I have an 87 560SL with 64K miles and am unable to remove the hard top for the summer season. All latches are released according to the Mercedes directions and the top is loose except for the center rear. I have read postings on this site indicating that the problem is probably the safety catch. The temporary solution was to have two people gently lift the top and have a third person take a screwdriver and release the safety catch.

My question is how do you get to the safety catch and where do you place the screwdriver?? I hate to be stupid, but would really like to get the top off for the summer. First time ever to have this problem. Thanks so much for your help!

Jim Hall email: jimhall@adamember.net

 

Make sure the lever is in the corret release position.

Most likely the problem is your safety release is not puling back far enough. First you need to get the top off by having two people lift and gently rock the top (with the safety release lever in the correct position) while you work the screw driver.

I had the same problem last year with my 87 560sl. Once off I added some washers to act as a spacer on the cable to cause the lever to pull back farther.

 

yes rthe cables out of adjustment need 3 people to get it off ,,2 outside while 1 person gets i pick ..to undo the pin in the middle ...then adjust cable on drivers side after..

 

Would the problem be the same with the soft top? I can't get the center back release to let go all the way. Where do you use the screwdriver? Would I need 3 people for that one. Thank you so much in advance.
Joey

joey5355@ymail.com

 

The screwdriver worked for my soft top. Barely had to use any pressure. Yea!!!!!

 

I have an 88 560SL and can't get the hard-top off. I have loosen the two fastners above windshield and the ones behind door on each side. I can't seem to get the rear center one to work. I have been playing around with the window crank type handle but it makes a noise in rear and top will lossen a bit but won't come off. Some replys stated to use a screwdriver with the safety release lever in the correct position while you work the screw driver. I tried this but I do not understand how to apply the screwdriver. Help me if you can....Thanks