Poll

My black soft top is shot, so which color should I replace it with?

Black
Light Tan
Dark Tan
Gray (trying to match body)
Off White (trying to match hard top)

Author Topic: What color soft top for Arabian Gray 230SL  (Read 4593 times)

rwmastel

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Re: What color soft top for Arabian Gray 230SL
« Reply #25 on: November 15, 2022, 01:57:54 »
The 124 Arabian Gray paint color on the Arthur Bechtel configurator doesn't look anything like the 124 Arabian Gray in Rodd's photo....
I still say that my respray isn't right (it's close) and that the pic I posted of the other 230 in my colors is a better representation of Arabian Gray.  It all comes down to what the actual materials look like with my actual car.
Rodd

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2017 C43 AMG
2006 Wrangler Rubicon
1980 450SL
1966 230SL

rwmastel

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Re: What color soft top for Arabian Gray 230SL
« Reply #26 on: November 15, 2022, 02:09:44 »
I strongly recommend using a soft top color that was available back then  ....
I recommend go with the grey 124
I'm confused by your statement.  I don't see 124 on the chart of original color choices.  Are you talking about the 124 classic gray shown in my GAHH samples above?
Rodd

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2017 C43 AMG
2006 Wrangler Rubicon
1980 450SL
1966 230SL

mclewis

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Re: What color soft top for Arabian Gray 230SL
« Reply #27 on: November 15, 2022, 03:44:07 »
The colors might be off, but the configurator is a good time waster.

I think something approximating GAHH 153 or 170A would look best with Arabian Gray.
Marc Lewis
1968 280SL 728H/728H, 248, 746
2020 C300
2021 E450 All Terrain

zoegrlh

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Re: What color soft top for Arabian Gray 230SL
« Reply #28 on: November 21, 2022, 14:23:25 »
According to “the Farben und Ausstattungen” for 230SL-250SL-280SL catalog by MB, the listed soft top color for paint code 124 Arabergrau, was Schwarz (black) 827. This was the only combination listed.
Robert Hyatt
Williamsburg, VA.

W113, 1970 280SL, Red leather 242 on Silver Gray Met. 180, 4-speed stick, Euro spec, restored
R172 2012 SLK350, Black Premium leather 801 on Mars Red 590, 7-speed auto
W211, 2007 E320 Bluetec, Cashmere MB Tex 144 on Arctic White 650, 7 speed auto

Norm

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Re: What color soft top for Arabian Gray 230SL
« Reply #29 on: November 21, 2022, 15:30:52 »
Of course the decision is yours but for what it's worth....  I went with a blue / gray top to try and match the 162 Blue Gray original color.

I'm not unhappy with the choice but if I ever replace it I would choose to go back to the original fitted black.

Norm
Norm
1966 230SL 162H Blue-Grey
1994 Acura NSX Formula Red
2024 Acura RDX A-Spec, White Pearl
2016 Mercedes S63 AMG Coupe Obsidian Black
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rwmastel

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Re: What color soft top for Arabian Gray 230SL
« Reply #30 on: November 21, 2022, 16:39:09 »
According to “the Farben und Ausstattungen” for 230SL-250SL-280SL catalog by MB...
In English, "the colors and finishes".  Is this a book you have, or are you referring to an internet resource?

I currently have a black top.  Interestingly (maybe?) it is the same material used by most period Fiats and Alfas, according to a local restorer I once showed it to.  My car was originally sold in Italy with only the hard top.  Apparently, someone there (three owners in Italy) found an older M-B frame, the kind with the chrome over the rear window, and got some local shop to put material on it.  If costs of my "road trip quality restoration" forces me to make some hard financial decisions, I may just leave the top stowed and use the hard top.  It's cheaper to buy or make a hoist than it is to refurbish a frame and put a new top on it.
Rodd

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2017 C43 AMG
2006 Wrangler Rubicon
1980 450SL
1966 230SL

zoegrlh

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Re: What color soft top for Arabian Gray 230SL
« Reply #31 on: November 22, 2022, 21:10:44 »
I have a copy of the reprint of this booklet. It has all the combos with 230, 250, 280. Goes into all the finishings as per color codes. Has paint samples for all colors, MB-Tex color samples, leather samples, soft top fabric samples, etc.  Used this booklet in my restoration.
Robert Hyatt
Williamsburg, VA.

W113, 1970 280SL, Red leather 242 on Silver Gray Met. 180, 4-speed stick, Euro spec, restored
R172 2012 SLK350, Black Premium leather 801 on Mars Red 590, 7-speed auto
W211, 2007 E320 Bluetec, Cashmere MB Tex 144 on Arctic White 650, 7 speed auto

Pinder

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Re: What color soft top for Arabian Gray 230SL
« Reply #32 on: December 01, 2022, 00:25:59 »
Norm the color of your car is very nice.
1970 280 SL Light Ivory DB 670. 4 Speed manual shift no AC Limited Slip Diff.