Had to use the car today for a 550 km. ride to Zurich and back, so I had to put on the hard top last night. Didn't have much time to experiment. However, I was able to determine that stiffness at the central pivot point on the left side was at least partly to blame. I oiled it, and it folded correctly one time in three (the third time). I don't have any elastic in the strips referred to above. They are simple strips with velcro fastening and no elastic.

Hopefully I will get motivated to find a definitive fix before spring. The radial spring idea sounds good. My new CLK (below) is due in April, and I have not yet decided whether I will keep the SL. Probably not. Depends on the stock market, among other things.

Momo

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1990 500SL 65k km - until May 11 2004
2004 E320 4-Matic wagon
2004 CLK500 Cabrio from May 11 2004