[docdent]

I was trying to remove my hardtop and couldn't get it off. I undid the bolts in front and back push the lever. But, it would only come up about 1-2 inches in the back. It was like it was caught. What was I doing wrong. Thanks

 

[rowdie]

Did you push the small lever forward and down?

 

[dawsman]

Like Rowdie said, 1st push the small lever all the way down and then make sure you push the big lever all the way down (manual says to move it to position "B" thats the middle position, you need to move it all the way down to the last position - manual calls this position "C". dont listen to the manual.

 

[docdent]

Thanks. I did not see the small lever. I thought it was a stop for the big lever

 

[B Bear]

I always forget the small one every spring when I remove the hardtop, but by the end of the summer with the top going up and down all the time it's old hat.

 

[fredouille]

hello

I just discovered your forum

I wanted to remove my hardtop today and I think the cable broke while actionning the small lever, I tried to look how to access the system to unlock, it seems that some metal panels must be distroyed to solve the issue, I'm scared...
any advises?

 

[RadioTek]

It takes at least one more person to help, preferably strong, so SWMBO is usually not an option. What has happened is that the big pin in back is still hooked into the latch mechanism. The easiest way is to get another person and rotate the top to the side about 10 to 20 degrees to get the latching mechanism out of the notch on the pin. Of course, you have to have all the other attachment points loose (top of windshield, behind seats, defroster cable) It's a little bit tricky, but if you're gentle and careful, it should pop right off.

The other accepted option is to get between the body and the top with a long, slim jawed vice-grip on the pin, and turn it, getting the latch hook out of the pin notch. This would leave some marks on the pin, and be a bit more difficult, with the possibility of scratching paint if not very careful.

Good Luck,
Scott

 

[fredouille]

It takes at least one more person to help, preferably strong, so SWMBO is usually not an option. What has happened is that the big pin in back is still hooked into the latch mechanism. The easiest way is to get another person and rotate the top to the side about 10 to 20 degrees to get the latching mechanism out of the notch on the pin. Of course, you have to have all the other attachment points loose (top of windshield, behind seats, defroster cable) It's a little bit tricky, but if you're gentle and careful, it should pop right off.

The other accepted option is to get between the body and the top with a long, slim jawed vice-grip on the pin, and turn it, getting the latch hook out of the pin notch. This would leave some marks on the pin, and be a bit more difficult, with the possibility of scratching paint if not very careful.

Good Luck,
Scott

hello RadioTek
thanks for your answer
My native language is not english so it is not easy to understand all the wording..

so you said that basically, you have to rotate the hardtop about 10/20 degres on the hook and it will be released ? so simple ? I know how the system is made, I saw the hook and the lock, a rotation should free the hook yes..

so other people here : 84 SL Hard Top Stuck - rear bullet. Please help - PeachParts Mercedes ShopForum seems to use the same tip but they insert some tools around the hook, I don't understand anything.

 

[Skylaw]

fredouille,

Welcome to the forum.

Rotation will free the hard top, but there are some simpler steps to try first. The steps involve pulling the catch away from the rod (or "bullet") to release it.

There are very good writeup on this at:

1) http://www.benzworld.org/forums/r-c107-sl-slc-class/1440752-help-hard-top-removal-help.html, showing proper operation of the release handles behind the driver's seat; it also discusses some alternatives if that fails.

2) http://www.benzworld.org/forums/r-c107-sl-slc-class/1486586-soft-top-rear-pin-release.html has discussion and photos of alternate tools for release.

3) 380SL rear center top bow latch - Mercedes-Benz Club of America Forums has a good verbal discussion of alternate release methods at post #9

Regardless of the specific SL model (280, 380, 450), all of the R107s with manual releases work the same.

The posts also discuss how (with assistance of another person) you can rotate a hard top top 90 degrees (or less) to one side or the other, and the pin will release. Be sure to lift the top as far as you can (keeping it level), and protect the paint on the rear deck and doors when you do this!! See http://www.benzworld.org/forums/r-c107-sl-slc-class/1435544-access-rear-hard-top-release-latch.html for cautions.

You don't want to try the "rotate" process with a soft top. You would have to remove the frame from the pivots behind the doors, something you need not get into.

I hope these references help.

 

[petesmga]

If it is the center pin that is not releasing all you have to do is bend a small nail or coathanger into a 90 with the bent section about 1 inch long. Insert it next to the pin on the passenger side and pull twoard the passenger side. There is a notch on the pin, your cable is not moving the latch, so the nail or coathanger is going to release it.

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/r-c107-sl-slc-class/1486586-soft-top-rear-pin-release-2.html

 

[fredouille]

hello

thanks all, I will try different tips this afternoon.. hope it works..
looks that nodoby didn't managed so..

 

[fredouille]

hello all

everything worked !!!

just release the big lever, turning the hardtop till 45 degree and got it unlocked

the cable is broken inside for the small level, it is total bullshit old cable not flexible, I will change for a bicycle cable tomorrow..

 

[wgraham]

MB 1982 350SL Top Latch Release

I have read the posts on releasing a balky top latch with coat hangers, etc. It would seem that the small release lever operates by pivoting the latch post through a sheathed cable. Maybe the cable has a swaged end fitting that is slipping. The mechanism has 3 nuts that hold it onto the trunk bulkhead. Is it repairable? See the attached image.

/Users/williamgraham/Desktop/Mercedes Bow Capture Mechanism.JPG

WGraham
Member

 

[GMB]

I had the same problem and at one point got tired of fussing with the top/latch. I had the cable that connects the levers to the latch replaced and now can remove the top easily.

Was definitely worth it!

 

[Fonzi]

I have read the posts on releasing a balky top latch with coat hangers, etc. It would seem that the small release lever operates by pivoting the latch post through a sheathed cable. Maybe the cable has a swaged end fitting that is slipping. The mechanism has 3 nuts that hold it onto the trunk bulkhead. Is it repairable? See the attached image.

/Users/williamgraham/Desktop/Mercedes Bow Capture Mechanism.JPG

WGraham
Member

Your image did not attach. Here is a thread showing a few pictures and some ways to adjust the cable: http://www.benzworld.org/forums/r-c107-sl-slc-class/1595954-adjusting-top-lock-rear-peg-so.html

 

[peachy]

Our hardtop is currently stuck on the 380SL. Hubby researched and found this thread advising to rotate hardtop to help disengage the lever.

DO NOT ROTATE THE HARDTOP if you don't want deep, irreparable scratches on the hardtop compartment. Our spotless car is no longer as pristine as she was 30 minutes ago.

Proceed with caution. Worth noting for the next person who looks up this thread.

 

[petesmga]

Instead of rotatng the top you can insert a bent wire/coathanger/nail etc. into the hole against the center pin on the passenger side and pull the latch away from the pin. Still needs 2 people but no damage. You can do the same with the soft top by yourself. Everybody should take a look while it is accessible so you know what to do when the inevitable happens.

 

[peachy]

Hardtop is off with Jonathan at Blue Ridge's help. The gouge is likely to cost around $500 to repair.

There are other options that were helpful here that do not involve rotating the hardtop (search for coat hanger or try this thread http://www.benzworld.org/forums/r-c107-sl-slc-class/1697017-hard-top-stuck-my-fix-part.html ). Unfortunately I wasn't in the garage when he decided to try that route.

 

[rowdie]

He tried it alone!

 

[abiby]

He tried it alone!

I personally can't see "rotating" it with less than 3 people, one on each rear corner and one on the front! Of course I am a wuss...