81 Mercedes 380sl need to replace soft top - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

dima4855 · #1 04-25-2006, 03:04 AM

Guys,
Got a 81 Mercedes 380sl and my black sof top has 5 holes in it.
Where to buy a replacment?
Is it hard to install or should I pay a local shop to do it for 800 dollars with parts?

kbannister · #2 04-25-2006, 06:22 AM

Here is a website that has all the stuff you need to either DYI or have it installed. It is not an easy job to put one on, very teadious. They have instructions available.

www.worlduph.com

Quality stuff very close to original MFG

Pierre560sl · #3 04-25-2006, 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dima4855

Guys,
Got a 81 Mercedes 380sl and my black sof top has 5 holes in it.
Where to buy a replacment?
Is it hard to install or should I pay a local shop to do it for 800 dollars with parts?

I have bought a top from online from cabrioworld and I am very pleased with it. It looks like the original. Same outside color, inside with the same doby pattern material. The only noticeable difference is that there is no MB logo printed in the windows.
Regarding the installation I have decided to do it myself. It took me 2 full days
Nothing really difficult, but since it is glued with contact ciment it's a little stressfull when you decide to actually bond it. It does not allow much adjustment. But hey, the aftermarket top fit just where it's supposed to be.
Pierre.

dima4855 · #4 04-26-2006, 03:48 AM

what did it end up costing you?

maheath · #5 04-27-2006, 08:31 PM

If you decide to do it yourself, search back through this forum. There has been a lot of good information posted about doing the work yourself. It is time consuming and if you're not a perfectionist, you should probably just pay someone to do it.

The canvas is in the $400 range. Your choice of adhesive will make a big difference. I used 3M Super Trim Adhesive with the frame off the car. If I were to do it again, I wouldn't use a spray adhesive. But it didn't setup immediately, which was a good thing.

kbannister · #6 04-27-2006, 10:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by maheath

Your choice of adhesive will make a big difference. I used 3M Super Trim Adhesive with the frame off the car. If I were to do it again, I wouldn't use a spray adhesive. But it didn't setup immediately, which was a good thing.

Funny you should say that, I used Goop's marine adhesive in a tube and decided if I did it again, I would use a spray adhesive because of the ease in coating both the canvas and the frame....