Hard Top Fit

I just got my '87, 560 SL, so I'm in the elementary learning stage. The seller took to top off (with my help) to show how it's done, and how the soft top goes up. We put the hard top back on, and I noticed today, that the back of the top does not meet the car body. There's may be a quarter inch or more space between the bottom edge of top and the car body. Is that a problem or normal? I suppose there might be a gasket that the top rest on. The top does not rattle.

[RickM]

The space is normal. IMO, the top is very well engineered.

Originally Posted by lakelover

I just got my '87, 560 SL, so I'm in the elementary learning stage. The seller took to top off (with my help) to show how it's done, and how the soft top goes up. We put the hard top back on, and I noticed today, that the back of the top does not meet the car body. There's may be a quarter inch or more space between the bottom edge of top and the car body. Is that a problem or normal? I suppose there might be a gasket that the top rest on. The top does not rattle.

Welcome to heavy steel hard tops! I have had mine off and back on twice, now it's off and it's gonna stay that way! Getting all four latches to line up perfectly, and dogged down properly and locked, pardon my language, is a pain in the ass! I was able to get mine latched and dogged down but not before struggling with it, lifting one corner, then another, and then finally success! I don't plan on driving my 107 in the winter anyway, so off it will stay!

Thanks, I'll not worry about the top.

[Rey]

If you're like me, you got a hardtop because it came with the car. If I _wanted_ a hardtop I'd have bought an SLC. They're cool and usually cost less than an SL.

Recommendation for an SL:
1. install a hoist
2. lift the top to the garage ceiling
3. cover it with an old mattress pad from your linen closet
3. leave it there until you sell the car

[Gilly]

The chrome strip does have a bit of a gap underneath. You wouldn't want it too close or it'll contact the paint. There is a weatherstrip which seals the hardtop to the body, it contacts in the area of the boot (tonneau lid).

Gilly

I bought a neighbor's SL, and I wasn't really shopping for a car but it was a good deal and the car's fairly clean. A lift came with it; I don't have it installed but will soon.