129 plastic hood screen split.....help!

[myredsl]

1998 SL 320......The quarter light plastic screen has the beginnings on a tiny split on the crease line where the hood folds down. Does anyone know of a repair for this or something to prevent further spliting rather than Mercedes recommended full replacement of rear hood section £££££! The hood and screens are otherwise perfect as it was rarely used during its 44K miles and only appeared today!

 

[hairyg]

Once it has started to split I think it is probably too late for remedial work.

Mine has split on both quarter lights and at the sides of the back window but it is 1994 with 107,000 miles.

It is booked in at KHM near Stuttgart to have the whole lot replaced on Thursday and Friday next week.

Other forum members have identified this company as the best quality maker of replacement soft-tops and the cost is significantly less than MB dealer prices.

I will post before and after photos when I get back. The intention is to tour a bit before we head back so don't hold your breath.

I aslo want to see what differnce LPG makes to the top speed if I can find a nice bit of unrestricted autobahn

Richard

 

[television]

It is possible to have new windows fitted

 

[myredsl]

It is possible to have new windows fitted

Hi Malcolm,
Thanks for reply with good news,can you suggest/recommend where I can get this done,Im in the Surrey/West London/Heathrow area but not adversed to a bit of a journey.

Cheers

Nick

 

[television]

High Nick just hang on a couple of days, there are post here on the forum if you do a search.
I had a 99 129 that one stayed OK. you must never put them up in the cold.

The rear half comes off to do this,, but I do have the How to details somewhere

 

[Myros]

in the meantime

either invest in some "Hindsight" as advertised in ME and MBO magazines, or hie yourself down to BMW (stick with me) and buy some of their cabrio vinyl screen cleaner. These will soften and clean and polish your vinyl screens and hopefully stop the split getting worse. If you have to put the screen up under 10 deg C, use a hairdyer to warm the vinyl up.
I really rate the hindsight treatment, it keep my screens looking young and clear. Shame it doesn't work on me.

 

[myredsl]

High Nick just hang on a couple of days, there are post here on the forum if you do a search.
I had a 99 129 that one stayed OK. you must never put them up in the cold.

The rear half comes off to do this,, but I do have the How to details somewhere

Brilliant,and thanks again,I look forward to the details.

Nick

 

[myredsl]

either invest in some "Hindsight" as advertised in ME and MBO magazines, or hie yourself down to BMW (stick with me) and buy some of their cabrio vinyl screen cleaner. These will soften and clean and polish your vinyl screens and hopefully stop the split getting worse. If you have to put the screen up under 10 deg C, use a hairdyer to warm the vinyl up.
I really rate the hindsight treatment, it keep my screens looking young and clear. Shame it doesn't work on me.

LOL! .....and wouldn`t we all benefit from hindsight.....of one form or another. Sorry,corny I know but just had to do it!
Seriously though,I have just ordered some "Hindsight" and glad to see you rate it.

Thanks

Nick

 

[television]

http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/showthread.php?t=25963&highlight=soft+top+window


http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/showthread.php?t=20935&highlight=soft+top+window

 

[hairyg]

http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/showthread.php?t=25963&highlight=soft+top+window


http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/showthread.php?t=20935&highlight=soft+top+window

Brilliant, television. Those were the threads I found that led me to book with KHM. They have quoted me 750 euros for the complete top inc. VAT and 950 euros plus German VAT at 19% for fitting, which takes two days. Significantly cheaper than MB even with fuel and hotel bills added, but we are making a holiday of the trip anyway

I have also read that the thinner window material may well fold easier but flutters at speed. Not a problem for pottering to the golf-club but I like to blow the pipes through now and again and know the original material does not start to flutter until you get over 140mph.

I'm also going to use Hindsight to keep the new windows clean and supple once they are fitted.

Richard