Pagoda SL Group

W113 Pagoda SL Group => Body, interior, paint, chrome, and cosmetic items => Topic started by: Pengue on November 27, 2021, 23:26:11

Title: Curled Corners on Soft Top
Post by: Pengue on November 27, 2021, 23:26:11
The corners on my soft top have a slight curl up and don’t always lay flat when the top is up and in position.   Any suggestions on how to correct.  I understand that this could be an issue on how i lay it inside the boot.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Title: Re: Curled Corners on Soft Top
Post by: Cees Klumper on November 28, 2021, 04:32:45
You need to tuck the corners in underneath the frame when you lower the top in the boot. If you don't, they will automatically be pushed upwards by that same frame, causing your issue.
Title: Re: Curled Corners on Soft Top
Post by: TJMart on November 28, 2021, 16:30:05
The corners on my soft top have a slight curl up and don’t always lay flat when the top is up and in position.   Any suggestions on how to correct.  I understand that this could be an issue on how i lay it inside the boot.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Here is a link to a Video that may help you.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dcvG2HfMat4&t=99s (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dcvG2HfMat4&t=99s)
Title: Re: Curled Corners on Soft Top
Post by: Jordan on November 28, 2021, 17:21:46
I had not seen that video before.  Thanks for sharing.
Title: Re: Curled Corners on Soft Top
Post by: Colingo on September 06, 2022, 09:12:41
Hi Pengue

Did you get a resolution to your curled up corners? I've got the same issue. I'm slightly confused by Cees comment - is this a fix or a prevention?

Regards

Colingo
Title: Re: Curled Corners on Soft Top
Post by: Peter van Es on September 06, 2022, 10:49:59
I've done the same as Cees. It is prevention but fixes the curling up...
Title: Re: Curled Corners on Soft Top
Post by: Colingo on September 06, 2022, 12:56:24
Hi Peter

So if I understand, it's down to how the soft top is folded - particularly the corners when stowing away. I imagine there is some kind of memory effect. How soon did this sort the problem out?

Regards

Colingo
Title: Re: Curled Corners on Soft Top
Post by: lreppond on September 06, 2022, 13:50:35
Proper storage is key to preventing the curling.   You can correct the problem by thoroughly soaking the curled lip with water, molding it with your hands so it fits snugly and leaving in the sun to dry in place. 
Title: Re: Curled Corners on Soft Top
Post by: Colingo on September 06, 2022, 17:19:17
Just went out in the rain to get the top wet. Had a nerdy idea and stuck magnets on the frame to push the curling edges down. Seems an improvement, but I think it might take time to "train" the edges down.
Title: Re: Curled Corners on Soft Top
Post by: lreppond on September 06, 2022, 17:39:17
If you’ll roll them while they’re wet in the opposite direction that they’re curled that will help.  I’ve done  this for tops on both w113 and r107 and I’ve had good results.  Once you’ve got them corrected be certain that they are completely dry before storing and check the corner in the storage area to be certain they are not being stored curled.  You should be fine. 
Title: Re: Curled Corners on Soft Top
Post by: Colingo on September 06, 2022, 17:52:45
Len

When you rolled the edges the other way, was that with the catches released?

Regards

Colingo
Title: Re: Curled Corners on Soft Top
Post by: lreppond on September 06, 2022, 18:34:19
I suppose if you have small hands you could do the rolling with the latch engaged but for my hands having it unlatched is much easier. But latch it immediately after to allow it to dry in the desired position. I think your idea of using the weights in conjunction with what I’m suggesting is brilliant!
Title: Re: Curled Corners on Soft Top
Post by: Cees Klumper on September 07, 2022, 05:55:36
I have found that if I consistently 'tuck down under' the edges, and leave the top down like that for extended periods, the edges will actually curl down with the top up, rather than curl up. So now I alternate tucking them under, and not.
Title: Re: Curled Corners on Soft Top
Post by: ChrisInNashville on September 07, 2022, 09:26:53
I like the plastic idea for protecting the side seals.  Is anyone else doing that?
Title: Re: Curled Corners on Soft Top
Post by: Mike Hughes on September 07, 2022, 13:55:57
I like the plastic idea for protecting the side seals.  Is anyone else doing that?

Yep!  A couple of large zip-lock freezer bags work a treat.
Title: Re: Curled Corners on Soft Top
Post by: Jonny B on September 07, 2022, 15:31:46
Yes, I use a milk jug cut in half with the bottom and top portion removed. The have a molded in corner that fits very nicely over the fender and into the top well.

What you use sort of depends on what might be on hand. Don't use something really thick as the fit is a tight one.
Title: Re: Curled Corners on Soft Top
Post by: Pengue on September 13, 2022, 01:36:41
I so appreciate all the input and responses!  The group is awesome.