Author Topic: Soft top stuck  (Read 1260 times)

Ronmurr

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Soft top stuck
« on: March 26, 2023, 23:29:52 »
Was putting the soft top down on my 71 and it got jammed at  the release latch in the soft top bay and is now it won’t go up or down. The bottom of the top won’t clear the latch  The folding top is also stuck in the half fold Down position to
« Last Edit: March 26, 2023, 23:52:54 by Ronmurr »

Cees Klumper

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Re: Soft top stuck
« Reply #1 on: March 27, 2023, 02:57:07 »
This has come up several times in the past - I don't know the solution myself but if you search the forum and/or technical manual, it's sure to generate tips.
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

Garry

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Re: Soft top stuck
« Reply #2 on: March 27, 2023, 03:02:23 »
If you did not completely lock in the rear bow of the frame to the rest of the top, you will need to either try to get a strap around the whole top that is in the soft top hatch and use the strap to pull up whilst standing in the car on the tunnel or try to get hold under the bottom/rear frame to lift up at the same time trying to lift the middle of the soft top.


As Cess said, there has been lots written on here on this problem.
« Last Edit: March 27, 2023, 09:32:39 by Garry »
Garry Marks
Melbourne/ Kyneton, Brisbane. Australia
1969 MB 280SL 5 speed RHD SOLD.
1965 MB 230SL Auto RHD Lt Blue 334G, Top 350H, 213 Leather, Tourist Delivery.
1972 MB 280CE Auto RHD 906G Blue Grey
2005 MB A200.
2006 MB B200
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ja17

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Re: Soft top stuck
« Reply #3 on: March 27, 2023, 04:25:40 »
The rear bow is on a cam mechanism. Normally the rear bow should be "locked" in with the top assembly as it is lifted. Sometime some of the special shoulder bolt hardware in the top mechanism become loose or worn with age. As the top mechanism is lifted the rear bow may have been left in the top well. When this happens the rear bow moves rearward and jambs itself into the rear wall of the top well. Allow the top mechanism to rest as far rearward as possible under its own weight. Two people (one on each side) can work their hands down at each side of the rear bow and lift in unison. I made a two metal "j" straps to use since my hands are too big to fit down in the top well. In the future always check to make sure the rear bow is locked to the top mechanism before lowering it. Also make sure the rear bow always follows the top mechanism up when raising the top. If wear or a twisted frame is your problem, invest in a "bow buddy". If loose or missing shoulder bolts are the problem, tighten or replace any damaged or missing.
Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio
1969 Dark Olive 280SL
2002 ML55 AMG (tow vehicle)
2002 SLK32 AMG (350 hp)
1982 300TD Wagon turbo 4spd.
1963 404 Mercedes Unimog (Swedish Army)
1989 flu419 Mercedes Unimog (US Army)
1998 E430
1974 450SLC Rally
1965 220SE Finback

Ronmurr

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Re: Soft top stuck
« Reply #4 on: March 27, 2023, 15:14:22 »
Thanks will give this a try and make sure not to make the same mistake in the future.

dirkbalter

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Re: Soft top stuck
« Reply #5 on: March 27, 2023, 15:25:43 »
To illustrate ja17 explanation.
I had a similar problem.
 
Dirk
66 230 SL
70 280 SEL
53 CHEVY 3100
18 C300 COUPE
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rwmastel

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Re: Soft top stuck
« Reply #6 on: March 28, 2023, 17:25:09 »
.
Rodd

Did you search the forum before asking?
2017 C43 AMG
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1980 450SL
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ja17

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Re: Soft top stuck
« Reply #7 on: March 28, 2023, 22:43:35 »
The mechanism is completely different on Ronmurr's 71 280SL.
Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio
1969 Dark Olive 280SL
2002 ML55 AMG (tow vehicle)
2002 SLK32 AMG (350 hp)
1982 300TD Wagon turbo 4spd.
1963 404 Mercedes Unimog (Swedish Army)
1989 flu419 Mercedes Unimog (US Army)
1998 E430
1974 450SLC Rally
1965 220SE Finback

dirkbalter

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Re: Soft top stuck
« Reply #8 on: March 28, 2023, 22:51:28 »
Oh, I thought they are similar. In that case, please ignore my picture.
Dirk
66 230 SL
70 280 SEL
53 CHEVY 3100
18 C300 COUPE
05 HD FLSTNI

Ronmurr

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Re: Soft top stuck
« Reply #9 on: March 30, 2023, 18:01:50 »
Solved the problem. On the 71 there are release levers on each side of the Frame where it attaches to the body on the car. They have a L shape.  It takes two people one on each side to push them out simultaneously.  This then releases the rest of the top allowing it to fold back. I was then able to push the top-down completely passed the latch it was stuck on.