What happens to all the top frames?

[waltklatt]

Hello Pagodaers,
I am puzzled as to why almost everyone looks for a softtop frame.  I understand that they are prone to breaking at certain places, warping out of alignment or just damaged by outside forces.
What I'm really curious about is: what happens to the old broken ones when a new one is installed?

[Benz Dr.]

They are often stolen from the car along with grills and a few other parts. There should be more frames than cars but that never seems to be the case.

Daniel G Caron

[A Dalton]

quote:Originally posted by Benz Dr.

They are often stolen from the car along with grills and a few other parts. There should be more frames than cars but that never seems to be the case.

Daniel G Caron

 Thats' cuz Gernold has them ALL....
Go to his site .. he has them lined up like Motorcycles ....

[Bob G]

One of the problems I had with the soft top frame on my 280SL is the braket were the big spring attaches to snaped and broke. It has to be mig welded back or replaced from a dooner frame. Most of these uses frames end up for sale to unsusspecting owners looking for a good deal. If you what a good deal go to e-bay for a soft top frame if you want one that works contact Gernold at SL-tech (207) 985-3001 www.sltechw113.com. Gernold is a master tech and fixes these fame on a jig were they are aligned and made like factory new.
Bob Geco

[A Dalton]

Don't a lot of those used top frames wind up getting bought by guys with California Coupe versions that came without the Roadster canvas [ just Hard Top]??

[mdsalemi]

quote:Originally posted by A Dalton

quote:Originally posted by Benz Dr.

They are often stolen from the car along with grills and a few other parts. There should be more frames than cars but that never seems to be the case.

Daniel G Caron

 Thats' cuz Gernold has them ALL....
Go to his site .. he has them lined up like Motorcycles ....

People who HOARD things don't make too many friends.[:0] Once the price gets too high, somebody will fabricate them custom...today you can have a custom radiator made for way less then MB gets for a new one!  I don't imagine they are selling too many...

Michael Salemi
1969 280SL
Signal Red w/Black Leather
Restored

[A Dalton]

Gernold isn't hoarding tops ... top restoration is a big part of his biz and he is the best at it..it is just inventory and available to all...

[Raymond]

As an owner of a "California Coupe", I don't think most of us want to modify the car.  It requires cutting the body and a lot of expense even before you consider the frame and fabric.  I am interested in a cockpit toneau cover however.  I'm thinking of desiging one but does anyone know a source for these?

BTW.  Doug Kim told me some folks didn't think the coupe was available as early as 1968.  My 280SL is number 176 and was construced in November 1967.  I also have a publication that shows the car available as a 250 in 1967.

Ray
'68 280SL 4-spd Coupe

[Douglas]

Hi Ray,

I think you misunderstood a previous e-mail from me -- what I meant to say was that some people in this group don't think the California Coupe was available in the US. I think we've since cleared that up and established it was indeed an option here in the US.

(BTW, I've driven a couple of coupes, including 2 different 250SL Coupes.)



Douglas Kim
New York, NY
280 SL #016220

[rwmastel]

Coupe = Hard top, no soft top, empty soft top well, and parcel shelf or sideways single seat.
California Coupe = Hard top, no soft top, no soft top well, and forward facing rear bench seat.

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

[Douglas]

Rodd, I don't think that's correct. The factory price list shows 3 variations: Roadster, Coupe and Coupe/Roadster.

In other words, a "Coupe" is a "California Coupe."

If I were to take the soft top frame out of my Coupe/Roadster, it would still be a Coupe/Roadster.

BTW, I don't believe you'll find the name "California Coupe" in factory literature. It's a nickname for the Coupe.

Douglas Kim
New York, NY
280 SL #016220

[hauser]

I had asked Gernold about the picture of all the soft top frames.  He said they belonged to customers and were there for restoration and new canvas.  Winter time is usually when Gernold does the soft tops since most cars are in hibernation.

1969 280sl 5 spd        1999 ML320          Gainesville,Fl.

[Benz Dr.]

Remember that there are 2 different frames depending on year of car. A 280SL frame is different than a 230 frame although the two will interchange.
I have a spare frame in case someone needs one. Comes frome a 230SL.

Daniel G Caron

[glennard]

quote:Originally posted by Benz Dr.

Remember that there are 2 different frames depending on year of car. A 280SL frame is different than a 230 frame although the two will interchange.
I have a spare frame in case someone needs one. Comes frome a 230SL.

Daniel G Caron

Yes, I'm looking for one

[pagode.info]

It is possible to install a softtop frame
into a "california" coupe without welding
a softtop compartment in it.

see pics: www.pagode.info/56.htm

Have a nice day,

Tom

[Raymond]

Tom, I don't read German, but I like what I see.  Is this just a how-to or is this fellow selling a kit?  I'd like more information.  

Thanks,

Ray
'68 280SL 4-spd Coupe

[pagode.info]

The pics on my website pagode.info are for
information only. I installed hood frames
on several california coupe`s during the
last 12 years. Some owners did not want a
complete conversion incl. softtop compart-
ment etc.

The parts You`ll need for that are the ori-
ginal softtop frame and also the rear lock.

Both parts You`ll find in the US.  

Have a nice day,

Tom

[waltklatt]

Guess the top frames are just as vulnerable as the chrome on the SL's like the bumpers and grille.  Do they mostly break off at the spring connection?  Or are there other areas that are problematic?
I have no idea as I have my 2nd 113SL and the top frame is perfect with the bow retention springs and the thin hard wires that slide in and out of the bow back.  I will install a new fabric onto it as the original rotted away.  What about the early ones with the wood bow?  were those better than the metal ones?  Not minding the rarity, but just in overall aspect.  I have a third 113SL, 1963 230SL that is missing the top frame and would like to know if I can fabricate an all metal one to include a wood bow so it will be like original.

Thanks,
Walter