Storing my hard top

[atonewell]

I've recently bought my first Merc, an 1998 SL 320, and given that the weather is beginning to improve, I'm contemplating taking the hard top off.

So, out of curiosity, what do other owners do to keep their tops in pristine condition? I've seen some after market "bags" for sale on eBay, but are they worth the money? Is it worth investing in a stand? Or do I just go and buy a reel of bubble-wrap?

Thanks.

 

[arthurk]

Hi Atonewell,

I am in the same boat as you having just got my first SL320 1997 model, so I am just as interested to see the responses to your query.

My car came with a hard top trolley, however I do not have a cover.

My plan is to store the hardtop in the garage (once I make space) on this stand. I have read a few threads on this site and I think the general consensus is that most think about removing the hardtop in April. I'll wait and see what the weathers like, however being a newbie I know I'll be dying to do it by then.

Kenny

 

[stats007]

I have a trolley and the hardtop sits on it under some bed sheets - works perfectly well but then the garage is clean dry and heated. You can buy the wall bags or specific covers but in reality an old blanket is suitable.

If you don't keep the car in a garage then I'd wait until the weather were a lot dryer (even if you have an outdoor cover) before removing the hardtop for any length of time.

 

[Myros]

I have a hoist in the garage roof

and a collapsible trolley to use if I'm anywhere where the top can come off before it's off officially for the summer.

The roof hoist is great as it leaves your floor space intact.

 

[David Pemberton]

Hard-top usually on from October to March. Then in a bag on a trolley with castors and kept in a dry garage.

 

[gazzad]

I've had my SL320 since May last year, and I recently purchased a hoist from ebay.
I was lucky and got a brand new hoist for £1.00 (yes thats correct) and £12.99 p&p. It's actually for a BMW / Audi convertible, but works perfectly well on the Merc, I've seen them on ebay for approx £130, although there is one on ebay at the moment that comes with a cover too, it is from Sweden, but the seller has no feedback history!
I personally think the hoist is the best option as it then becomes a one man operation to remove and replace the hard top, and the roof is suspended thus keeping the floorspace clear, BUT make sure you use good fixings, because the first time you hoist the top up you then realise what sort of damage could occur if it fell on to your p&j!
Good luck and enjoy.

 

[smilie miley]

Hello Forum,

My first post as a Merc owner for 1 week (SL320) ! and my nickname says it all! - so far so good. As an owner of Audis for 15 years this purchase is quite a change for me, but its been worth it.

I have a panoramic roof and although not easy to take off and on, I have it on a small stand. Like "gazzad" I am considering a hoist, but I notice in the Owners Manual it says "We recommend storing the hardtop in a special container available from any Mercedes-Benz Service Station".....anyone got one of these, any opinions?

I'd also be interested in info around average mpg roof up vs roof down.

Thanks,

Smiley M