Restoration of cabriolet roof

We started restoration the cabriolet roof. All layers of the roof were carefully removed from the roof in the correct sequence - top layer protecting from rain and wind, impact reduced layer, horsehair padding and inside layer. The best preserved layer was the padding layer, which gives an elegant look with sleek roof silhouette to this model of cabriolets. In turn, the inside and outside layers with crumbled rear window were irreversibly damaged. Moisture damaged wooden parts of the roof too, and they had to be restored. After dismantling of the roof structure, metal frame of the roof was thoroughly cleaned and painted. A new set of roof covering was ordered, which will be made of the same material as the original roof covering.

Folding roof frame has been painted in accordance with Mercedes original paint scheme. By arrived consignment from leading German soft-top specialist we received material kit for all roof layers, as well as new soft-top frame wooden parts and trim elements.

The new wooden parts were first tailored to suit our soft-top frame. Some wooden bars were textile trimmed in accordance with manufacturer's pattern.

Using the original materials we received, we started assembly of the soft top.According to the requirements, the headlining was firstly tailored to a suitable fit.

Internal cladding is important for this type of cabriolet roof - it ensures a smooth appearance of the roof line.

Finally the external watertight layer of the roof was sewn into position - it having already been delivered pre-fabricated according to original pattern. Position of the outer layer was carefully adjusted ensuring uniform strain without wrinkles, before final fastening.

We tested operation of the convertible mechanism before all final fastenings were fixed. The specific cladding layer provides a smooth roof line distinctive to this car model.  

As final touch, a new decorative slat over the rear window was nailed on, topping off the restoration of the soft top.