Author Topic: Curled Corners on Soft Top  (Read 2561 times)

Pengue

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Curled Corners on Soft Top
« 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.
1971 Mid Blue (color code 350)
Automatic
4th owner

Cees Klumper

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Re: Curled Corners on Soft Top
« Reply #1 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.
Cees Klumper
1969 Mercedes 280 SL automatic
1968 Ford Mustang 302 V8
1961 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Coupe 1600
1962 FIAT 1500S OSCA convertible
1972 Lancia Fulvia Coupe 1.3
1983 Porsche 944 2.5
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TJMart

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Re: Curled Corners on Soft Top
« Reply #2 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
Tony
1970 280SL, 4 Speed

Jordan

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Re: Curled Corners on Soft Top
« Reply #3 on: November 28, 2021, 17:21:46 »
I had not seen that video before.  Thanks for sharing.
Marcus
66 230SL  Euro 4 speed

Colingo

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Re: Curled Corners on Soft Top
« Reply #4 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

Peter van Es

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Re: Curled Corners on Soft Top
« Reply #5 on: September 06, 2022, 10:49:59 »
I've done the same as Cees. It is prevention but fixes the curling up...
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Colingo

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Re: Curled Corners on Soft Top
« Reply #6 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

lreppond

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Re: Curled Corners on Soft Top
« Reply #7 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. 
~Len

1971 280 SL
576G red/251 Beige
4 speed manual
Family owned since new (father —> son)

Colingo

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Re: Curled Corners on Soft Top
« Reply #8 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.

lreppond

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Re: Curled Corners on Soft Top
« Reply #9 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. 
~Len

1971 280 SL
576G red/251 Beige
4 speed manual
Family owned since new (father —> son)

Colingo

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Re: Curled Corners on Soft Top
« Reply #10 on: September 06, 2022, 17:52:45 »
Len

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

Regards

Colingo

lreppond

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Re: Curled Corners on Soft Top
« Reply #11 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!
~Len

1971 280 SL
576G red/251 Beige
4 speed manual
Family owned since new (father —> son)

Cees Klumper

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Re: Curled Corners on Soft Top
« Reply #12 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.
Cees Klumper
1969 Mercedes 280 SL automatic
1968 Ford Mustang 302 V8
1961 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Coupe 1600
1962 FIAT 1500S OSCA convertible
1972 Lancia Fulvia Coupe 1.3
1983 Porsche 944 2.5
1990 Ford Bronco II

ChrisInNashville

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Re: Curled Corners on Soft Top
« Reply #13 on: September 07, 2022, 09:26:53 »
I like the plastic idea for protecting the side seals.  Is anyone else doing that?
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Mike Hughes

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Re: Curled Corners on Soft Top
« Reply #14 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.
- Mike Hughes  -ô¿ô-
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Jonny B

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Re: Curled Corners on Soft Top
« Reply #15 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.
Jonny B
1967 250 SL Auto, DB 568
1970 280 SL Auto, DB 904
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Pengue

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Re: Curled Corners on Soft Top
« Reply #16 on: September 13, 2022, 01:36:41 »
I so appreciate all the input and responses!  The group is awesome.
1971 Mid Blue (color code 350)
Automatic
4th owner