I'm looking for a 450SL top (just the hardtop) - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Leewolf · #1 01-15-2003, 07:45 PM

I'm looking at a mid 70s SL that is missing the hardtop. I live in southcentral Missouri but will be in California LA area and in Phoenix in Feb. Anybody know where I might find one. I have no problem traveling a reasonable distance to get it. Also, does the 80s series 380s, 500s, 560s tops fit the older 107 chassis, ie the 450 series from 73 to 1979?
I would appreciate any help. Thanks Lee

maheath · #2 01-15-2003, 08:12 PM

The only differences that I know of between hardtops is first, does it have a heated rear window (defroster), and second, if it does, are the elements vertical or horizontal.

To my knowledge, any hardtop originally made for the 107 chassis should fit any 107 chassis convertible. Whether the vehicle has a rear defroster or not only matters if you want to use it. A hardtop with a heated rear window will still fit on a 107 without a defroster, the wires will just hang. A hardtop with a plain back window will still fit on a 107 with a rear defroster, you just won't be able to defrost the rear window.

I haven't seen any hardtops that didn't have the heated rear glass (although they do exist), but there are two types of heated rear glass, Single Sheet Safety and Compound Safety. Last year the Compound Safety Glass had a dealer list price of $810. The moral of this story is don't buy a hardtop with a cracked rear window thinking that you can replace it cheaply. BTW, the Compound Safety Glass has vertical elements in the window that are very difficult to see. I believe the Single Sheet Glass has horizontal elements, but I've never seen one up close. Oh, I think the rear defroster started with the '75 model year, but may have been an option early on.

Also, shipping costs for the hardtop are typically in the $200-$400 range.

I've seen hardtops on eBay sell anywhere from $100-$500. Most of those in the $200-$300 range, although I haven't followed that for several months now. Every so often you see some crackpot trying to sell his hardtop for $5,000 because dealer list is somewhere above $7,500.

Don't ask me why I know all this.

Leewolf · #3 01-15-2003, 09:31 PM

Mike, Thanks for your reply and info. I will check out Ebay. Lee

tjohn · #4 01-15-2003, 09:51 PM

It's been several months now, but when I last ordered from Partsshop Phil had a 450SL hard top sitting around. You could check and see if he still has it available.

Good Luck.

#5 01-16-2003, 12:44 AM

Consider if you really need one.

Representing a minority opinion (apparently), I think SL's should always be driven with the top down. If it's raining before you leave home, take a different car; if it starts raining while you're out, put the soft top up to get home.

Quite obviously, this protocol assumes a 2nd vehicle - aka the reliable, cheap-to-maintain, daily driver - and a garage.

maheath · #6 01-16-2003, 11:36 AM

This is advice from someone who lives in the Seattle area? When are you going to drive your SL?

I haven't had my hardtop on since I installed a new softop last Spring. Then again, the 560SL hasn't been starting for 3 weeks now.

G-Benz · #7 01-16-2003, 05:30 PM

Mine is a R129, but I share the same sentiment.

My wife does not care for the hardtop, so it just spends its days suspended in the garage. The top has been on twice since our 3-yr. ownership. That includes the day I picked the top up from the dealership...

cbdo · #8 01-19-2003, 09:55 AM

For a contrary point of view: In south central MO, it gets Hot And Humid, as I recall. I'm up in Michigan and just got my 107, but in my old Mustang ('73, owned 1987-2001) I found that sitting in traffic at 95 sunny&humid degrees with the top down was not Having a Good Time, and it wound up being a serious garage queen--not my purpose in having a play car. MB heating and cooling have never been the most overwhelming, and (of course) the ragtop doesn't insulate as well as the hard shell. I'm betting you decide that in the worst of the heat you're not taking the Benz unless it's got the hardtop on and the AC working perfectly.

Leewolf · #9 01-19-2003, 10:28 AM

I had a 79 SL when I lived in Phoenix. The hard top was a necessity in the summer. Also, I concur regarding the heating and cooling systems. Here in MO I had (totaled 2 weeks ago) a 79 SLC, you are right about the hot sun and humidity. Got to have the hard top.

WRM · #10 02-20-2003, 06:14 PM

I have a hard top if you still need it. It's yellow with a palamino headliner.

4NDELIT · #11 02-21-2003, 10:18 AM

I've been told the hard top helps your car handle better (stiffens up the suspension, less body twist), but I use it because it's safer, and there are a LOT of stupid drivers in san diego (one drop of rain, and everybody crashes. Thank god for limited slip differential).