Author Topic: Early hardtop mbtex covered front piece (Read 2794 times)

Lori · « **on:** September 21, 2025, 21:12:06 »

Doing some maintenance on the hardtop. I have a early top (not original to my car). This front piece where the locks attach, what is it made of? As you can see mine is lumpy and is compromised where the locks are. It's crunchy and I can wiggle locks a bit. Any advice from anyone that has had to repair this piece?

114015 · « **Reply #1 on:** September 21, 2025, 21:33:17 »

Dear Lori,

That looks like an earlier 230 SL hardtop.
Fixed hardtop handles were used on 230 SL tops and 250 SL tops except the later ones - I actually don't remember exactly.

The black liner you see should be MB-Tex or leather - same as the car's interior and matching that one
and was used only on 230 SL hardtops. Later 230 SL hardtops onwards then had not the MB-Tex liner anymore but a piece of the same material as the perforated headliner.

The material under the MB-Tex should be metal - with a bit of remaining foam liner underneath.

Best,
Achim

Pawel66 · « **Reply #2 on:** September 22, 2025, 05:17:20 »

It is a metal cross-member with threaded holes for the locks screws. If I remember correctly it is done the same way as hood (bonnet) hinges fixing or door locks: threaded plate inside reenforcement profile, allowing for adjustment of roof lock location. Mine were stuck….

Lori · « **Reply #3 on:** September 22, 2025, 18:48:36 »

Oh Boy

waltklatt · « **Reply #4 on:** September 23, 2025, 00:05:51 »

Lori,
If you push the black fabric back further, you will expose the long slim aluminum bar stock with the small Phillips screws. Removing those screws and aluminum will allow the fabric to separate from the top.
Currently waiting to take my stripped top to the paint shop.
Walter
1967 220SL diesel
1969 280SE
2003 Beetle TDI
2005 Honda Element

Lori · « **Reply #5 on:** September 23, 2025, 01:43:17 »

Thanks Walt, once I vacuumed up all the rust o was able to see that bar. Would you be able to post a picture of the area where the handles attach?

Duncan200 · « **Reply #6 on:** September 23, 2025, 06:48:57 »

Hi Lori,

Here’s a picture of mine when I was re-doing the headliner.

Not the best picture but it may help you.

Please note, I’ve already glued the foam on in this pic that goes under the piece that covers the front edge where the latches go.

Doug

BobH · « **Reply #7 on:** September 23, 2025, 07:35:28 »

Anything on here that may help, from an earlier post?

Lori · « **Reply #8 on:** September 24, 2025, 19:03:28 »

Thanks Doug and Bob, but I'm looking for a close up of this section where I will have to fabricate the front piece (well not me but the body shop

)

EeVeeWee · « **Reply #9 on:** September 24, 2025, 20:24:40 »

Hopefully you can use this pics.

Lori · « **Reply #10 on:** September 24, 2025, 21:21:07 »

Perfect! Thanks EeVeeWee

waltklatt · « **Reply #11 on:** September 29, 2025, 20:19:25 »

Lori, note, there is a floating plate that the screws fasten to. Allows the adjustment of the handles.
Hope these pictures can help.
Walter
1967 220SL diesel
1969 280SE
2003 Beetle TDI
2005 Honda Element