380SL Soft Top Gasket Replacement

[82mercedes380sl]

The soft top on our '82 380sl is in great shape except that the rubber gaskets all need to be replaced. Replacement parts are easy enough to find but can someone help with some instructions as to how to remove the old gasket and clean up the headliner (the last owner really did a botched repair job on the gaskets in one spot) and install the new gaskets. Type of adhesive, prep of the headliner etc. Any help walking through this would really be appreciated!

[Strife]

This is not difficult - scraping the old stuff out with a plastic or wooden scraper (NOT a metal one) will work. They surface doesn't have to be spotless, but it must not be lumpy.

I've had good luck with using aftermarket gaskets for the horizontal and vertical gaskets around the windows as well as for the top strip. It is a little tricky to trim them so that everything folds right, but remember that it is easier to make things shorter than it is to make things longer.

My original factory gaskets used a MINIMAL amount of cement. If the gaskets are good, the function of the cement is to hold it in place, that's all. The seals themselves do the sealing. Use more at the ends, particularly on the top front gasket.

Use a PLASTIC or wood "stuffer", with a not-too-sharp end. I've used a paint stirring stick and a plastic spatula sawed down a bit from the hardware store. I would not recommend using a screwdriver, although perhaps a really wide-blade one would work if you were very careful. Stuff only a few inches at a time. Avoid "stretching" while doing this.

New seals are very flexible, so I would consider doing a "test fit" before putting in the (again, minimal amount) of adhesive. These adhesives work best if you put some down on both objects to be mated, wait a bit, and then assemble. It's very messy, but don't panic -if your car is well waxed, it will just come off when dry. Using the minimal amount will create a minimal mess. I used a q-tip to spread the adhesive.

[82mercedes380sl]

Thanks for the information, just wondering what type of adhesive were you using? Appreciate all the help!

[Strife]

I used 3M (sort of a yellow/neutral color) and a black German adhesive (can't remember the name). Both worked well but follow the instructions and don't go nuts with it - Mercedes didn't when they built the car.

[82mercedes380sl]

Thanks Much let you know when we're done.