R129 - Soft top manufacturers - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

LeaUK · #1 09-17-2006, 02:17 PM

I'm having real difficulty in locating an authentic replacement top for my baby.
Large thread on UK forum - http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=26860

Here's the simple criteria

1. Must use Wopavin flex-glass at 1.5mm and 1.25mm thickness for rear quarter and centre plastic

2. Flex glass must be stitched

3. Must use Sonnenland canvas (or send me a sample to review)

4. Must have piping around the edges

5. Preferable to have the rubber strip that runs horizontally across the canvas between the front and rear sections.

Here are the companies I have reviewed:

Aresma GmbH
Eurotop GmbH
GAHH (US)
Prestige Auto (UK)

None of the above meet the min requirements so just wondering if anyone can suggest alternative manufacturers?

Cheers
Lea

BenzToy · #2 09-19-2006, 04:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LeaUK

I'm having real difficulty in locating an authentic replacement top for my baby.
Large thread on UK forum - http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=26860

Here's the simple criteria

1. Must use Wopavin flex-glass at 1.5mm and 1.25mm thickness for rear quarter and centre plastic

2. Flex glass must be stitched

3. Must use Sonnenland canvas (or send me a sample to review)

4. Must have piping around the edges

5. Preferable to have the rubber strip that runs horizontally across the canvas between the front and rear sections.

Here are the companies I have reviewed:

Aresma GmbH
Eurotop GmbH
GAHH (US)
Prestige Auto (UK)

None of the above meet the min requirements so just wondering if anyone can suggest alternative manufacturers?

Cheers
Lea

The simple criteria may require a custom fabrication. Pricey, but sometimes you get what you pay for. Possibly a local?

jjrodger · #3 09-19-2006, 08:58 AM

I suppose dealer supply is out of the question? I wonder whether this is why the dealer's part is so much more expensive than the those offered by other suppliers: are they cutting corners somewhere? Good luck. I have resolved simply to buy a new Mercedes hood in the spring. I've got plenty of time to save up until then!

Red SL · #4 09-19-2006, 03:36 PM

I don't have an answer for you, but I do have a question.

I realize you have done extensive research; out of the hood you have sampled thus far; how would you rate them? Beginning with one, two, three, etc…. Thanks.

LeaUK · #5 09-20-2006, 04:17 PM

JJ

I am slowly coming to the same conclusion also, although I don't think it's down solely to cost as all the features I request are not particularly expensive.

I suspect that third party manufacturers simply don't think there is a market and that the customer either wont know or care - so why not save a few pounds/dollars!

Maybe next spring you would be so kind and post several pictures comparing the old against the new top as what happens if the new MB top doesn't replicate the old? That for me would be disastrous. Spend 4 times the amount on a MB hood and still receive something that only matches typical aftermarket replacements.

Would love to find a manufacturer's name inside the hood also, JJ, please do post as many pics as you can as I would be sincerely grateful. I've spent 6 months trying to locate a quality replacement hood and although some exist none seem to offer the full replication - maybe a market here after all?

Red SL

That's a tough question, and only because the problem I'm finding is that after the initial correspondence I can't get any further information from the suppliers! So frustrating.

Here's a summary of as much as I know (not in any particular order):

Aresma

Not Sonnenland canvas but the sample is identical and it's manufactured in their own facility

Flex-glass is correct thickness and Wopavin

Have no picture

Can't tell if flex-glass is stitched

Eurotop

Quote:

Our top is manufactured like the original one (with stronger
windows)

Their tops are advertised with the correct thickness Wopavin but this reply doesn't install much confidence and contradicts their ads.

They advertise Sonnenland but haven't confirmed it's use by email

Pictures seem to indicate flex-glass is stitched but cannot confirm

GAHH

Used by my local fitters.

Confirmed use of Sonnenland

Stitched flex-glass

Not Wopavin, probably Ultralite

Prestige Auto

Confirmed use of Sonnenland

Think flex-glass is heat welded

Flex-glass isn't correct thickness (it's 1mm), they will not reveal manufacturer

Recommend I purchase new soft top from Benz!

See, a nightmare!

CarHood Warehouse

Are only fitters and purchase their hoods for US.

Rear windows are not Wopavin

I guess they buy their hoods from GAHH!

Recommend I purchase from MB!

Cheers
Lea

jjrodger · #6 09-21-2006, 03:09 AM

I will expect perfection at the dealer's price: GBP800 for the rear section alone with fitting on top. I just will not be able to afford a new front section at the same time, notwithstanding the advice that I replace both at once. As well as this, I'm looking for new (stock) wheels, new engine and transmission mounts, and a possible suspension overhaul...

Red SL · #7 02-08-2007, 02:47 PM

Finally had the 300SL soft top replaced. Top came from California US. These guys changed the whole top in one day and the price for the top and labor was less than 1K. The top fits well and looks good.

peter serbanica · #8 02-10-2007, 08:44 PM

Hello, I install tops made by GAHH. They may make German canvas tops with wopavin plastic windows. However, the plastic made in the US will probabally last as long if you keep it clean always using a wet clean towel. I only use the sonnenland canvas mand ib Germany. Jack at GAHH will answer all your questions and is very helpful. I also use the factory top and find they are much too tight and expensive, not worth the extra money. Thanks and good luck!!!1

LeaUK · #9 02-12-2007, 02:28 PM

From my previous post:

Quote:

GAHH

Used by my local fitters.

Confirmed use of Sonnenland

Stitched flex-glass

Not Wopavin, probably Ultralite

GAHH confirmed by email that their R129 window material is not manufactured from Wopavin.

SL600 V12 · #10 02-14-2007, 09:23 AM

Do you have another link to KHM's site? The first one does not appear to be working.

LeaUK · #11 02-17-2007, 03:06 PM

Yeah sure..

http://www.cabrio.de/

peter serbanica · #12 02-18-2007, 05:09 PM

Gahh.com makes a fine top use sonnenland only. I install many of these. Ask for Jack he will help you!!!! Good luck

LeaUK · #13 02-24-2007, 03:53 AM

Peter

Many thanks for the tip, however this thread clearly states that GAHH do not use original wopavin plastic window material, therefore no matter how good GAHH sonnerland material is their hoods are not authentic!

Lea

peter serbanica · #14 03-02-2007, 07:47 PM

Very true, but wopavin is as good as plastic made in USA. Besides, if you use the hardtop, your top will last just as long. That is my experience. I have installed and replaced plastic windows on the 129 tops since 1990!!!!!

LeaUK · #15 03-11-2007, 07:37 AM

Hi Peter

Quote:

Very true, but wopavin is as good as plastic made in USA

you mean plastic made in the USA is as good as the original German Wopavin I suspect.

Thanks for adding your experiences of the USA material, do you know the Manufacturer and brand? - I suspect it's Ultralite BUV.

Taking a look at the photos of this material way back in this thread and the owner's personal comments, it looks flimsy and softer to me which may have audible consequences at higher speeds..?

Cheers
Lea