Hardtop hoist

[n/a]

Like to know if anyone had used this hoist or know about this dealer.

Thank you.

[n/a]

Here is the link
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1,1&item=4539747043&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT

[J. Huber]

Hi LL,

I can't speak for that set-up but here's my 2 cents. Have a look at WWW.CapitolWest.com. For a little more money, you get what seems a much more stable kit. Fritzi-Hooker I think. Another good company out there is EZ Hoist. Quite a bit more money for that one but owners love it.

I have debated getting a hoist for years. I am always a click away from getting the Fritzi. Problem for me is I usually take top off in Feb and put back on in Dec. Haven't decided if it makes sense to have the hoist or just get my 115 LB wife to help me...Sad part is, I think she's stronger than me!  :twisted:



James
63 230SL

[n/a]

Hi James,

I have my wife's help to remove/install the top before (with lots of complaining I might add) and like you, I usually have the top off most part of the year. Even with four hands, I never feel comfortable in handling the top because of it's weight and it's awkward shape. I always afraid that I might drop it or scratch the paint. I also like the idea of storing the top on the hoist to get it out of the way. I heard some good things about the Fritzi-Hooker so I am going to check them out also. The one on eBay had a good price.

Louis
70 280sl red

[J. Huber]

What scares me about the Ebay one is the appararent lack of strappage (if that's a word?). I actually have a very similar bar that spans the hard-top. I have never dared use it because it really only grips the edge of the top...I want the criss-cross straps.

By the way, this turned out to be a leap year for me...In other words, the hard-top never even made it on this winter! We had some good weather into December, next thing ya know, it's Spring!! I do like driving my car with the hard-top on though -- it is completely different Pagoda feel but still pretty cool...

James
63 230SL

[Ed Cave]

Guys:

I installed an electric EZ Top hoist www.eztop.com in my garage last Friday. I've got to say it is rare to find the level of customer service and quality of product these folks offer.

From the way it is packaged for shipping to the detailed installation instructions (with a special page specific to lifting a 113 top) this product is top shelf. I don't generally rave about a product of this nature but I can't imagine feeling any better about the experience. The people that run this little business (Angie & Wylie) out of Houston couldn't be nicer and more interested in your particular conditions and satisfaction with their product.

And even though my hardtop itself is still in San Diego, I can clearly tell this system is extremely well made, well thought out and will be a breeze to operate by myself. I guess these fall in the more expensive category but I've got to tell you, they have one VERY satisfied customer here.

Now HERE is another tip. For $24.95 this little device is cooler than I ever thought it could be. You mount this to your garage ceiling and when you activate the light on your overhead door, it beams a red laser (aimable) light toward the floor. It places a bright red, dime size 'dot' wherever you aim it, thus giving you a very accurate way to locate your car in the precise position under your hoist. Just position the car and aim it at a spot on the dash. You'll always know you are in the exact spot. To be honest I was a little skeptical but once I installed it I was amazed. Very cool.

Check it out. http://www.jcwhitney.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product?storeId=10101&Pr=p_Product.CATENTRY_ID%3A2007698&productId=2007698&catalogId=10101



Ed Cave
Atlanta, GA

1964 356C
1971 280SL
2002 SC430
2004 A4 3.0

[n/a]

I just ordered a Fritzi Hooker hardtop hoist from capitolwest.com.
I bought an electric hoist from harborfrieght (on sale for $75)  So all together less than $200 for an electric hoist solution.

The hoist motor from harbor.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=44006

I was able to pick it up local to avoid freight charges, I think the electic hoist is about 35 lbs.

looks to be simiar to what capitalwest uses, but they include the mounting hardware and a couple extra pulleys.  I suspect to slow
down the lift more than anything.

I was able to pick up mounting hardware at Home Depot for less than $20.  

The people at captiolwest where great on the phone, and said they would get the order out right away.  I suspect I should see the Fritzi Hooker strap within the next few days.

If you are a little creative you can save yourself some money.



Jeff Abbott
1969 280sl
2005 Acura TL
2002 Jeep GC Ltd.
1976 MG Midget

[Kenneth Gear]

I have been thinking about purchasing one as well so I appreciate the recommendations.

The only thing holding me back is my fear that if I store the top "above" the car on the hoist that one day I'll be awakened in the middle of the night to a loud and expensive crash.

Is it reasonable to store a hard top top suspended on the hoist? Anyone ever hear of the system failing?



Ken G
1971 280 SL
Silver/red

[Ed Cave]

quote:Originally posted by Kgear


Is it reasonable to store a hard top top suspended on the hoist? Anyone ever hear of the system failing?



Ken G
1971 280 SL
Silver/red

Ken:

I was a little skeptical until I actually installed the hoist. It's extremely solid, not going anywhere and I now have complete confidence in it. Having the hardtop hanging from your ceiling saves garage floor space and keeps the top out of harms way. Depending on the configuration of your garage, it may not be necessary for the hard top to hang above your 113, you simply need to be able to position the Pagoda below it when you are ready to lower it down. The electric hoist moves very very slowly and eases the top down at a very controllable pace.

Ed Cave
Atlanta, GA

1964 356C
1971 280SL
2002 SC430
2004 A4 3.0

[Douglas]

Ed,

So does this mean your car is now home or are you just feathering its nest?

Douglas Kim
New York, NY
280 SL #016220

[Ed Cave]

Doug:

I'm like an extremely pregnant, expectant, mother to be.[:0]

Here is the story on my car. Brian is essentially finished with it. One recent photo is attached. It went to the A/C shop this week and had hoses built and the rest of the A/C system charging etc, was done.

On Monday it goes to the upholstery shop for soft top install, seat covers, door panels and carpet installation. They expect to have it for 5-7 business days. I'm flying out to San Diego April 21 to give it a final review/test drive up the coast and then we'll ship it back here. The plan is to have it land here in Atlanta week of May 9.

Probably more than you ever wanted to know about it but that's the story. I can finally see a (bright) light at the end of the tunnel and am getting very excited to have it complete and in its carefully prepared garage space. My wife and I both have high energy non-stop careers, travel alot and elected not to have children so getting the baby's room ready in our house takes on a very different meaning.

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Ed Cave
Atlanta, GA

1964 356C
1971 280SL
2002 SC430
2004 A4 3.0

[rwmastel]

quote:Originally posted by Ed Cave

I'm flying out to San Diego April 21 to give it a final review/test drive up the coast....

Ed,
I'm not sure if you're aware of this, or if it even pertains to you, but there are special oil filters to be used on new or freshly rebuilt engines.  They are of extra fine filtrate material and should be changed out for a normal filter after a 500 mile break-in period.  If this pertains to your car, make sure Brian is aware of it.  Also, if I'm giving incorrect information here, I'm sure others will help me out.

I envy your top-notch Pagoda!  I hope that some day mine will get the treatment yours got.

Rodd
Powell, Ohio, USA
1966 230SL, Euro, Auto, Leather, both  tops
1994 E420

[Kenneth Gear]

Ed, I'm excited for you!  After reading your post I can almost hear the excitement and anticipation in your voice.  Must be sweet knowing that a freshly restored car is almost a relatity.  How long did the entire restoration process take?

Also, be sure to take a few extra days off work when you go out for your test drive, you may end up getting carried away and making a 3,000 test drive all the way home.

If you do, swing through Washington, DC on your way and say hi!





Ken G
1971 280 SL
Silver/red

[Tom230sl]

Hey Ed, are you sure you want to ship it back? I could drive it back for you : )

[gwuisman]

ALL,

I asked www.eztop.com for further information on handeling a manual system with a power tool adaptor. Unfortunately this will not result in a one person handeling system. Besides that they are considering to do an offer to the members of our club.

Gerard Wuisman
1970 280sl

[Ed Cave]

Gerard and others:

Take a look at the photos I shot of the electric EZ Top hoist I recently installed. You'll see the grey hand held controller hanging right next to the black motor/winch housing. Attached to it you'll notice about 20 feet of coiled cable which allows you to walk completely around the car as you raise or lower the top. This is essentially how it becomes a one man operation.

When you use a power tool on the manual version you have to position yourself next to the winch with one hand operating a drill and the other hand only as good for as far as it can reach from there; not a very safe way to lower a 100 lb. top onto your pretty little car.

The part that attaches to the top has the sheepskin pads and is designed not to negatively impact any of the seals, headliner, etc. from the top being on the hoist, possibly for months at a time.

The sqaure grey box on the wall to the right of the MB sign is a sprinkler system component and has nothing to do with the lift. They just share the outlet.



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Ed Cave
Atlanta, GA

1964 356C
1971 280SL
2002 SC430
2004 A4 3.0