r129 softtop windows replacement

olivier_wery

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R129 SL280 N reg 58k miles
Hi all, I have my mind set up on a sl280 1996, in overall v good conditions, but needs a bit of tidying up. Before putting pen to paper and parting with cash, could you please help?

1. Could you please advise the best process to replace/fix/mend yellowed and cracked soft top windows? Any name of garage/specialist you can recommend?

2. The insulating lining under the hood needs replacing, does anyone know how much it would set me back?

3. Electric antenna is stuck half way out and not working. Any idea how to fix?

Thanks in advance. Olivier
 

Quick Silver

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R129 1990 SL 300..
Complete replacement of the hood including the windows and headlining is around £1000, do not use cheap thin perspex on the windows as they need to be soft and pliable to follow the natural folds of the Mohair hood and will split in no time at all . . The stitching needs to be waxed and the stitch holes sealed with wax to prevent leakage .

Whereabouts in the UK are you as I can recommend a very good vehicle upholsterer if you live near Essex.

Re the antenna , just replace the whip, the pip on the end of the whip will tell you which type you have as there are 2 types used on the 129 SL . Keep the new whip lightly oiled with light machine oil or use high melting point grease and clean of the excess on the segments . You whip is probably bent and would be futile to try and straighten it .It's a very easy job to replace the whip and should take you no more than 15 mins.
 
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Speedmaster

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I have done both the rear window and the elec aerial on my R129. The aerial would only go up halfway but just bought a new one of e-bay and got my local chap to fit it. It was not expensive and looks great.

The rear window makes a big difference and I had a whole new rear roof section stitched in. Again looks amazing and view is virtually as good as the normal glass rear window.
 

mikestrivens

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There are good upholsterers all over the UK. If you ask your local indie or Mercedes Dealer they will be able to put you on to one. A complete new hood is between £1000 and £1250. Windows around £295 to £350.
 
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olivier_wery

olivier_wery

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All,
Re the antenna, are they meant to be electric on the R129 SL280 1996? Can they be replace by a stubby one? If so, where can you find these? Thanks and regards.
 

kkmfo

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I've just had my soft top windows replaced by an outfit called CE Moore in West London. Pricey but did a first class job.
 

Alex M Grieve

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The insulation under the bonnet (hood) is £450.00. Hope this helps

Hi Brian,

does the 464 x 2 indicate that you are also doing second opinions these days? :rolleyes:

I had wondered about the cost of renewing the insulation under my bonnet as it is getting powdery and leaving a dusty deposit on the engine. £450 seems expensive - is it tricky to fit?
 
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olivier_wery

olivier_wery

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I had a quote from Q Motors Weybridge
part: £77
Labout £160 (2 hours as they have to unhook the hood, flip it upside down to reapply and reglue properly the new one - to be done asap as parts are probably currently falling in the engine bay)
Total £227 + VAT = £266
 

discoking

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The insulation under the bonnet is £71.69 and is a piece of cake to fit :)
 

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discoking

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Thanks Jason, that's brilliant - I think I'll treat myself. ;)

How is your rear suspension? :confused:

Just had 4 new tyres fitted today and when the o/s rear came off the inner sidewall had cracked all the way round(impossible to detect when wheel on) and my tyre guy said that was probably the culprit. And I think he may be right as the car feels so much beeter at the back now.

Still gonna replace springs and shocks tho :)
 

Alex M Grieve

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Just had 4 new tyres fitted today and when the o/s rear came off the inner sidewall had cracked all the way round(impossible to detect when wheel on) and my tyre guy said that was probably the culprit. And I think he may be right as the car feels so much beeter at the back now.

Still gonna replace springs and shocks tho :)

Well done you. Good to know there was nothing fundamental with the car. :D
 


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