How do I replace rag top on 560 ? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

muddywaters03 · #1 05-01-2008, 10:02 AM

need some advice on how to replace canvas top

Tims450SL · #2 05-02-2008, 02:04 AM

dont try it at home!

Pete Geither · #3 05-02-2008, 05:49 AM

Yeah,,, if I remember, that is a MAJOR deal, best left to the pros.

donbryce · #4 05-02-2008, 09:35 AM

Well, I guess I'd have to politely disagree that only a 'pro' can do this, as I'm going to tackle my top on my 560SL in a month or so. Granted, it is a job for someone with the skill set required, so if you can do upholstery installation, or similar work, armed with the right instructions, I believe it can be done by a non-pro. I know there are several here that have done so (and a few that wouldn't go there again).
Here's a link to one instructional bit that might give you an idea of what's involved http://www.vcnet.com/worlduph/mbtopinstall.htm There are very few good documentaries out there, at least that I could find. What I did was buy a copy of the Robbins video off EBay. The same is available for a price from Robbins too.
As to what top to buy, I started a thread on this but received few responses. Maybe I should bump it now that the nice weather is finally here and others are looking at replacement.....

dugald · #5 05-02-2008, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by donbryce

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As to what top to buy, I started a thread on this but received few responses. Maybe I should bump it now that the nice weather is finally here and others are looking at replacement.....

There is an excellent thread on this topic on benzworld.org

Tims450SL · #6 05-04-2008, 12:10 AM

4 hours of all that off that site from above? I guarantee I will pay someone...My gosh that is not for the novice to tackle. My guy out here in s fla quoted me 200 to install...not bad 50 a hour. But I know that there would be some major issue and I would get stuck in the middle of it.

ScottinSoCal · #7 05-04-2008, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by donbryce

Well, I guess I'd have to politely disagree that only a 'pro' can do this, as I'm going to tackle my top on my 560SL in a month or so. Granted, it is a job for someone with the skill set required, so if you can do upholstery installation, or similar work, armed with the right instructions, I believe it can be done by a non-pro.

My sister and I replaced the soft top on her 450SL - exact same procedure as your 560SL. It took us a couple of days (with lots of breaks) and our skill set is me watching a guy while he replaced my soft top. She sews. Her top turned out better than mine because we took our time and did every step carefully. You'll want to have someone else to help with it, there are parts where two people are pretty much required.

Strife · #8 05-06-2008, 01:25 AM

This can be done, but it's definitely a high-commitment, full-weekend job (at least the first time). I'm putting the finishing touches on mine, which turned out fairly well. There are a lot of subtleties that aren't even mentioned in the WU instructions. Assuming that the old top is installed well, take LOTS of pictures before removal, especially at the front and its underside and vertical parts to the rear of the front windows.

Of the many surprises I found, the top nylon straps had stretched, which I repositioned and retightened; the elastic straps that force the middle bow up when you open the top had to be replaced (I found better-than-original replacements at a fabric store).

the rear bow height needed significant adjustment.

The rear gasket is a B#$%#$%. The front gasket and sealing this area is a DOUBLE B@#$@#$, particularly if you use the aftermarket front seal.

Not mentioned either is the top "first closing". If you did the installation right, it WILL be tight - mine was so tight it took everything I had to stretch and close it. After a day and a half in the sun, it's better now. They don't call it "stretching a top" for nothing.

I would like to see a pro do this _well_ in four hours (note that the four hours don't include removing the old top and taking off most of the glue from the top and its bows, which is at least three hours to do a credible job).

I found the cause, prevention, and solution for a "screwed-up" rear lip curl-up problem which many people experience with their tops, which I will describe later.

I got the top at a distressed price from a pawn shop that found it in the trunk of a car. Unfortunately, it had developed a few wrinkles while in storage that may or may not eventually come out. But this was a top for my "driver" so hopefully I won't make the same mistakes and have the same frustrations the second time. This was a quality top and it fundamentally it fit very well; I'd hate to see a novice try to fit a bargain, 'not-quite-great-fit' top.

I did this alone, which is just as well, because it was like a Tourette's Syndrome convention all weekend.

ScottinSoCal · #9 05-06-2008, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Strife

Not mentioned either is the top "first closing". If you did the installation right, it WILL be tight - mine was so tight it took everything I had to stretch and close it.

This is where I had my sister go get a bucket of water and a couple of sponges. We soaked the top good before we pulled it into place. Then she pulled it out into the sun to let it dry. I told her to soak it and let it dry a couple more times over the course of a week before she put it down the first time.

And yeah, that rear seal is a huge pain in the a$$.