The Mercedes Benz SL employs a lightweight aerospace 6061 T6 "drawn" (this is a shaping process which retains structural integrity) aluminum tube with each end having a mandrel bend of a 3" radius. This tubing is used inside another high-density foam tube with a half-inch wall thickness.
The assembly constitutes a very lightweight, sturdy and upholstery-friendly Support Cradle that supports the hardtop securely from beneath, avoiding paint and weather stripping. The hardtop is balanced with a connected harness of nylon seat belt webbing that is sewn with heavy-duty polyester thread to the required length. Your hardtop can be suspended indefinitely. All hoists include your choice of lifting systems: the manual pulley, the brake winch or the motor winch. Mercedes and Porsche hardtops have covers available that completely enclose them for dust free storage.
The earlier Mercedes SL chassis numbers 113 and 107 have their side window weather stripping in such a way that the Support Cradle, even with the foam padding cannot be applied. Fortunately, the drip rail on each of their hardtops can be utilized to hold and perfectly balance them with a cross bar like you see here.
Mark, I want to thank you for all your help and customer service. I checked the stenciled number (it was correct) and followed your instructions. The cover fit perfectly. It was
truly a pleasure doing business with you. – Tony
Mark, I want to thank you for all your help and customer service. I checked the stenciled number (it was correct) and followed your instructions. The cover fit perfectly. It was
truly a pleasure doing business with you. – Tony
