How to Open a Stuck Convertible Top Bay "Horseshoe" Lid?

[Cole]

Hi!

How do you open a convertible top bay "horseshoe" lid that is stuck?
Mine released on the driver's side, but is stuck on the passenger side. I've tried moving the release lever back and forth and pushing on the inner sides, etc.
Many years ago, a pagoda mechanic released a stuck lid by sticking a long screw driver down inside the hole on the passenger side lid and pushing against a release lever or something. This was a very good solution. I tried looking down inside the hole on my lid, but didn't see what to press against in there.
Can any of you help with this this?

Thanks.
Cole

[BobH]

Hello Cole, there's a write up and tips in the Tech Manual, and also in Pagoda Notes Volume 17 Issue 4 November 2023, which may help you more, but you need to be a full member to access both of these

Well worth it if you continue to own and work on these cars

[ja17]

Yes, one way is to release it at the corners as you described. It might be hard to figure it out unless you have another pagoda to open up and look at.

Another way is to go through the center hole in the top well from inside the trunk. Use your finger and feel towards the top and you will feel the end of a linkage lever. Moving the linkage lever to one side or the other will activate the release cable. In the past I clamped an "L" shaped alan wrench into the jaws of a pair of Vice Grips, inserted the short leg of the "l" into the opening  and used this to move the release lever. You can adjust the cable after the hatch is opened.

[Cole]

Thanks very much, Gentlemen. Much appreciated!

[GM]

I had this problem a couple of years ago and found this to be helpful
Here's the site that includes videos of the method: https://w113.eu/geschlossen/Optimierungen/Notoeffnung%20Verdeckkasten%20Mercedes%20Pagode%20W%20113.htm

[Mark250]

Hey did you ever find a way to open the lid? This happed to me once and I found that if you use a regular cleaners hanger and put a hook on the end , you can then pass it through the trunk hinge into the boot where the top lay. You can then use the shirt hanger as a hook to pull on the cable which will unlatch the boot cover.
It worked for me 4 times until I was able to correctly adjust the cable in the boot.

Good Luck