[smack]

Went to pop my convertible boot cover to do some clean up and the passenger side latch wouldn't unlatch. Hit my trusty shop manual and figured out I better let the indie get it open. With some fiddling through the holes in the chrome cap, he was able to push the cable open. Then we saw the guilty party - the cable that runs around the top compartment to the passenger side latch - broken. I guess I shouldn't be surprised that after 34 years a few things might break. Lesson for others, check the ends out and move it all back and forth a few times to make sure it isn't binding.

 

[BenzToy]

Went to pop my convertible boot cover to do some clean up and the passenger side latch wouldn't unlatch. Hit my trusty shop manual and figured out I better let the indie get it open. With some fiddling through the holes in the chrome cap, he was able to push the cable open. Then we saw the guilty party - the cable that runs around the top compartment to the passenger side latch - broken. I guess I shouldn't be surprised that after 34 years a few things might break. Lesson for others, check the ends out and move it all back and forth a few times to make sure it isn't binding.

Was the cable frayed or the connectors worn? Is it a 'lube me now or pay me later' kind of deal?
I ask so we know what to look for.
All help appreciated.

 

[smack]

good point

Was the cable frayed or the connectors worn? Is it a 'lube me now or pay me later' kind of deal?
I ask so we know what to look for.
All help appreciated.

The end piece came off the wire at the latch end - this is the part that anchors the shell for the cable. Happened from too much pressure as a result of binding of the mechanism at the handle side. Needed to be lubricated and checked for alignment so that the parts all move freely.

 

[SSL]

Went to pop my convertible boot cover to do some clean up and the passenger side latch wouldn't unlatch. Hit my trusty shop manual and figured out I better let the indie get it open. With some fiddling through the holes in the chrome cap, he was able to push the cable open. Then we saw the guilty party - the cable that runs around the top compartment to the passenger side latch - broken. I guess I shouldn't be surprised that after 34 years a few things might break. Lesson for others, check the ends out and move it all back and forth a few times to make sure it isn't binding.

Smack,

Think this is quite a common problem. Certainly the MB Club of Great Britain has an article devoted to helping out with this occurence. Conclusion is that the cable you referred to is actually not of the highest quality!

 

[smack]

after 34 years

Smack,

Think this is quite a common problem. Certainly the MB Club of Great Britain has an article devoted to helping out with this occurence. Conclusion is that the cable you referred to is actually not of the highest quality!

It's easy to see why it's a problem. Complex little routing of a bunch of levers and rods and cable. Quality issue? I don't know - it lasted 34 years. Not too shabby. Would you happen to have the link to that article?

 

[SSL]

It's easy to see why it's a problem. Complex little routing of a bunch of levers and rods and cable. Quality issue? I don't know - it lasted 34 years. Not too shabby. Would you happen to have the link to that article?

Try this

The Mercedes-Benz Club

I agree it not to0 shabby but how many times does it get used a year once/twice?

Happy reading.

 

[SSL]

It's easy to see why it's a problem. Complex little routing of a bunch of levers and rods and cable. Quality issue? I don't know - it lasted 34 years. Not too shabby. Would you happen to have the link to that article?

smack,

apologies. I have posted the link but your problem may have benn something else although possibly inter-connected.

 

[ScottinSoCal]

I agree it not to0 shabby but how many times does it get used a year once/twice?

I guess I'm fickle. My soft top has been up and down more times than a $5 truck stop hoo...

Wait, family forum. Um. Up and down more times than a merry go round horse. Yeah. That'll work.