[Mellops]

Hi everyone,

I brought my 1982 380sl to Germany and by now the time has come that I have to change the convertable roof.

Unfortunately the cheapest ones in Germany are 600$ and above.
I am now thinking of ordering one from the US since they sell for 340$ including shipping.

But before I fo I was wondering if anyone has experiences with those cheap versions from ebay?

Mercedes R107 560SL 380SL 450SL Convertible Soft Top 1972-1989 BROWN STAYFAST | eBay

Mercedes R107 280SL 560SL 380SL 450SL Convertible Soft top 1972-89 Black GERMAN | eBay


Here 2 examples of ebay offers for arround 300$.

Would be great if someone could share his/her experiences with this kind of rooftops. Do they fit, how do they look, are they good built etc.

Thanks in advance.

Best,
Lucas

 

[dugald]

Your links don't work for me.

 

[cwmoser]

I installed a German Sonnenland Canvas Convertible top like this:
Mercedes W107 280SL 560SL 380SL 450SL German Sonnenland Convertible Top 1972-89 | eBay

It was very high quality, installed well, and looked like OEM. In fact its advertised as "OEM material".

BUT, I suspect this canvas is thicker than OEM as when folding the top down it tends to pull on the Soft Top compartments weather seal. Certainly it could be the way I installed it but I have heard others stating the same thing. My solution to this rubbing issue is to use slick plastic sheets when folding the top. Still, looks-wise, it is spot on.

 

[dugald]

I installed a GAHH top in the premium material. Like Carl's, it looks fine but is difficult to fold into its compartment. If I were to do it again, I would choose a thinner canvas.
OP, there are several previous threads on this subject. Try a search for more info.

 

[okyoureabeast]

Take a look at these guys. Roncarlo recommends them and they're really close to me!

https://www.germanautotops.com/

 

[MBGraham]

Your links don't work for me.

They did work for me. Maybe they were fixed!

Anyway, I purchased my top from that vendor - Diamond Mall. No problems dealing with them. I think they are an internet outlet for another top manufacturer (Germanex, I think?)

I chose the higher priced one made from German cloth. It is very heavy duty. Maybe too heavy because it doesn't fold that easily and catches on the rim of the boot opening. When up, it looks good inside and out.

The Stayfast would be lighter. A few forum members bought the Stayfast tops and seemed to like them. If I ever did it again, I might look at the lighter Stayfast. But would do some checking first:

> What is Stayfast Canvas?
Stayfast is specially made Fabric (Canvas) material for convertible tops. Stayfast Canvas looks similar to tent material.
Stayfast is also very commonly used on replacement tops for European cars as a less expensive alternative to the Original German Canvas or Sonnendeck Canvas.
Construction: A three ply composite made of 100% acrylic square weave outer fabric, a butyl rubber inner layer and a 100% cotton drill lining fabric. Excellent Wrinkle Resistance, Superior U.V. Resistance, Superior Weatherability, Excellent Durability & Excellent Low Temp. Flexibility.
Original Equipment:
USA: Chevrolet, Camaro, Dodge Viper, Plymouth Prowler, Pontiac Firebird EUROPE: Alpha Romeo Spider, Lotus Elise, Rover MGF, Peugeot 306, RR Bentley Azure
JAPAN: Toyota Celica, Mazda Miata

 

[Aussiemerc]

German Auto Tops

Take a look at these guys. Roncarlo recommends them and they're really close to me!

https://www.germanautotops.com/

I bought one- very good quality. I'm making it's installation a very long long long job. My fault not the top!

 

[Mellops]

Thanks a lot for your answers. I think I will order from the US then, saving some money.

Now I just have to decide if I want the thinker more sturdy or thinner better foldable

 

[MBGraham]

Take a look at these guys. Roncarlo recommends them and they're really close to me!

https://www.germanautotops.com/

I had trouble dealing with that company (owner John Oganesyan) when I bought carpets. They never fitted and the company never did anything to correct the situation. There is a thread here somewhere with pictures.

It's when things go wrong that a tiger shows it's real stripes

By the way, GermanAutoTops sometimes trades under name QualityTopsandInteriors on eBay.
I read that Diamond Mall tops were made by Germanex. But then I also read that they were also perhaps sold by Autoberry and D.D.Auto Accessories.
It is sometimes hard to know who you are dealing with when buying on-line, especially eBay. Many are just resellers, not manufacturers.

Might be best to buy from an established company. But who are they? Robbins are one who has been around for a long time. But wonder if there is a resource somewhere that rates convertible tops? My original was a Robbins and my present one Diamond Mall. No difference that I could notice.

TopsonLine appear to be a reseller, but do have a good web page and offer three choices including Robbins.
https://www.topsonline.com/model/Co...L,_450SL,_500SL_And_560SL_(Chassis_R107).html