Catches & mechanism for soft top W136 1937

[MRARTA]

Hi everyone I looking to purchase a pair of catches for soft top for 170v convertible A 1937. Does anyone know where I buy them it needs to be original to fit the fixing points. I have already bought a pair during restoration but I just found it the wrong one. Early reply is much appreciated. Kind regards Art

[James Allen]

Marta, I have a sample set made for me in 1985 by a well-known Mercedes parts and tooling producer. He has since died. They are for my 1937 170V Cab A. At that time, I was stationed in the Netherlands, quite near his location, and an original set of latches was provided to him to produce the copies. Skip for forward to 2024/2025. I have seen these parts listed (reproduction on eBay- perhaps German eBay ). The price was fair as much work must be accomplished to make correct original copies. I have also gathered bits of one original latch that has not been completed over the years. I will not sell this part. If you can not find them, I can reproduce the latch assembly as original, with less chrome plating, for a very fair price. However, on 3 December, we are going to France until February. I cannot start on the project until we return to Seattle, a land of rain and cold.
I suggest you try to find the source on eBay in Germany. They may be made in Poland, I do not know. I also do not know of the quality of the workmanship. But, from what I saw, they looked correct. If you are unsuccessful, let me know, and we can work out something fair about price and delivery time. That is the best I can do. I know these are essential parts that have to be correct. jim

[MRARTA]

Hi Jim thank you for your reply and support.i am still looking for latches. I have been promised by my German friend that he is able to locat one set for me. How ever if you have any linkage of German eBay for the latche I much appreciate. If we are unable to find an original one I will contact you. How ever any information about obtaining these items is much appreciated. I don’t know where you based but I would like to have look at some photos of your car. My contact number is 00447973978538 I do use WhatsApp.
Regards
aTRA

[MRARTA]

Hi jam
I am sorry I noticed that you are based in USA
Kind regards
Arta

[James Allen]

On Monday, I will send you some pictures of the latches that I have. These are not easy parts to find.


















On Monday I will send you some pictues

[MRARTA]

Thanks Jem
I really appreciate all the help. Hope one day I may be able to return all your kindnesses.
Regards
Dr m.arta

[James Allen]

No return is necessary. Yesterday, I searched German E-bay with no luck, but I will have more time when I get to France on Wednesday next week. It is a bit of a scramble here getting ready for our big trip to Nice. I know the pain you are going through. I do what the Watts Up app says. My phone number is (USA) 2536662448. I see you are in Switzerland. If you speak French, that is no problem, as my wife speaks native French. I can manage street German and sometimes English. In about an hour, I will go to my shop to take pictures of the parts. I even know where they are located as on Friday, I spent the better part of the day looking for another part I must make for my 170S, and another person needs one. So it goes. Do not worry. We will find a proper solution for your current challenge. Jim

[MRARTA]

Hi jem
Thanks for you kind reply. At least you know what am going through. The car is nearly ready to go to showers. It has been a very difficult restoration job. I am based in Durham Uk and I can not speak French at all. I tried to add your number on my WhatsApp but it was not accepting. I wanted to send pictures of my car to you. My contact number is 00447973978538 and I use WhatsApp all the time.
I look forward to hearing from you. Have wonderful holiday.
Regards
Dr Arta

[James Allen]

Today, I had a difficult day and did not locate my latches. I had to press on with other work. I have decided, after careful consideration, that I will not loan the latches out of my control. My offer stands that upon return from Europe, I will make a set of latches on my timeline if you have not found another solution. That is the best I can offer. I success you contact the guy in Germany as his price is less than what I paid to make my latches in the late 1980s. I will send pictures when I find the latches. Two other vital parts for the top are the locking hooks on the side of the top rails. They are often missing. I have made these for another car. There are two versions of the latches depending on the serial number of the car. The change took place in 1937. Small details. Now, to try and find my latches. Jim

[MRARTA]

Good morning. I know that we are 8 hours a head of you in UK. Please let me to inform you that I fully understand about leant your latches to me and I know you are busy with other work as well as going on holiday with family soon.
I am still trying hard to find a pair of original latches but no luck. I have no alternative than wait until I get response from my contact from Germany. As we have very good craftsman in UK I may ask them to manufacture it here that depends on you if you be able please to provide me with photos and some detail drawings in which I really appreciate your help. I send you some photos using WhatsApp please check. I am so lucky that I found a you. I look forward to hearing from you.
Regards
Arta