[R129 SL] Soft top rear posts overshooting the anchor holes
Mark DeLuca
markdeluca at gmail.com
Mon Jun 19 10:04:22 EDT 2006
Jan -
Thanks for the response. I haven't yet tried to operate the top manually,
but that will be my next action. I have put this off until the end because
my problem is that the back of the roof (the bow) doesn't latch down and
according to my owners manual when you close the top manually the back can't
also be locked down manually. However, I'll give it a try, maybe running
through the process manually will do some good.
I did install and remove the hardtop which worked perfectly, I also tried
disconnecting the battery and resetting the windows which didn't help. My
only problem is locking down the rear of the roof. The posts on the back of
the roof are overshooting the anchor holes by about a half inch.
- Mark D.
On 6/19/06, Jan Kuylaars <jan at rian-bv.nl> wrote:
>
> Dear MArc
>
> Have you try to lock by hand with the wrench wich becomes by the car?
> Then you know for sure the machanical allignement is done, and it is
> developed so you can drive
> With the top fastened when the Computer fails.
>
> If this is not working:
> In your manual there is a dicription of how to reset the softtop after
> power faillure.
> You also can try to di so.
>
> And maybe the computer is thinking that the hardtop wil come on.
> So you also can try to set the softtop into the trunk and put the
> hardtop on and then remove.
>
> Succes
>
> Jan the Flying Dutchmen
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: r129list-bounces at mbcoupes.com
> [mailto:r129list-bounces at mbcoupes.com] On Behalf Of
> r129list-request at mbcoupes.com
> Sent: Saturday, June 17, 2006 3:00 PM
> To: r129list at mbcoupes.com
> Subject: R129LIST Digest, Vol 18, Issue 5
>
>
> Send R129LIST mailing list submissions to
> r129list at mbcoupes.com
>
> To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit
> http://www.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/r129list
> or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to
> r129list-request at mbcoupes.com
>
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>
> When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific than
> "Re: Contents of R129LIST digest..."
>
>
> Today's Topics:
>
> 1. Soft top out of synch (Mark DeLuca)
> 2. Re: SL500 Outside Temp Display Lamp (MBKindOfGuy)
> 3. Re: Soft top out of synch (Paul Samarin)
> 4. Fading/ faltering A/C display on 98 SL500 (Peter Cowie)
> 5. RE: Fading/ faltering A/C display on 98 SL500
> (Deneal Schilmeister (Portege))
> 6. cleaning soft top (Paul Samarin)
> 7. Re: Fading/ faltering A/C display on 98 SL500 (Mark DeLuca)
> 8. Re: cleaning soft top (Mark DeLuca)
> 9. Re: Soft top out of synch (Mark DeLuca)
> 10. Re: cleaning soft top (MBKindOfGuy)
> 11. RE: Soft top out of synch (Deneal Schilmeister (Portege))
>
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Message: 1
> Date: Fri, 16 Jun 2006 18:34:24 -0400
> From: "Mark DeLuca" <markdeluca at gmail.com>
> Subject: [R129 SL] Soft top out of synch
> To: r129list at mbcoupes.com
> Message-ID:
> <c6fdc8660606161534p782c2b20x45d947e4c75980d4 at mail.gmail.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
>
> Guys -
>
> I partially opened the soft top on my 2000 SL500 in order to access the
> mechanicals so that I could lube the rails. I opened it half way and
> then stopped the operation and removed the ignition key to kill the
> power. While I was working the lubricant into the rails I accidentially
> pushed the soft top back down with my other hand. The soft top now goes
> down just fine, but when I raise/close it the final step, locking down
> the rear posts (bow section), fails. It clicks and makes all of the
> normal sounds as though it is locking down, but the posts do not engage
> in the holes so the rear bow section is not locked down. From the looks
> of it the posts are slightly overshooting the holes. It is close enough
> that I can coax them in, but when I do that it pulls the back of the top
> down partially, but not down all of the way.
>
> It is apparent that the placement of the top in reality it is out of
> synch with where the computer thinks that it is. The top is open/down
> now, any suggestions on how to get the controller mechanism synched so
> that it will cose all of the way?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Mark D.
> -------------- next part --------------
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> /attachment.html
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 2
> Date: Fri, 16 Jun 2006 18:53:57 -0400
> From: "MBKindOfGuy" <MBKindOfGuy at mindspring.com>
> Subject: Re: [R129 SL] SL500 Outside Temp Display Lamp
> To: "SL Mailing List" <r129list at mbcoupes.com>
> Message-ID: <003001c69197$c06e9680$a601a8c0 at ABCD1PORT>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
>
> OK, pulled the instrument cluster in my '98 SL. The bulb is a beige
> base, 12v 1.5w. Here's the exact bulb:
>
> http://www.autohausaz.com/search/productx.aspx?sid=bsxopl45jufwyyvsf1a55
> f45&partnumber=%20910141000000
>
> Fortunately the car uses the same bulb in all the instrument cluster
> bulb locations.
>
>
> Regards,
> Howard M. Ginsberg
> 1998 SL500, 55KMiles
> 1993 300E, 118KMiles
> 1988 300E, Sold at 165KMiles
> 1986 300E, Sold at 180KMiles
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: MBKindofGuy
> To: SL Mailing List
> Sent: Friday, June 16, 2006 9:13 AM
> Subject: Re: [R129 SL] SL500 Outside Temp Display Lamp
>
>
>
> Indeed it is a different arrangement than that in later years. It's a
> lamp that sits in a bayonet style base. Anyone know the wattage or
> color of the base of this lamp?
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: George - R129
> Sent: Jun 16, 2006 3:14 AM
> To: SL Mailing List
> Subject: Re: [R129 SL] SL500 Outside Temp Display Lamp
>
> I had the same problem with my 1990 500SL - if nothing has changed
> in the intervening years, then the bulb is soldered to two contacts on
> the little circuit board so there's no quick fix. I have one in my hand
> - part no. DB AT 600 202 002 002 12161.
>
> To get at it, you will need the two hooked steel probes which are
> inserted at about "ten to two" down the sides of the instrument panel,
> turned and then carefully pull/wriggle the panel out. Once out, the
> outside temperature module pulls out of its 7 pin socket. You might get
> lucky, as I did, to find an electronics engineer who will unsolder and
> replace the bulb - this was after I bought a used module from New
> Zealand ( www.4mercs.co.nz ) so I now have a spare !!!!
>
> Good luck
>
> George
> Cognac
>
> MBKindOfGuy wrote:
> The lamp behind the instrument clusert outside temperature display
> is out on my '98 SL500. Anyone know an MB part number, or if that bulb
> is the tiny one with the blue, tan or brown base?
>
> Any help appreciated!
> List
> -------------- next part --------------
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>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 3
> Date: Fri, 16 Jun 2006 20:14:23 -0700
> From: Paul Samarin <pauls at sbcglobal.net>
> Subject: Re: [R129 SL] Soft top out of synch
> To: SL Mailing List <r129list at mbcoupes.com>
> Message-ID: <e110891dabaf54b6276b603d6c596c35 at sbcglobal.net>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed
>
> I recommend just working it through a couple of times. If it just
> won't go electronically, try to complete it manually, and then try to
> cycle it through electronically. I'm no expert, I just had this work
> for me--unexplainedly.
>
> Paul
>
> On Jun 16, 2006, at 3:34 PM, Mark DeLuca wrote:
>
> > Guys -
> >
> > I partially opened the soft top on my 2000 SL500 in order to access
> > the mechanicals so that I could lube the rails. I opened it half way
> > and then stopped the operation and removed the ignition key to kill
> > the power. While I was working the lubricant into the rails I
> > accidentially pushed the soft top back down with my other hand. The
> > soft top now goes down just fine, but when I raise/close it the final
> > step, locking down the rear posts (bow section), fails. It clicks and
> > makes all of the normal sounds as though it is locking down, but the
> > posts do not engage in the holes so the rear bow section is not locked
>
> > down. From the looks of it the posts are slightly overshooting the
> > holes. It is close enough that I can coax them in, but when I do that
> > it pulls the back of the top down partially, but not down all of the
> > way.
> >
> > It is apparent that the placement of the top in reality it is out of
> > synch with where the computer thinks that it is. The top is open/down
> > now, any suggestions on how to get the controller mechanism synched so
>
> > that it will cose all of the way?
> >
> > Thanks,
> >
> > Mark D.
> >
> > The MB Coupes Website!
> > R129 SL Mailing List
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 4
> Date: Sat, 17 Jun 2006 14:11:57 +1000
> From: Peter Cowie <cowie at bigpond.net.au>
> Subject: [R129 SL] Fading/ faltering A/C display on 98 SL500
> To: r129list at mbcoupes.com
> Message-ID: <4493810D.4060106 at bigpond.net.au>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
>
> The Climate Control display on my 98 SL500 (46,000km) intermittently
> fades. Various parts of the dispaly disappear and will usually reappear
> when any button is pushed.
>
> Can anyone give me some pointers as to where to start looking for the
> cause?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Peter Cowie
> Sydney
> Australia
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 5
> Date: Fri, 16 Jun 2006 23:39:19 -0500
> From: "Deneal Schilmeister \(Portege\)" <deneals at sbcglobal.net>
> Subject: RE: [R129 SL] Fading/ faltering A/C display on 98 SL500
> To: "'SL Mailing List'" <r129list at mbcoupes.com>
> Message-ID: <001a01c691c8$03fac290$7001a8c0 at DSPORTEGE>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
>
> When this happened to me, replacing the center vent assembly cured the
> problem.
>
>
> ___________________________
> Deneal Schilmeister
> St. Louis - Cincinnati
> 1997 SL500
> http://homepage.mac.com/deneals/SL500.htm
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: r129list-bounces at mbcoupes.com
> [mailto:r129list-bounces at mbcoupes.com]
> On Behalf Of Peter Cowie
> Sent: Friday, June 16, 2006 11:12 PM
> To: r129list at mbcoupes.com
> Subject: [R129 SL] Fading/ faltering A/C display on 98 SL500
>
> The Climate Control display on my 98 SL500 (46,000km) intermittently
> fades. Various parts of the dispaly disappear and will usually reappear
> when any button is pushed.
>
> Can anyone give me some pointers as to where to start looking for the
> cause?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Peter Cowie
> Sydney
> Australia
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 6
> Date: Sat, 17 Jun 2006 05:11:31 -0700
> From: Paul Samarin <pauls at sbcglobal.net>
> Subject: [R129 SL] cleaning soft top
> To: SL Mailing List <r129list at mbcoupes.com>
> Message-ID: <7240fee070d54bbf70d187d871bd3e0f at sbcglobal.net>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed
>
> So far, my top is still perfectly clean and black, having never been
> used by the prior owner. The windows are also very clean and clear,
> but a bit wrinkled in a couple of places.
>
> What are the best methods and products for cleaning the canvass and the
> window "glass"?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Paul
> 90 500 SL
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 7
> Date: Sat, 17 Jun 2006 08:23:34 -0400
> From: "Mark DeLuca" <markdeluca at gmail.com>
> Subject: Re: [R129 SL] Fading/ faltering A/C display on 98 SL500
> To: "SL Mailing List" <r129list at mbcoupes.com>
> Message-ID:
> <c6fdc8660606170523p6b32671em325912ed819d87c4 at mail.gmail.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
>
> Peter -
>
> This happened to me in my 2000 SL500. The LCD readout would fade,
> especially in the cold. When I pressed my finger against it it would
> come back. Since the car was still under warranty the dealer just
> replaced the LCD panel.
>
> - Mark D.
>
> On 6/17/06, Peter Cowie <cowie at bigpond.net.au> wrote:
> >
> > The Climate Control display on my 98 SL500 (46,000km) intermittently
> > fades. Various parts of the dispaly disappear and will usually
> > reappear when any button is pushed.
> >
> > Can anyone give me some pointers as to where to start looking for the
> > cause?
> >
> > Thanks,
> >
> > Peter Cowie
> > Sydney
> > Australia
> > The MB Coupes Website!
> > R129 SL Mailing List
> >
> -------------- next part --------------
> An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
> URL:
> http://www.pairlist.net/pipermail/r129list/attachments/20060617/97724ae2
> /attachment-0001.html
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 8
> Date: Sat, 17 Jun 2006 08:37:40 -0400
> From: "Mark DeLuca" <markdeluca at gmail.com>
> Subject: Re: [R129 SL] cleaning soft top
> To: "SL Mailing List" <r129list at mbcoupes.com>
> Message-ID:
> <c6fdc8660606170537l661598c2y63793dd772eda0b7 at mail.gmail.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
>
> Paul -
>
> My SL500 is never used in bad weather so the top hasn't needed much
> attention. When it was new I treated it with a product called Rag Top
> Protectant which really made my black top blacker in addition to beading
> water.
>
> The plastic windows need attention every year or so to keep them clear.
> I use McGuire's scratch X which is the mildest abrasive that they sell
> and it has been really fantastic. I buffed out my rear window with it
> (be careful not to get it onto the fabric at the edges) and it did a
> great job removing very small scratches. I followed that with an aresol
> plastic window cleaner (forget the name, blue can) which seemed to put a
> smooth coating on the plastic. Once the ScratchX gets the schmutz off,
> then the plastic window cleaner does fine for the rest of the season.
>
> BTW cleaning the inside of the plastic windows is a chore. Through trial
> and error I now open the top just enough to release the back of the top
> and then I pull up the rear bow so that I can clean the windows from the
> outside of the car, half at a time (because they will be folded in
> half). I found that the inside of the rear window was collecting the
> most scratches, primarily from rubbing against the roll bar as it went
> down. I now keep a bath towel in the trunk so that when I can, I put it
> over the roll bar when dropping the top to minimize scratching.
>
> - Mark D.
>
>
> On 6/17/06, Paul Samarin <pauls at sbcglobal.net> wrote:
> >
> > So far, my top is still perfectly clean and black, having never been
> > used by the prior owner. The windows are also very clean and clear,
> > but a bit wrinkled in a couple of places.
> >
> > What are the best methods and products for cleaning the canvass and
> > the window "glass"?
> >
> > Thanks,
> >
> > Paul
> > 90 500 SL
> >
> > The MB Coupes Website!
> > R129 SL Mailing List
> >
> -------------- next part --------------
> An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
> URL:
> http://www.pairlist.net/pipermail/r129list/attachments/20060617/9bb0b031
> /attachment-0001.htm
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 9
> Date: Sat, 17 Jun 2006 08:40:01 -0400
> From: "Mark DeLuca" <markdeluca at gmail.com>
> Subject: Re: [R129 SL] Soft top out of synch
> To: "SL Mailing List" <r129list at mbcoupes.com>
> Message-ID:
> <c6fdc8660606170540h41a5403dg455d63f19214b87b at mail.gmail.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
>
> Thanks Paul. I tried cycling it several times, as well as resetting the
> windows (open all the way and hold down the button for several seconds).
> All to no avail. I wonder if disconnecting the battery would do
> anything?
>
> On 6/16/06, Paul Samarin <pauls at sbcglobal.net> wrote:
> >
> > I recommend just working it through a couple of times. If it just
> > won't go electronically, try to complete it manually, and then try to
> > cycle it through electronically. I'm no expert, I just had this work
> > for me--unexplainedly.
> >
> > Paul
> >
> > On Jun 16, 2006, at 3:34 PM, Mark DeLuca wrote:
> >
> > > Guys -
> > >
> > > I partially opened the soft top on my 2000 SL500 in order to access
> > > the mechanicals so that I could lube the rails. I opened it half way
>
> > > and then stopped the operation and removed the ignition key to kill
> > > the power. While I was working the lubricant into the rails I
> > > accidentially pushed the soft top back down with my other hand. The
> > > soft top now goes down just fine, but when I raise/close it the
> > > final step, locking down the rear posts (bow section), fails. It
> > > clicks and makes all of the normal sounds as though it is locking
> > > down, but the posts do not engage in the holes so the rear bow
> > > section is not locked down. From the looks of it the posts are
> > > slightly overshooting the holes. It is close enough that I can coax
> > > them in, but when I do that it pulls the back of the top down
> > > partially, but not down all of the way.
> > >
> > > It is apparent that the placement of the top in reality it is out of
>
> > > synch with where the computer thinks that it is. The top is
> > > open/down now, any suggestions on how to get the controller
> > > mechanism synched so that it will cose all of the way?
> > >
> > > Thanks,
> > >
> > > Mark D.
> > >
> > > The MB Coupes Website!
> > > R129 SL Mailing List
> >
> > The MB Coupes Website!
> > R129 SL Mailing List
> >
> -------------- next part --------------
> An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
> URL:
> http://www.pairlist.net/pipermail/r129list/attachments/20060617/afe0eda9
> /attachment-0001.html
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 10
> Date: Sat, 17 Jun 2006 08:56:26 -0400
> From: "MBKindOfGuy" <MBKindOfGuy at mindspring.com>
> Subject: Re: [R129 SL] cleaning soft top
> To: "SL Mailing List" <r129list at mbcoupes.com>
> Message-ID: <006601c6920d$717aef30$a601a8c0 at ABCD1PORT>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
>
> Meguiars makes a clear plastic polish for the plastic convertible
> windows:
>
> http://www.meguiars.com/?clear-plastic-care/PlastX-Clear-Plastic-Cleaner
> -Polish
>
> I plan to use some this weekend and will report back on its
> effectiveness.
>
> I need to find a place to get the RagTopp cleaner and proctectant.
>
> Regards,
> Howard M. Ginsberg
> 1998 SL500, 55KMiles
> 1993 300E, 118KMiles
> 1988 300E, Sold at 165KMiles
> 1986 300E, Sold at 180KMiles
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Mark DeLuca
> To: SL Mailing List
> Sent: Saturday, June 17, 2006 8:37 AM
> Subject: Re: [R129 SL] cleaning soft top
>
>
> Paul -
>
> My SL500 is never used in bad weather so the top hasn't needed much
> attention. When it was new I treated it with a product called Rag Top
> Protectant which really made my black top blacker in addition to beading
> water.
>
> The plastic windows need attention every year or so to keep them
> clear. I use McGuire's scratch X which is the mildest abrasive that they
> sell and it has been really fantastic. I buffed out my rear window with
> it (be careful not to get it onto the fabric at the edges) and it did a
> great job removing very small scratches. I followed that with an aresol
> plastic window cleaner (forget the name, blue can) which seemed to put a
> smooth coating on the plastic. Once the ScratchX gets the schmutz off,
> then the plastic window cleaner does fine for the rest of the season.
>
> BTW cleaning the inside of the plastic windows is a chore. Through
> trial and error I now open the top just enough to release the back of
> the top and then I pull up the rear bow so that I can clean the windows
> from the outside of the car, half at a time (because they will be folded
> in half). I found that the inside of the rear window was collecting the
> most scratches, primarily from rubbing against the roll bar as it went
> down. I now keep a bath towel in the trunk so that when I can, I put it
> over the roll bar when dropping the top to minimize scratching.
>
> - Mark D.
>
>
>
> On 6/17/06, Paul Samarin <pauls at sbcglobal.net> wrote:
> So far, my top is still perfectly clean and black, having never been
> used by the prior owner. The windows are also very clean and clear,
> but a bit wrinkled in a couple of places.
>
> What are the best methods and products for cleaning the canvass and
> the
> window "glass"?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Paul
> 90 500 SL
> -------------- next part --------------
> An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
> URL:
> http://www.pairlist.net/pipermail/r129list/attachments/20060617/df5c4d7b
> /attachment-0001.htm
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 11
> Date: Sat, 17 Jun 2006 07:59:29 -0500
> From: "Deneal Schilmeister \(Portege\)" <deneals at sbcglobal.net>
> Subject: RE: [R129 SL] Soft top out of synch
> To: "'SL Mailing List'" <r129list at mbcoupes.com>
> Message-ID: <001f01c6920d$e0235580$7101a8c0 at DSPORTEGE>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
>
> I've had some success with disconnecting the battery.
>
> Its like rebooting a computer in these cars.
>
>
>
>
>
> ___________________________
>
> Deneal Schilmeister
>
> St. Louis - Cincinnati
>
> 1997 SL500
>
> http://homepage.mac.com/deneals/SL500.htm
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: r129list-bounces at mbcoupes.com
> [mailto:r129list-bounces at mbcoupes.com]
> On Behalf Of Mark DeLuca
> Sent: Saturday, June 17, 2006 7:40 AM
> To: SL Mailing List
> Subject: Re: [R129 SL] Soft top out of synch
>
>
>
> Thanks Paul. I tried cycling it several times, as well as resetting the
> windows (open all the way and hold down the button for several seconds).
> All to no avail. I wonder if disconnecting the battery would do
> anything?
>
>
>
> -------------- next part --------------
> An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
> URL:
> http://www.pairlist.net/pipermail/r129list/attachments/20060617/9826e625
> /attachment.html
>
> End of R129LIST Digest, Vol 18, Issue 5
> ***************************************
>
> The MB Coupes Website!
> R129 SL Mailing List
>
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