R129 Windscreen Replacement Question

[JCW1]

Hello, not sure where to post this so ended up here.

The hard top roof on my '93 SL500 won't release but on the button but my question isn't about that.

The screen got hit by a stone last week and needs to be replaced. The question is (and maybe its a stupid one) but should the screen be replaced with the hard roof on or off, or does it matter?

Thanks

Chris

 

[Sp!ke]

I suspect that it is probably a good idea to have it replaced with the hard top on as it will ensure everything is lined up correctly as the glass is bonded to the frame.

In terms of your hard top releasing, are you trying this with both the doors open with the engine running?

I take it you are aware of the manual release process using the tool in your toolset?

 

[IanA2]

I had a 129 windscreen replacement done recently by Autoglass. They insisted that the roof had to come off.

 

[Sp!ke]

was it a hot day?

 

[IanA2]

was it a hot day?

Not especially, it was a few months ago.

 

[Sp!ke]

Wondering if his reasoning was technical or practical given he'd be clambering around the inside of a cramped two seater if the roof was on but with the roof off he could do it all from the outside.


[edit] Actually, thinking about it, perhaps access to cabling for rain sensors etc requires the roof to be off.

 

[IanA2]

Wondering if his reasoning was technical or practical given he'd be clambering around the inside of a cramped two seater if the roof was on but with the roof off he could do it all from the outside.

No idea, I said I'd prefer they didn't take the glass roof off as I didn't want it scratched. They insisted it had to come off. In the event they didn't scratch the roof.

 

[Bluebell]

From experience...

hardtop off, soft top down. Replace screen. Immediately raise soft top so it stresses the screen (don't believe me, just look how far back your windscreen moves as the cycle competes itself). Wait until whatever the glue/gunk they use has dried (overnight), enjoy car.

Did this as recommended by a local independent windscreen installer (after Autoglass let me down), the installer, who really seemed to know his stuff suggested that this the only way.

And before you ask, 2001 Silver Arrow, new screen needed for scratches, Autoglass, generic replacement , £759, local Indy, OEM screen, £300, I didn't go through insurance as the scratches were from 10 years of wiper wear, very glad I found the Indy, not just for the price!

 

[JCW1]

Thanks for the replies guys.

So far as the roof release goes, I've had the car two and a half years and it has never been an issue, except that it has been on rather longer than before as my garage was full of building materials so I had nowhere to store it.

I have activated the roof button with the doors open but not with the engine running (as the manual I have suggests not to. Turn key to position 2 and hit button within 10 seconds).
Following internet searches, I have cycled the windows 3 times, cycled the rollover bar 3 times and turned the stearing from lock to lock three times. I have disconnected the battery and left it for 30 minutes, all to no avail. The only thing I haven't done yet is sacrifice a live chicken at midnight on a full moon but I would if it will help!
Regarding the manual release, I have the tool and the instructions but it looks a bit complicated and I don't want to break something due to ignorance. It is probably one of those jobs where if someone who has done it a few times and can show you how to do it, it would seem easy.

I don't know who the glass supplier will be but I suspect, one of the usual suspects as my insurer has a different rate of Excess if I don't use their supplier. I suspect that the screen frame is so rigid that it won't make a difference, roof off or roof on but Ian's experience was what I suspected would be the case. In other words, If I want the screen changed, I'll have to deal with the roof beforehand.

Thanks for the input so far

 

[IanA2]

I always release the roof with the engine running.

 

[JCW1]

So armed with the information on having the engine running, I went out and sure enough, the roof released instantly. I can't believe it.
My wife helped me remove the roof and I tried to raise the hood. Unfortunately, joy short lived as the hood wouldn't raise. On deploying the button, the windows dropped as they should but the hood cover raised about 2 inches and that was it. So for the time being, I replaced the hard top which locked as it should.
Only afterwards did I think about the parking brake. I can't remember if I activated it but does anyone know if it is essential for it to be activated before the hood cycle will progress?
Regarding the windscreen, having removed the roof, it looks like the top trim of the screen continues onto the header rail so to get at it requires the roof to be off and the hood raised.

 

[IanA2]

I don't know what is "correct", but I don't use the parking brake when releasing/lowering/raising roof.

Did you keep the engine running as you attempted to raise the soft top?

 

[BTB 500]

I never use the parking brake either, and always have the engine running.

 

[Sp!ke]

How good is your battery in the car I wonder? If below a certain voltage I think the roof may not operate.


Before you go out armed with Jump leads, I suggest you dont as doing just this this is a typical behind blown roof control modules.

 

[IanA2]

Surely if the engine is running there will be enough power.....or have I missed something?

 

[IanA2]

...and always have the engine running.

Yup

 

[Sp!ke]

Surely if the engine is running there will be enough power.....or have I missed something?

If the battery is reading a low voltage it wont matter if the engine is running.

 

[IanA2]

If the battery is reading a low voltage it wont matter if the engine is running.

That surprises me.

 

[jaymanek]

Guys you cant remove the screws and trims necessary without having the roof off.

It not that easy on a R129 either, ask for someone who has done them before. Fair amount of trim removal.

 

[JCW1]

Thanks to everyone who contributed to this thread.
I am now in a position where I can remove the roof so I can go ahead and get the screen changed.
So far as the hood is concerned, it seems the parking brake is a 'red herring'. (I only mentioned it because on my SAAB 900 the handbrake must be deployed before the hood can be raised or lowered). I did have the engine running so it looks like there is some problem to deal with but it will have to wait as I am currently working 12 hour shifts and don’t have the time to investigate.
One thing though, I am not aware of a problem with the battery which certainly has enough oomph to start the car in the morning. Is the hood raising and lowering sequence performed by electric motors or hydraulics or both?