SL R107 Hood replacement

[NOMONEYBUTAMERC]

Looking at maybe replacing the hood on my 450 sl . Anyone know if this is straightforward or complex please ?

 

[wobbly]

I had a new hood fitted a couple of years ago. Not something I would look at doing myself.

It only took a specialist company a day to fit, but this is what they do day in day out, the fitting was and still is perfect.

I imagine if you took your time, and were mythodical about the process, no doubt you could get the hood fitted to a reasonable standard. Just wasnt worth it to me.

 

[sl300 ireland]

what kinda money did you pay to have fitted and quality of mohair,clear panels vs origanal

 

[Druk]

I got a new hood from these people. Original Sonnenland fabric and excellent quality.

verdeck-express - Verdeck, Hood, Soft top, Capote, Capota, Kap

Fitted it myself with the aid of a mate following instructions similar to these.

Mercedes Benz 107 SL SLC Roadster Convertible Top Installation

 

[NOMONEYBUTAMERC]

I got a new hood from these people. Original Sonnenland fabric and excellent quality.

verdeck-express - Verdeck, Hood, Soft top, Capote, Capota, Kap

Fitted it myself with the aid of a mate following instructions similar to these.

Mercedes Benz 107 SL SLC Roadster Convertible Top Installation

Thanks Druk , how hard was it to fit , and did you manage to do it in a day?

 

[Druk]

Not physical work. Took two uf us about a short morning. Stop and think before trimming anything. Once it's cut, it's cut, prior to that you can always peel back and re-stick. Getting the alignment right before glueing is the big secret.

 

[NOMONEYBUTAMERC]

Thanks for that. A friend of a friend used to work as an upholsterer , i think he will be prepared to help me for a small consideration.I have previously fitted a new hood to a Spitfire without major problem , but you are right of course about making cuts. I guess the old maxim "measure twice , cut once" should be applied.

 

[Sorry Pete]

Have a look at how Ed China (of Wheeler Dealers fame) does it on a 280SL. Not an instruction manual, but he does give some useful tips and hints if you go the DIY route. It's around the half-way mark in the clip.

Wheeler Dealers MB SL

 

[NOMONEYBUTAMERC]

Thanks Pete . should be an interesting challenge.

 

[sl300 ireland]

Thank you for the post,I have one of the clear quater panels with a hole in,does anyone know if the can be repaired or is it worth the hassle vs a shiny new one,as one new panel would make the rest look bad,

 

[Druk]

I would suggest that if there is a hole in one side then it's probably not long before the other side goes the same way. Since the hood has to be removed to effect a decent repair it might as well be replaced with new.

 

[Sorry Pete]

Thanks Pete . should be an interesting challenge.

Remember, your hood is your weather-barrier, and the MB SL one is a very well engineered design; you don't want to get the 'pregnant' look at speed. I wouldn't attempt it single-handed, but good luck to you if you do!

Thank you for the post,I have one of the clear quater panels with a hole in,does anyone know if the can be repaired or is it worth the hassle vs a shiny new one,as one new panel would make the rest look bad,

You could try a repair in one panel and use 'hindsight' to keep the windows supple. It made my hood plastic pliable and clear, a great product.

 

[neilrr]

Looking at maybe replacing the hood on my 450 sl . Anyone know if this is straightforward or complex please ?

What's the colour scheme of your car?

 

[EDZ649]

I think I would be going to someone like D Class

 

[Druk]

I think I would be going to someone like D Class

Quite a few of us might. But if you take into account the OP's forum name it might be reason for him asking about DIY methods.

 

[James1976]

D class have a great rep, as do carhoodwarehouse - they did my windows recently and very pleased with the job. Certainly wouldn't attempt a 129 fitting, although I think a 107 is easier - good luck!

 

[jaymanek]

Get a pro to do it... Its not easy and a couple of days work to do properly.

I paid £650 all in and the job was as good as new.

 

[NOMONEYBUTAMERC]

What's the colour scheme of your car?

Hi , its pale blue with navy hood.
Martin