I have a German one that is inset from the soft top cover. Its a Windschott . looks good and works well.

 

I have the Aperta version. It looks great up or down as you noted because it it recessed just below the level of the rear deck. Functionally it creates a pretty dramatic reduction in wind buffeting while driving top-down. Very satisfied with it.


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I’ve got an Oris in a box in my garage. Feel free to contact me before you bite the bullet on an “aftermarket” one.

 

 

I had a “raceland” one that was a real disappointment:

• too low to stop the airflow like the Oris ones I’ve used
• bar at top interferes with line of sight through rear view mirror
• screen material was too dark to see through well.
• tore the vinyl on my parcel shift side panels or boot I think.
• hard to install and remove compared to the Oris.

I dumped that thing like a hot potato. I know reports of LTD are very good. The price they charge for them seems to be high enough to find a used Oris one. I don’t know anything about the other brand.

 

Hi Ned,
I'm owning a "windschott" from auto-centro, made of acrylic glass. That's looks outstanding and works well!

Manufaktur für Auto-Zubehör, Auto-Fußmatten, Auto-Koffer-Systeme und Textilien für Auto-Liebhaber

Shop für individuelle Auto-Fußmatten, individuellen Kofferset und Taschen, Cabrio-Windschott, und Accessoires mit individuellem Auto- und Boots-Motiven für Auto- und Bootsliebhaber

www.auto-centro.de

Not cheap but worth every Euro/Dollar. Later I can apply some pictures to this thread but so far: because of the acrylic glass part you don't have any interference when looking in the mirror or while looking to you car.
I really hate this "fly-screen"-look of these standard wind deflectors - horrible.
The Auto-Centro-part is installed by hangig it into the soft top cover - very easy and quick.
@RaceDiagnostics built a DIY-version

Windabweiser Reparatur

Windabweiser Reparatur

sternzeit-107.de

Martin

 

Hi Ned,
I'm owning a "windschott" from auto-centro, made of acrylic glass. That's looks outstanding and works well!

Manufaktur für Auto-Zubehör, Auto-Fußmatten, Auto-Koffer-Systeme und Textilien für Auto-Liebhaber

Shop für individuelle Auto-Fußmatten, individuellen Kofferset und Taschen, Cabrio-Windschott, und Accessoires mit individuellem Auto- und Boots-Motiven für Auto- und Bootsliebhaber

www.auto-centro.de

...
Martin

That looks like the same type of attachment to the parcel shelf walls (and side panels) that disappointed me with the raceland one is owned. They “clearly” solved the vision issue of the raceland one, but accessing stuff in the parcel shelf seems easier with the ones that attach to the soft top boot/cover, because they swing up and out of the way with the boot. The Oris one also installs with two simple latches. I guess that hardware is more expensive the replicate. I wonder if there are patent infringement issues with copying the elegant Oris design or something. You could probably 3D print all that pretty easily these days.


Edit:
Quick google search turned up this video while I was searching for Alperta windschott. The start of this video shows what looks like the “raceland” one that disappointed me so. Check out how the wind blocker only blocks the right side of the headrest. And how much time they take to install (the first time I guess).

Edit2:
The LTD appears to cover the heads of the occupants much better IMO:

Mercedes 380sl, 450sl, 560sl Model 107, 1972 to 1989 Wind Deflector. Wind Deflectors Go By Many Names : Wind Screen, Windscreen, Windstop, Wind Blocker, and Wind Jammer Amazon.com: Mercedes 380sl, 450sl, 560sl Model 107, 1972 to 1989 Wind Deflector. Wind Deflectors Go By Many Names : Wind Screen, Windscreen, Windstop, Wind Blocker, and Wind Jammer: Automotive



Edit3:
This “K&R” looks to me like this same design as the “raceland” one I had, but it is probably a better design with one rear and one side mount on each side instead of two side mounts on each side. Still looks like it would be a disappointment.

K & R Windschott kompatibel für Mercedes Benz SL R107 W107 Cabrio Hochwertiges MARKENWINDSCHOTT : Amazon.de: Auto & Motorrad

Kaufen Sie K & R Windschott kompatibel für Mercedes Benz SL R107 W107 Cabrio Hochwertiges MARKENWINDSCHOTT im Auto & Motorrad-Shop auf Amazon.de. Große Auswahl und Gratis Lieferung durch Amazon ab 29€.

www.amazon.de

Edit4:
Thanks for the link to the alperta. It looks like a much better copy of the Oris than anything else I’ve seen. MERCEDES-BENZ R107 SL WIND DEFLECTOR ORIGINAL DESIGN 1971-1989 WINDABWEISER NEU | eBay

 

The attachment works perfect. I cannot imagine, what kind of problem could appear, also the first installation was done in a minute. Since that it's since 3 years on use.
What I didn't liked were the 4 shabby metal hooks. Before fist installation I wrapped them with heat shrink tube...

The performance of the deflector is great, even when it looks smaller than other, maybe it's because of the material.
But (I repeat) especially the look is outstanding, from in- and outside. No fly-screen.
Attached you find 2 pictures, one with deflector in work-position, one without. Its hard to see the difference on first sight.
Before you buy a Product: Importend is to check the accessibility and movement of the Softtopcover-crank handles. Some deflectors are blocking these partly. Here in this case it's working all fine.

 

very nice. Thank you

 

I am looking for a wind deflector for my '84 380SL. Given that Oris OEM is no longer available, a majority of the past discussion has about do-it-yourself, Aperta or Love the Drive (LtD). Most of it is a year or more old. So I would like to get some current comment if any is available. It appears that LtD has only one model. The LtD looks nice but that part the covers the back well sits on top of the top cover. The units made by Aperta are offered by multiple sellers including Cabrio Supply. The problem is there seems to be more than one option from Aperta as there are multiple prices. The more expensive option is call "original design". But the descriptions really don't tell you which one is better, or provide any info so the buyer can make an informed decision. There have also been comments about the Aperta driver's side latch interfering with operation of the top handle.

So I have 2 questions, one of which may be considered a matter of taste. The cars with Aperta look cleaner to me because the screen covering the well is flush or slightly inset with the with the trunk lid compared to the LtD which sits on the top cover. I think the Aperta will look better. How does everyone feel about this? Is there a practical reason that the LtD design would win our over the inset look? I am hesitant to make the commitment until I get more info about the correct version of Aperta, or other options. Advice would be most appreciated

Now that I’ve seen the “Alperta”, I think I can comment and say that their “original design” is a functional copy of the Oris. The Oris still looks more elegant and less likely to tear the vinyl on the boot than what I see of the Alperta / Cabrio Supply “original design”, but it looks like it is functionally equal to the Oris or Love The Drive brands in the way the screen is hinged in the correct place and mounted to the boot (not the walls). I can’t speak for its screen quality.


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Thanks to everyone for your comments and to Fonzi for taking time to speak with me. I've ordered the "original design" Aperta from Cabrio Supply.

Mercedes-Benz SL-Class R107 Wind Deflector Original Design 1971-1989 | Cabrio Supply

<p><strong>What's in the box<br /></strong>1 x Wind deflector<br />1 x Installation manual</p> <p><strong>What tools are needed<br /></strong>There are <strong>no tools</strong> needed. The wind deflector uses spring loaded snap locks and can be fitted wi

www.cabriosupply.com

It's cold here in CT so it will be some time before I can report on satisfaction.
I exchanged mails with "Harry" at Cabrio and he provided a pic and some that might prove useful.

 

The Aperta ist one of the most high-grade parts, but as well is this the one that may produce interference with the crank/handle

 

Thanks. I asked Harry about that. He requested that I send pics.. Th small blocks are needed for my vehicle. He says the crank will work with small blocks.

 

Go ahead and get the adapter blocks but they should not be needed for an '84. They are need for '82 and earlier models.

I noticed they also sell the Love The Drive model for over $200.00 more than on Amazon.

 

Thanks. I reread the mail. It did not say small blocks. It said it would use the small bracket for the mounting, and that it will not obstruct the crank handle,.

 

I think that’s right about the crank potentially interfering on the early models that require the blocks with the Oris.

The situation is that the boot got taller around 1982, and the Oris windscreen was seemingly designed to work with the 1982-1989 with no blocks. I bought supposedly the last two pairs of blocks from MBUSA probably around 2011-2012. They are just plastic blocks that secure well to the bottom of the Oris (or the boot, can’t recall) which essentially just make the 1971-1981 boot the same height (top to bottom) as the 1982-1989 boot. It seems Alperta has copied this part of the Oris design too. It’s probably easiest for them to include these blocks with all sales of their screens. I don’t recall if the blocks were included with new MB Oris purchases, but I was able to buy them separately from MB for about $17/pair.

I also made a set of blocks from Brazilian walnut which aren’t quite as good as the original plastic MB USA parts. I still have them. I think @SheppyMach may have the pair of blocks I used on my first MB, my 1973 450sl. I could potentially get them and see if my daughter and I could 3D print replicas if there’s is demand for them.


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Sold mine.


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Great info on wind deflectors. Based on this I purchased the Aperta original. The wind deflector works great however I have a problem when opening the shelf. It is not in the way of the handle, but the small blocks get stuck under the metal lip of the car. I have to release the latches for the wind deflector and pull the blocks out for the shelf to open. Has anyone else had this issue?

 

Yes I recently got an Alperta wind screen and have the same problem. I’ve been inspired by @Andya’s 3D printing superpowers, and I have this idea I could print a smaller block that won’t interfere with hard/soft top locking lever. Will let you know how this goes.

 

I don't have an Aperta but I also need to tilt the seat forward for access to the shelf.

 

Will do.

 

Just to stir it up more I got mine from here. Airax wind deflector for R107 280, 300, 350, 380, 420, 450, 560 SL Windabweiser Windscherm Windstop Wind deflector déflecteur de vent Was able to request the frame in a matching color, Just email them.

No interference with the handle. Locks In place when you close the boot cover. Easy and clean.

 

That looks like my Raceland wind deflector.
The hangers didn't work well and need to fabricate something a little better.

 

Aperta looks to have the original design and a cheaper design. The original has clamping connectors, plus a rear pad that pushes against the boot cover. The cheaper one has connectors very similar to the Airax. They're slightly different shape as well. An original Oris on the right for comparison. A refurbished Oris will run you ~€950, if you can even find one.

 

For completeness:
CabrioFactory (also out of the Netherlands... what is it with windscreens and the Netherlands) has a third design that is somewhere between the two above. It only has three mount points, but looks to cover the whole of the shelf area (so not compatible with kinder-seats). This doesn't show up on searches, but they offer free shipping to the US. (no shipping option to Canada though ) Might be they no longer make it and are just clearing out old inventory.

Love the Drive has another design that sits on top of the rear deck, but has probably the best connector hardware, as it clips in similar to the original design, but with looks like a short length of chain. Easy on, easy off. These are made in Canada (probably by Dutch immigrants).

 

I found the master thread: wind blocker screen question

Some other considerations from my research:

The clip-mount version will raise/lower with the boot cover, but sits on top of it when folded down. The clip may impede the cover release, but this seems solvable by "moving" it (which I take to mean rotating its mounting position?) It's also slightly wider.

The less-expensive style does not move with the cover, but sits below the boot cover for a sleeker look. The lower installation may impede the rear view. It also seems to be a bit smaller to allow for kinderseats.

Also both styles are available branded as Airax from windschott.de / chromdesign.de and look identical, so either someone is ripping someone else off, or it's a rebranding exercise.

And finally, we all missed out by not buying Oris's when we had the chance

 

Nice job Joser!

 

No need to cut. the soft top "crank" comes right off. There is no alignment to indicate a "factory position". You can remove it and attach it on the splines in a different orientation. In fact, I don't even know how it came from factory.

Remove the little cover on the handle using a small screwdriver. It is a retainer

 

Thanks Nate. All else being equal, I think I'd rather have the retainer block mod than routinely fiddle with the locking lever. I do appreciate the suggestion.

 

The small inner lock handle I believe only has two positions it can fit on the spindle. It therefore provides the guide as to where you would probably want to fit the outer handle. That being as seen in the pictures of joser85’s car.

 

I'm curious what shipping method this guy us using....

 

They can actually get it there yesterday.

 

I found someone selling the CabrioFactory ones on eBay who would ship to Canada ($70 from Belgium) so pulled the trigger. It arrived in about a week via UPS, and amazingly had no tax or duty coming into Canada (aside from the $20 UPS fee). The build quality is quite high, but the metal hooks need to be bend by about 1cm each to make them reach the sides. Once installed it's quite solid, although the rear hook moves up/dowb a bit so I'll put some foam there or something.

On the road, the reduction in wind in the cabin was amazing and truly makes the drive more enjoyable. I'm 6' tall and could feel the wind at the tip of my Covid hair but otherwise nothing. I barely noticed the difference in rear-view vision after 10 minutes of driving. I really like how it folds down below the deck level for a sleek look.

 

I also got the same windscreen and am also tall at 6’3” and echo the same thoughts about it. It’s worth every penny, I leave it up at all times and really gives you a cocoon of calm air from the windshield to the windscreen which is also nice when you need to use the heater to extend a rapidly cooling down night drive with the top down. Anyways, I’m sure all of them work it’s just what look you like and what design flaw from each one you don’t mind as much. Whatever design, get one!