Lowering / Raising Mercedes R107 SL Soft Top

A video on raising and lowering the soft top on a Mercedes R107 SL. On many R107s the top frame can be awkward to handle and I look at some tips to make the procedure a bit easier.
Model shown is a 1972 350 SL but actions are the same for all model years.

[@migoblu1]

Good video. A quick tip. When putting the soft top away, I put a thin towel across the length of the plastic windows. I feel like this reduces scratches from forming where the plastic rubs/folds against itself.

[@peterrychel3640]

If your windows develop those scratches over time, I have found that applying wax (like what you use on your paint) does a great job of hiding those marks. Makes your windows look crystal clear.

[@1962RollingStone]

Nice video, dealt with the “”reality “”of handling the R107 soft top. As shown always release pressure before bringing ti tools out. Thanks for explaining the fold sequence,,

[@PaulTrekkers]

Thanks so much for your video! Very helpful to me in learning how to open and close the soft top on my ‘77 450SL. Well done!

[@kool2go468]

I had a problem opening the soft top , but your video helped me to open mine . Thanks much

[@charlesbradley2943]

Thanks so much for your video. Saved me from a lot of bad words.

[@Sharkie936]

I didn’t realise it took so long, it was daylight when you started 😉 Fantastic video 👍👍👏👏

[@migoblu1]

Flip the tool the other way so the bend is facing down. This will prevent your hand and tool from hitting the roof.

[@autoknight747]

The importance of understanding a vehicle and respecting it!

[@OB928]

I have found that 1) putting the windshield mounts in, tightening those, 2) putting the rear pin in, 3) cinching the rear down with the handle works best for me. Windows down for all steps.

[@chrispenn715]

I had a very nice r107 a few years ago. Loved the car but must admit the complexity of the roof was a factor. In selling it. Currently have an r230, which is much easier but a potential nightmare if it fails..😂

[@jamesreckling6697]

I am glad my R129 is a piece of cake.

[@OB928]

Until the hydraulic cylinders go, then you get an unwanted shower.

[@jamesreckling6697]

@@OB928 I got mine rebuilt when I bought the car for $1500, now they should be good for many years.

[@OB928]

@@jamesreckling6697 That’s great! I have heard horror stories of the cylinders failing, usually at the worst times. Almost bought an R129-an awesome car.

[@johnc1486]

Nice video! I have a 1984 107 here in Calif. Have had it since new. I do follow the same process as you cover in this video, paying strike attention to folding the corner windows in as I stuff the top into it's well. This help prevent the corner windows from getting pinched and eventually cracking at the pinch. I also put a micro fiber cloth over the center back window to prevent chaffing in the fold where the center rear window folds on it's self. Interesting that you look pretty tall. I am only 5'5" and seem to have to have my seat as far back as it will go. I hate the fact that the seat back jams up against the pillar that the seatbelts are attached to. What's your secret? LOL My car currently has only 83K on it, however it's just occasional driver. Aside from that issue, the car has pretty much trouble free. Cheers

[@muddymarine]

I am new to the R107 community and now own a 1980 450 SL. It has been through two ownerships and well cared for but the soft top was original and needed to be replaced. I bit the bullet and had it and seals replaced. I had been wondering how to keep the windows well preserved. Thanks for the tips. One more thing. I am 5’ 11” and find it awkward to get in but once I make it, surprisingly the car is quite comfortable. Larry in Seattle.

[@dosullivan6594]

Helpful video. I find releasing hood tension first makes dropping the hood a bit easier when it comes to releasing fasteners above windshield. I’m looking forward to more videos on your SL project or has that come to an end. ?

[@classiced1416]

Yes I agree releasing the tension first may be easier. Plenty more to do on the 450 SL still, hasn’t gone away. Need to dispose of the Range Rovers!

[@azmike3572]

If only those soft tops were insulated against our Arizona summer highs of 115° F/46°C! The heat just radiates right through the fabric. Mercedes a/c of that era wasn't designed to handle these highs.

[@leonardlapis8791]

How do you protect the sealing when folding the soft top?

[@classiced1416]

Sometimes you need to carefully ease the frame past the seal, the design isn't great in that regard.

[@Alice1Brent2]

👍

[@NadrianATRS]

Way too much work

[@lazylewislewis4944]

that doesnt look right, the front screws dont turn all the way and the back sits wonky

[@classiced1416]

Yes, the fit of the roof was not great and the mounting points on the windscreen frame were worn. It is something I would recommend getting professionally adjusted. Unfortunately a lot of R107s the roof fit and mechanism is not in great shape and a 'special touch' is needed to raise and lower it.

[@lazylewislewis4944]

@@classiced1416 yeah, part of the fun owning these beauties'

[@aprilreyes2809]

💃 p̷r̷o̷m̷o̷s̷m̷

[@Superleicht_R107]

I just dropped in to see what condition the condition of your R107 was in. I found it's a poor thing. Shame on you.

[@Schlipperschlopper]

Sadly from 2030 on all combustion cars including classics will be banned from public streets in entire EU and Scandinavia :-( In Germany the Green Peoples Party gave order to shorten fuel supply from 2025 on by reducing petrol stations to only one state operated central gas station per city. From 2027 on in the EU certain car spare parts will be banned too....as exhaust systems, turbo chargers and even some engine and gearbox oils...California and New York will do the same from 2027 on.... So no investments should be done in oil burning cars any longer....They even created a new kind of crime here, called emissions and smoke crime....

[@richfrazier8756]

What a pain in the ass!!