Soft top release broke - how do I access it? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

CHKiwus · #1 08-25-2006, 11:49 PM

Hello, All! Can anyone help? I've got a 1985 380SL. I wanted to put the soft top down, used the release lever to release the rear of it, then ... snap. The release lever just freewheels now, the top did not release. I'm sure I could fix the linkage IF I could get to it. Any ideas how to access the compartment? THANK YOU for any help! Chris

coleyjf · #2 08-27-2006, 03:59 AM

Hi

Not sure how to access the compartment but the 2 levers operate cables to release the locking latch and operate the "pull down" lock. It sounds like you've a broken cable - or the niple on the end has broken off.

I'll have a look in my '88 300SL ( should be the same) later today and see if there's an obvious access point. It must be a common problem and I can't believe that MB haven't built a solution in to the design!

Cheers

Jim

flbenz · #3 08-28-2006, 07:29 PM

CHK-

Sadly, I have some experience on this. It is a real pain to get in there if one of the cables or something else has come loose.
You MIGHT be able to fashion a bent wire to ease into the back center bolt holding the rear of the soft top down. It's a really soild bolt, unfortunately...
There's a similar possibility with the catches that hold the soft top cover closed.
If I had to do this again I'd probably take the car to an independent MB dealer that has struggled with this issue before. Someone who has done it before could free it in less than a hour, I think. I couldn't figure out any easy way, however.

Someone else have ideas?

coleyjf · #4 08-29-2006, 01:39 AM

Hi Chris

Sorry for the delay in resplonse - I was out at a BBQ most of yesterday!

Yes I've had a look and as FlBenz says it doesn't look easy - one thought I did have was that the handle/lever might have come loose on the splines - you could try carefully levering off the (black on mine) insert from the face of the Lever and checking the fixing bolt is tight and make sure the shaft is turning.

One thing I did look at was if you open the boot(trunk) and peel the carpet back in the middle to reveal the bolts which fix the gas tank ,take out the centre bolt (mine is out already which gave me the idea) and you can poke at the catch with a long thin screwdriver (or fashion a hook from a wire coathanger perhaps) What you then really need is a picture of the release catch to see what youv'e got to operate to release it. I've not got one - Any one out there got a diagram of the catch - a photo from the top doesn't show the workings.

Best of luck

Jim

flbenz · #5 08-29-2006, 08:50 PM

Yes, I could take a picture of the two catches this weekend and that would help you see what you're up against. Let me know if that would help.

CHKiwus · #6 09-02-2006, 05:14 PM

Thank you, Gents! Any info would be great. Either a picture, or just let me know which way to push with the screwdriver tip once it is through. I'll take off the trunk/gas tank wall and see if I can get a screwdriver in there. Thanks again, keeping my fingers crossed ... Chris

mgporsche · #7 09-06-2006, 04:16 PM

If all else fails, contact a shop that specializes in intalling new soft tops. Had the same problem with an '85 380SL - Took them less than 45 mins, cost of a new cable and I was out the door.

Noeljb · #8 09-07-2006, 08:37 PM

I looked at my 450 and it looks as though there is a hole at the latch point in the back of the compartment. So if one were to remove the vertical carpet in the trunk, then remove the panel between the trunk and the latch. If I am not mistaken there may be a hole where, with a flash light, you can see the latch. On my 79 / 450 pushing the latch to the right (as sitting in the driver seat) would release my top.