Small tear in soft top
Post by: Bagspacked on November 19, 2020, 17:46:47

Cheers

Title: Re: Small tear in soft top
Post by: paults1 on November 19, 2020, 18:48:56

That is exactly what caused my top damage. I cut a piece of plastic from a water bottle and I lay against the locking latch when I put the top down.

Title: Re: Small tear in soft top
Post by: Bagspacked on November 20, 2020, 14:50:14

Thanks for the tip

Title: Re: Small tear in soft top
Post by: Pawel66 on November 20, 2020, 15:00:18

Will look at mine too! I have a small discoloration in that place now.

Title: Re: Small tear in soft top
Post by: mrfatboy on November 20, 2020, 15:10:58

I place vinyl sheets/plastic at all the “hot” spots around the soft top when opening or closing.

Right and left side above fenders.
Right and left at horseshoe hinges
Horseshoe lock.

All of these places rub on the soft top fabric and cause wear and tears.