560sl hardtop fit - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

sms · #1 10-17-2003, 08:20 AM

I've had my hardtop off for 2 years now and last night decided to reinstall. I have a hoist and lowered it in place and then latched all the connections, but it seems that the rear is not down far enough. The rear pin is latching, but its just not going down enough. There is a 3/4" gap at the rear. Do I need to have someone push on the back while I latch the rear hook or is there something else wrong? How tight shoud this top be? The front and middle latches are snug!

Thanks,

Steve

neileg · #2 10-17-2003, 11:48 AM

Sounds about right. The top on a 107 always has a gap like that. Yes, I know it doesn't look right, but it is!

Peter Guenther · #3 10-17-2003, 12:07 PM

Did you pull the handle down like you did on the soft top. Latching and pull down are two steps, as long as you dont see daylight between the body and roof it would seem proper. Did you check to see if the right and left latches (rear) were tuned properly so that they would line up, and then were able to be turned with the handle to the lock position.

sms · #4 10-19-2003, 01:29 AM

Is this amount of gap between top and body in the picture normal for a 560sl hardtop?

cbdo · #5 10-19-2003, 07:38 AM

I'm sure they'll vary a bit from car to car, but mine measures about 3/8" gap at the center rear, and fits tightly with no leaks.

Steve Gutman · #6 10-20-2003, 05:01 PM

There are 5 tie down points on the top. It sounds like the rear 2 are not "disengaged". Be sure all 4 tie down spots ore accepting the "bayonettes" then tighten them down before securing the rear ratchet hook.

Steve Gutman · #7 10-20-2003, 05:56 PM

THe rear lock down bayonettes are adjustable. There is a threaded part to the spear end and it can be raised or lowered (when off the vehicle) by turning them.

Hope this helps...

cbdo · #8 10-20-2003, 08:25 PM

Most importantly, you're interested in whether the top is held down tight onto the body to seal out water, etc. A thought that comes to mind is to lay a few sheets of printer paper over the area the top contacts, then install the top over them. Obviously, they should be held firmly in place and resist your trying to pull them out. If that works, the gap at the rear isn't important; you've got a good seal to the body.