Mercedes SL R129 Special Notice: Prevent Cracks, Tears & Deformation in Soft Top Plastic Side Window
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- Опубликовано: 4 окт 2024
- Convertible repair and fix. Mercedes and soft top manufacturers are well aware of a Mercedes OEM modification and relocation requirement related to the soft top roof (sponge) supports. The sponges are used to prevent the side plastic windows from cracking. The original supports (sponge) were too small and not in the right location and causes premature tearing of the soft top plastic side windows. In this video I go over the proper location and installation of the new (sponge) supports with exact measurements.
Over the past year, I noticed my side windows were starting to deform, and I am hoping this cheap and rather easy DIY fix will prevent them from getting any worse.
Video applicable to all R129 SL, including the 500SL, 300SL, 320SL, 600SL from 1990 to 1995. Cars after 1995 should have the correct sponge pads and at the right location. But it’s always best practice to check them out in case they were accidentally moved or removed by previous owners or soft top installers.
Mercedes issued a repair bulletin. As well, soft top manufacturers are well aware of the repair bulletin and new part, and recommend that soft top installers, buy and install the new Mercedes OEM (sponge) supports part as part of every job.
Part Number: 129 694 0397 (Mercedes OEM sponge)
Measurements: 4cm x 7cm x 2.5cm (1.6inch x 2.8inch x 1.0 inch)
Car Shown: 1992 Mercedes-Benz 300SL (M104.980)
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Disclaimer - The content of this video is available for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. I do my best to provide accurate and complete information, however, I assume no liability for any property or personal damage that may arise from any of the information contained in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of Handy Val, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Handy Val always recommends safe practices.
Yep bought these also in preparation for my ‘new soft top’ which is next on my to do list for the R129. The blocks are low cost too (I secured mine with a couple of ‘Gorilla’ super glue drops on their back so they stay in place for good as the sticky stuff wears out after time on the back of these blocks). As you said to your viewers these blocks will prevent future cracking of the rear windows (new plastic rear window replacements cost hundred’s of dollars). Most R129’s being sold today are missing these preventive blocks. So its good your speaking on this issue. Thanks Val🙏
Mark - Thank you for sharing your experience. I appreciate your views on topics and the R129 community certainly find them helpful too. Those little blocks do so much, and many, even those in the soft top business, don’t know about them.
Absolutely fantastic. Will check mine tomorrow . Many thanks
Thank you. Best to stay informed and check.
Very Helpful and useful ! I found out about this myself in Jan of this yr. Installed mine not near as precise as you did it I went off a picture of the sellers car but looks like dam near the same position as yours. Also, did not use the glue as you did wish I had. Thank you so much Val.
Thank you! It’s a fix that not many know about until it’s too late. You’ll know if it’s the right spot if you got an indentation in the sponge.
Thank you Handy! 🙏
We had some trouble with these when fitting my new top. In warm weather the new roof was imprinted by the bow, perhaps permanently, a really defined crease. There was some debate because the position of the windows on the hoods also changed over time. We considered that the MB guidance may be to move pads with an original roof, but that when the roof was updated or changed later these measurements might be off. My pads were pushing the window into the bow. We considered that perhaps the position for the top, is between the panes, so that it holds the rib off the window somewhat. My car is also Japanese spec and the lads are harder and totally square. We didn’t remove them as you did. Good luck with them Val and let us know how you go. Perhaps be prepared to move them when you can see how it is folding.
Richard - thanks for sharing your experience with these pads and your soft top install. I will report back with any learnings from my pad install and see if any tweaks need to be made. I hope there won’t be.
Thanks again for your great advice and
Another excellent video, Val ,...please can you do a video of the towel trick? Some R129 owners roll up a beach towel or use a pool noodle on the rear window to stop it from creasing when stowed apparently this increases the fold radius when the plastic is folded/stowed.
I certainly have read and heard about this rolled towel trick, but I’ve never witnessed it, and I’ve never attempted it myself. I can understand how it prevents the windows, rear and side from folding ‘like a book’ to a much more gentler, rounded fold. I think it’s tricky to slide the towel in while the roof is folding - the risk is that when the towel is laid it misses the mark and then gets caught with the roof metal folding frame parts and potentially bends those frames. I’d love to see a video on it too. I think our soft tops could all benefit from a tutorial on how to do it. I’ll try myself and if confident enough I’ll share the technique.
This is interesting, I've had several r129 models,and currently still have my 94 sl600. It has the pads on the outside like you are doing,but all 4 of the models I have had were the same,however, my windows did Crack on this 94 after about 6 years on the new top. I will check the location of the pads. Thanks for the info.
Thanks for sharing your experience. It seems like the instructions were very particular and that exact placement is critical. Very interested to know about your 94 pad placement. Windows do crack for a variety of reasons … opening and closing in cold weather is the main reason. 6 years seems too soon for a crack.
@HandyVal Yes,I agree on the timeline,and It was a Hartz top as well. I will measure the pads as I am seeing some signs of tight wrinkles in the small panels. It is interesting that this was already done,I have had this one for about 10 years or so, and I assume it was done at some point by a dealer. Where did you acquire the replacement pads? I saw them last time I was on Classic trims site,but I never knew this was an update to the originals. I have had 2 sl600s and 2 sl500s, all 94-99 models. This 94 has been my favorite even though I have put a small fortune into it,and I do all my own work except for the soft top. I had to replace the engine when I got it,and it has turned into a restoration project. It is in fantastic condition at this point,but it will never be worth what I have put into it, which is partly why it made more sense to keep this one. It is white with blue top/interior.
I bought the sponge pads from Pelican Parts. From what I’ve learned, is that these cars can be costly to get them working right, but once right they’re fairly reasonable to maintain. The white with blue roof and interior is super nice! 👍 Richard just provided an interesting comment on sponge pads fitting and some trial and error he went through with his Japanese import.
I wish I would have watched this in the past before mine cracked. Gladly my new soft top was installed with also applying this fix.
I’m sorry to hear about this. Hopefully, this video is in time to help others.
Very helpful, like always. Thank you!
Hi Handy, Nice, I just change the soft top and your video will saves it. I can not find the document you show, is it possible to send it or download it? Thanks.
Thank you. Please connect with me either by email: handyvalauto@gmail.com or via my Instagram: Handy Val
Hi , could you tell me where is the location of the injector fuse / injector relay (TCM1)
It will depend on the model year. Usually, the engine fuse boxes are labelled. The relays are not