hard top release levers
 

thanks again for the oil pressure info:

the hard top has been on my car since 1984 !! we managed to get it off ..but the chrome part of the two piece lever does not release the catch on the rear mounting.

It was very stiff (to be expected)... I had to refit the hard top and, of course,its stuck again. (We did lubricate the cables and fittings)

any advice please

Unfortunately, you need to remove the top again. There's a post by gillybenztech that explains how to make a tool from a small screwdriver that makes it easier. You need to move the pin in the compartment off the pin in the top.

If you look closely at the cable where it goes through the top compartment to the lever, you will notice a clamp/adjuster on the outside piece of the cable. This adjuster can be used to take up slack in the cable, and thus move the hold-down pin more when you move the lever.

Hard to explain, but easy once you observe the cable and how it moves the piece in the latch.

Thank you Chuck How do I find the "gillybenztech" post, please

Sorry!
 

Got the name wrong. It's "gilly".

So you go to "Search", Advanced Search, look for "screwdriver" in Posts by User "Gilly", and you should find the following:

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/mercedes-benz-sl-discussion-forum/117594-hard-top-stuck.html?highlight=screwdriver

once again...thank you Chuck... really helpful

bending screwdriver now !!

Once you get the hardtop off, you have to adjust (tighten) the cable. Sometime the cable has to be replaced.

as chuck says it should be obvious once you are in there but I will add that you make sure the cables are lubricated, use a spray on grease, just be careful to clean up as to not get it all over your softop!. If you find something in there that is broken , let me know I have a complete soft top parts unit
Good luck

thanks again to everyone for all the advice