Obvious Question -- Soft Top on 1973 450SL - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

HalVaughan · #1 03-02-2006, 01:32 AM

I'm sure this has an obvious answer, but it seems so obvious, I can't find it anywhere. I just recently bought a 1973 450SL in really good condition. The mechanic I bought it from is highly recommended by several friends of mine and has a good reputation, but sometimes he's too busy to answer all my questions, which is understandable. I'd really like to figure this out soon, since we have several days of great weather and I just rigged up a hoist to pull the hard top off.

While I'm taking the chance to drive around topless (at last!), I'd also like to try out the soft top. The thing is I'm not quite sure how to do it. I've looked at some pictures (http://www.zianet.com/SLlover/page71o.html) to get examples of it, but I can't get the horseshoe shaped cover (that the back of the hard top rests on) to lift up. I don't want to force anything, and I've tried the handle I used to release the hard top in different positions, but it doesn't make a difference. I can't find any other catches, releases or controls to use.

So what do I do to release the soft top so I can put it up? I'm really hoping to try it out while I've got a few days of warm weather.

Thanks!

Hal

Walrus · #2 03-02-2006, 08:23 AM

Navigate to ourSL.com and click on the research link. There is a very good tutorial on working with the tops on the SL. The research page highlights a 560, but the function of the top is the same for your model. In short, the larger of the two handles rotates to a spring-loaded position, and releases the top cover.

Good luck. If the cable is mis-adjusted, the top cover may not release... Search this and other forums, mbnz.org, sl107.com, etc and you will find many posts on people who have had this problem.

HalVaughan · #3 03-02-2006, 10:12 AM

Thanks. Not just the answer I needed, but a good site overall. It's a huge help.

I didn't reallize the lever had an extra position and hadn't pushed hard enough to find out. (Didn't want to take a chance on breaking something!)

I'm still learning my way around and finding all the useful sites.

Walrus · #4 03-02-2006, 10:46 AM

I welcome you to navigate to mbnz.org. The 107 forum is hosted by me and a very knowledgable gentleman, Flyboyike. We welcome all new owners and fans of the breed known as the 107. Stop by if you get the chance, and post a pic or two...

Enjoy your ride...

RM Smith