removable top handles

[Jim Donati]

My 1970 280SL has two chrome removable handles that are used to lock/unlock the soft top and hard top to the top of the windshield.   Did all W113 models (starting with the 230SL) all have the same removable handles like mine?  I thought I saw a picture of an earlier model that showed the handles were permanently attached to the latches.  

I also want to know if there was a pouch or sleeve that came with the car when new to store the two handles in when not in use.  currently I have mine stored in a vinly case intially used to store eyeglasses.  

thanks

[Richard Madison]

Not sure the exact date of the change but about the time of the many "safety" features mandated by USA rules implemented for the mid-250SL's and later, the built-in handles for the tops were changed for removeable handles.

Cars came with two handles in a vinyl holder that is now quite scarce and farily costly when available.

A set of attached handles can easily be substituted for removeable handles.

I've had cars with both and the attached handles are a lot more convenient especially when trying to put up the soift top in a sudden shower.

Richard M, NYC

case

[114015]

Top handle admirers,

Yes, that's correct.
My parts list says the following:
113 776 06 17 - Verschlußgriff - 250 SL from #005089, 280SL from 000007 - 012192
107 776 00 17 - Verschlußgriff (lock handle) - 280SL from #012193

Strange ...
I don't know what about the serials between 250SL #005090 and 280SL '000006; pats list doesn't say that.

Both parts are still available new. Around €uro 80.00 in Germany.

Achim
(parts & knowledge collector - does have far too few parts & no knowledge)

[Jim Donati]

Does anyone have a picture to share of the original pouch for the removable handles?

[treedoc]

Hi Donati,

See below, pouch is made from two layers of thin vynal sheets with a thin, about 2 mm thick layer of foam sandwiched in between and then heat pressed / welded. Oh, and no mine's not for sale.
Hope this helps.

Treedoc  

[Jim Donati]

Treedoc:
thank you for sharing.  I was not expecting anyone to sell theirs, but I was hoping someone like you would be kind enough to help me understand what I was looling for.

thanks again

Jim

[114015]

Jim,

Mercedes (Daimlerchrysler or now Daimlerwithoutchrysler) made a reproduction of this pouch and it was at a reasonable price (€ 15.00 or something). It's a while ago so I don't know whether it is still available.

You might want to ask Tom Hanson from Mercedes-Benz Classic Center in Irvine, CA.

Good luck,

Achim

[Andres G]

I might add that you can opt for the not-so-costly pouch from the W107, there's got to be tons of those around.

Good luck.
Andres

[JamesL]

Does anyone in the UK have a pouch they could lend me?

Thanks

[JamesL]

Seeing as we are in repro mode at the moment... I originally asked the question above as I was wondering about some repro handle cases for the younger cars...

[bogeyman]

Gernold has them available - $35.00

[jameshoward]

James,

I'm up for some handle pouch repro action. Alas, I don't have one to copy from.

JH

[mbzse]

../..Mercedes made a reproduction of this pouch and it was at a reasonable price (€ 15.00 or something)

Yes, seems to be available from Mercedes dealers. The part No is: A 113 776 01 86  at a price of 17,28 €
/Hans in Sweden

.