Storage of SL Soft Top

[John042]

Hi,as anyone tried a preparation/process to prevent problems or damage to the plastic windows of the SL soft during prolonged storage, ie winter use? I realise that erection is best when warm but just wondered if the plastic windows could be treated before folding away to maintain some degree of flexibility? Thanks for any replies. Cheers J C.

[r129sl]

You could thoroughly vacuum, clean and treat the hood, then treat the windows with a plastic feed/cleaner (eg Meguiar's PlastiX), then ensure there is no dust or any other abrasive stuff on the hood. Next, fold the hood to the halfway point (keep engine running on a 129), arrange the folds of the windows nicely to avoid any sharp creases. Next insert into the fold a very soft, large cotton cloth that has been laundered without fabric conditioner, so that the top and bottom of the folded window do not rub against each other nor against any grit. Then complete the lowering of the top. Only erect the hood when the temperature is up to double figures.

[John042]

Thanks r129sl. Good advice especially inserting cloth into the halfway fold point. I was wonering if that was possible, room wise when stowed? I use a similar system when folding my TVR rear window. Bit of a newbee with my first Merc 320SL. I haven't actually taken the hard top off yet except when I bought it to inspect the hood. The weather not been exactly kind to open top motoring. Global warming Where? Thanks again. J C

[r129sl]

I would have thought it possible. a giant microfibre sheet would be ideal. A friend with a 1981 r107 does this with his car, stuffing some soft bed sheet into the part-folded hood, following on from the practice of the first owner, a Swiss who apparently loved the car very dearly and only parted with it when his wife died and he couldn't bear to keep it. The factory hood lasted 30years, the windows holding up nicely, and it was only the work of some toe rag with a knife that finally did for it.

[John042]

Thanks again r129sl. Some fabric like microfibre should do the job and not take up too much space restricting the folding actuation of the hood. As pointed out by the garage were I purchased the vehicle, in their experience some SL owners leave the hoods stowed for considerable times hence increasing the chance of damage. Cheers J C.

[acme]

I've used Hindsight to clean my rear plastic screen and it also makes it far more supple too, so I'd assume this would aid when the hood is being stowed, and likewise for long term storage.

Plus it makes it far clearer, it did work on my 20+ year old rear screen and it should protect it too. Though I grant you for two egg sized pots it seems expensive, but for me at least it meant I could see through the screen again!


http://www.hindsightuk.com/

[John042]

Thanks acme. I've used Goudards Plastic polish before in fact it is used on aircraft canopies. However it is a polish rather than a conditioner. So will try the product you suggest. Thanks. J C

[BigBen]

I used to remove the soft top and frame from my R107 when putting the hard top on for winter. Only 4 bolts to undo. No point carrying around all that weight.

[acme]

BigBen- daft question possibly but just how easy is it, and are the four bolts obvious?

I like the idea of putting the HT on in winter but dint want the ST stored beneath it so your suggestion sounds perfect.

Cheers

[BigBen]

acme said:

BigBen- daft question possibly but just how easy is it, and are the four bolts obvious?

I like the idea of putting the HT on in winter but dint want the ST stored beneath it so your suggestion sounds perfect.

Cheers

On the R107 is is very easy and is just four bolts, the main challenge is having two of you around to lift it out. I would assume the R129 has an electric hood so there will also be some cables to remove.

[BigBen]

Just remembered there are some 'shims' between the hood frame and the car, there may be a different number on each side to get the frame level.

What I did was removed them (you have to they are held in with the same bolts as the frame) then taped them up labelling them L and R. They can then be easily re-fitted. The hardest part remains the four bolts!