Hard Top Lift/Support

[Harry]

I recently constructed a top hoist and storage system for my hard top that I thought I’d share since this is always a big issue among Pagoda owners.  It includes a lift system and an independent support system.

The lift itself utilizes the Thule gutter mounts with lift bar (see photos).  I was able to attach the gutter mounts at a position along the gutter that pretty closely aligned with the top center of gravity.  This meant that the top could be lifted without a counter balance or other means to keep it level.  I reinforced the load bar under the lift point with a ¼ inch steel bar on the bottom.  The pulley system is compound so that the amount of force required to lift the top was around 30 pounds.  I also installed a safety system on the lift frame that includes a catch rope under the main section of the top and two straps that fasten under the rear window.  I wanted to be sure if the gutter mounts slipped or failed, the top couldn’t come free and fall.

I then built an independent support system mounted to the joists in the garage ceiling.  This system includes a wood support piece that fits under the front of the top and has holes in it that match the lock down pins on the top.  At the rear, it has a 2X4 that supports the heavier part of the top.

So – the top is lifted to the appropriate altitude using the lift system, the other supports are placed into position under the top, the top is lowered onto the support system and the lift system remains attached as a back-up support in case the support system were to have a failure.

It was actually quite a bit of work but it provides a convenient place to store the top and the peace of mind that the top is safely stored and can be safely installed/removed.

[Kemal]

Good looking car, inside & out.
Great idea for the hardtop 

[Garry]

I agree, a good looking lift kit. (from one who has had a dropped roof :'()

Be careful that the rubbers do not get compressed at the front safety hanger as that is one of the problems I have found when I now put additional safety lines on the roof that after I have lifted it off I loosen off the safety lines so as not to compress any of the door or front rubbers whilst sitting on the roof storage rack.

Garry

[rmmchl]

After I heard the Garry story about his dropping on his car,  there is no way I will ever use anything that even resembles any type of top lift. I don't trust any of them. These type of gadgets have cost many a pagoda owner devastation. I can only imagine the anxiety I would have looking at that heavy thing hanging in my garage, thinking at any time it would fall onto my car. I have no luck at all. I dropped my hard top off of the regular holder that has 4 wheels. It rolled down my driveway which is on a slope. I could only imgine my luck with some type of top hoist.  I'm just interjecting a little amusement to the thread, from something that actually happened to me. I chased it down the driveway while neighbors watched. I caught it as it fell off. The fall put a few sratches on it, and a few bruises on me. It even strained my back as I tried to upright it while it was coming off the holder.  I now have it in a corner of my basement, and I hope it never leaves it's resting place.

[Harry]

Thanks for the feedback.  I respect the concerns with any type of top lift and onwers should absolutely select the method of top storage they are most comfortable with.  I found that every time we installed the top by hand, the "pucker factor" was very high not only because of the weight but also due to the awkwardness in reaching across the car to carry the top over the trunk while walking sideways.  (We had some close calls already.)
I initially was only going to have the lift system and leave the top suspended from that, but upon completing that system, I couldn't get comfortable with the notion - so I built the additional system as "belt and suspenders".
And Garry - thanks for the comment on the rubbers.  (That safety line fits such that it doesn't press against the window seals.)

[Cees Klumper]

So I have exactly the same system as Harry's, however without the additional security straps. The top just hangs there, about 10 feet high, from the Thule ski rack thing, one nylon band.

After reading about (and picturing, which was amusing, sorry!)  rmmchl's misfortune, I think I will add some additional straps, 'just in cees' ...

[Cees Klumper]

Update: added two additional straps today. I am counting on the ski rack to stay put and not 'slip off' the roof rails.

[Tal]

Harry,
Beautiful car! What model Thule carrier grip are you using ? I went to the Thule web site..there are numerous choices.
Thanks
Tal

[Flyair]

Harry,
I am just in the process of arranging the system in my garage, so your post came very timely and is very useful. having said that I also think that there is a lot of sense in the comments that followed, so I think I will go for the safe "improved" system. Anyhow, very useful.
By the way, nice car...
Stan   

[Run MBC]

Agreed, adding backup "safety straps" is a good idea.  Hardtop hoists are great, but they have to be 100% secure.

[WRe]

Some solutions from Pagodentreff members in Germany:

http://www.pagodentreff.de/diskussionsforum/t281-hardtoplift.html
http://www.pagodentreff.de/diskussionsforum/t6725-endlich-habe-e-elekt-lift-f-r-hardtop.html
http://www.pagodentreff.de/diskussionsforum/t294-hardtop-halter-hardtop-lift.html
http://www.pagodentreff.de/diskussionsforum/t2525-hardtop-hebevorrichtung-selbst-gebaut-2.html

...WRe

[uptheorg]

I have observed that one common solution is to attach ski racks to the roof gutters and I have done the same. Elsewhere on this forum, I read that the roof gutters themselves have failed and I am wondering if anyone knows exactly how they are attached and how they might fail? I found this exploded diagram of the top on the forum but it doesn't give all of the information:
https://www.sl113.org/wiki/Tops/HardTop