jAndrew

Got it figured out. Was just pressed into the bottom and took a LOT of force to get it out.

Cannot find any useful info on removing the rear cabrio glass on a 451. Anyone do it? I have the upper part of the glass undone but not sure how the lower part from where it bolts to the frame is attached. The new glass has a channel that the fabric presses into but I certainly do not want to damage the fabric pulling on it. So how is the glass frame attached to the top? I am thinking that I need to unfasten the rear top section around the bottom but don't want to take apart more than I have to. Anyone with experience please point me in the right direction.

Agreed. Although the tooling costs might make swapping a new one in more attractive than tapping the old one. I did see a video about the timing change install that might help me.

The only thing keeping me from doing the cover swap is the lack of instructions on how to do it. While I've rebuilt several engines and restored other makes it has always been with a good workshop manual. I'm not a mechanic by any means but can follow directions and it's usually worked okay. I've filled out the forms to get access to the MB resources but have heard nothing back. The other digital resources seem just to be owners manuals. I hate to start pulling off parts without a clue. I did find a cover for $130 but at this point I just want it on the road. If it costs $150 or $500 it needs to be done. I agree adding up the tooling costs, and then paying someone could push it way up. I've contacted 2 independent shops and neither has gotten back to me after 2 days. Seems like no one wants to work on it. Can you tell I am conflicted? If it was any of our other vehicles they would be back on the road by now. I don't like having something sitting in the garage not being able to move.

So I've gone back and forth a few times on this and, thanks to all the comments, will try to tap it and go ahead and use a remote kit. I am leaning toward paying someone will experience in metal work to do the bore and tap. I don't mind paying what's right for this. Can some of you comment on this kit from Summit? https://www.summitracing.com/parts/prm-70966/questionsanswers . It's M20 so...anyway, let me know. Then if it cannot be tapped will do the cover. The car is still pristine otherwise with less than 20K miles and otherwise better than new.

I still think that middle nut will not allow it to seat correctly.

Thanks, something to consider but perhaps too difficult for me upside down.

I am hesitant to try and tap it. I have done it on a flat surface inside but upside down on that small area worries me. I suppose trying it would only cost the tap and guide and if I mess it up I would revert to the original plan of replacing the cover. Will get an estimate on that first and see how painful financially it will be. I have a couple of other vehicles I'd rather spend the time and money on for sure.

Yes, not the dealership. I have a Land Rover, VW Syncro Doka, MB SLK230 as well and know not to EVER go to the dealership. I did watch a video of the oil sump refit and he lowered the engine a bit and it indeed looked pretty easy to do that way. I'll get some quotes and see how bad it hurts first, then decide. Not a great interest in Smarts here and even the independent shops are steep but you have to keep it on the road- I'm a firm believer in that.

I see it now on the front cover images. Looks to be beyond my time and patience. I will get a couple quotes for it around here and go from there. Not good at all.

Thanks for the good info, I will try and source a front cover somewhere. I've been using Evilution for a couple of years, nothing about my issue there. I've signed up at the Mercedes site for access to a manual but it will take some time they say.

While on the road we hit what turned out to be a metal piece that in turn sheared off the oil filter. Ran for a few seconds after that when the light went on and saw smoke. See the pics. Found the oil filter with the broken off 'nipple.' Having trouble finding out the scope of repair since it seems difficult to find a workshop manual. It appears the entire housing needs to come off but not even sure what housing it is or part number. If anyone can comment on what's involved to repair please let me know. Don't want to start taking things apart when I don't know the order of things. I work on our older vehicles with the help of workshop manuals if it means anything.