Author Topic: Correct hard / soft top handles?  (Read 12331 times)

mauro12

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Re: Correct hard / soft top handles?
« Reply #50 on: December 12, 2023, 14:52:13 »
My vin ends with 001533. I have an early 250sl and I’m pretty sure the hard top is the original one and hasn’t been replaced . Soft top handles cannot be removed .
Mauro Pisani
250sl 1967 5speed zf manual

Pawel66

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Re: Correct hard / soft top handles?
« Reply #51 on: December 12, 2023, 14:56:43 »
With this VIN, you should have single piece handles in soft top. Hard top - no idea, as I wrote. If the hard top is original it should have the appropriate number stamped on its rear rim.
Pawel

280SL 1970 automatic 180G Silver
W128 220SE
W121 190SL
G-class

rwmastel

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Re: Correct hard / soft top handles?
« Reply #52 on: December 12, 2023, 16:08:17 »
If the hard top is original it should have the appropriate number stamped on its rear rim.
Mauro,

Yes, compare the hard top stamped production number to the one on the hood.  It is also on the soft top cover lid, I believe?  Maybe also on the transmission support plate?  These should all match and you will know if your hard top is original to your car.

For 230SL like mine and early 250SL like yours, all handles should be fixed into the mechanisms on both tops.  No need for a pouch.
Rodd

Did you search the forum before asking?
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2006 Wrangler Rubicon
1966 230SL auto "Italian"

mauro12

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Re: Correct hard / soft top handles?
« Reply #53 on: December 12, 2023, 17:04:14 »
Thank you guys . I will check . I have also the data card with all numbers .
Mauro Pisani
250sl 1967 5speed zf manual

mauro12

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Re: Correct hard / soft top handles?
« Reply #54 on: December 12, 2023, 17:08:33 »
Do you know exactly where the hardtop number should be specifically?
Mauro Pisani
250sl 1967 5speed zf manual

mauro12

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Re: Correct hard / soft top handles?
« Reply #55 on: December 12, 2023, 17:12:58 »
I’ve just looked in the data card and there is no hardtop number , only option 416 hardtop mounted on the car . Should be a number on the data card that matches the one printed on the hard top ?
Mauro Pisani
250sl 1967 5speed zf manual

Pawel66

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Re: Correct hard / soft top handles?
« Reply #56 on: December 12, 2023, 17:23:36 »
Mauro, we are talking about the last 3 or 4 digits of the Aufbau number that are stamped on various parts of the body (hood, trunk lid, gear box support, soft top, hard top). Refer please to the Technical Manual, line 4 here: https://www.sl113.org/wiki/DataCard/BodyandPaintNumberPlate

I am sorry, I do not have picture of exact location of this number on hard top, perhaps this can help, reply No. 5: https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=474.msg1957#msg1957
Pawel

280SL 1970 automatic 180G Silver
W128 220SE
W121 190SL
G-class

BobH

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Re: Correct hard / soft top handles?
« Reply #57 on: December 12, 2023, 17:35:24 »
February 1965 230SL Automatic
UK delivered RHD
Papyrus white, blue hard top & hub caps
Blue soft top
Blue leather

Pawel66

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Re: Correct hard / soft top handles?
« Reply #58 on: December 12, 2023, 17:39:33 »
I had a similar idea :)

http://historic.motoringinvestments.com/MainPage.htm

Go to Mercedes, look for "Holy Grail", scroll down through pictures a bit.
Pawel

280SL 1970 automatic 180G Silver
W128 220SE
W121 190SL
G-class

dirkbalter

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Re: Correct hard / soft top handles?
« Reply #59 on: December 12, 2023, 18:14:02 »
Mauro.
On mine its on the rear underside crossbar of the top. 
Dirk
66 230 SL
70 280 SEL
53 CHEVY 3100
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mauro12

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Re: Correct hard / soft top handles?
« Reply #60 on: December 12, 2023, 20:45:36 »
Thank you all guys . I have to go in garage and check . I haven’t been using the hard top for 5 years now . It’s stored in the trolley cart .
Mauro Pisani
250sl 1967 5speed zf manual

zoegrlh

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Re: Correct hard / soft top handles?
« Reply #61 on: December 12, 2023, 21:03:03 »
Yes a set of handles come in a pair.
Robert Hyatt
Williamsburg, VA.

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mauro12

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Re: Correct hard / soft top handles?
« Reply #62 on: December 13, 2023, 16:21:17 »
I guys , I’ve just checked and I have the same number printed on the hard top and the bonnet , 1403. It means that the hard top and the bonnet are original .
No handles in the hard top .
What’s your view on that ?
Mauro Pisani
250sl 1967 5speed zf manual

Jonny B

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Re: Correct hard / soft top handles?
« Reply #63 on: December 13, 2023, 16:39:40 »
Could the original handles have been replaced at some time with the two-piece ones? It is most unusual that an early 250 SL hard top would have the separate handles.
Jonny B
1967 250 SL Auto, DB 568
1970 280 SL Auto, DB 904
1966 Morris Mini Minor

mauro12

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Re: Correct hard / soft top handles?
« Reply #64 on: December 13, 2023, 19:19:53 »
Maybe in the hard top were removable handles and the previous owner lost it .
Mauro Pisani
250sl 1967 5speed zf manual

rwmastel

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Re: Correct hard / soft top handles?
« Reply #65 on: December 13, 2023, 19:32:49 »
That's very strange that the production number on the bonnet and hard top is original and matching the data card and fender plate.  (Fender plate - see at bottom of this link, explanation of row 4. https://www.sl113.org/wiki/DataCard/BodyandPaintNumberPlate)

I don't know why your fixed handles would be changed out for removable handles.  How about the handles at the b-pillar?  Those should be fixed to the top as well.  The hard top on my w107 450SL uses the same removable handles from the windshield latches to operate the b-pillar latches.  I assume 280SL Pagodas are the same?  What do you have?
Rodd

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2006 Wrangler Rubicon
1966 230SL auto "Italian"

mauro12

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Re: Correct hard / soft top handles?
« Reply #66 on: December 13, 2023, 21:51:52 »
I guess the easiest thing that has happened is that the handles for the hard top were removable for the production of my car ( April 1967) and they have been lost somehow .
I’m happy to see that all my number matches perfectly .
Mauro Pisani
250sl 1967 5speed zf manual