Hard Top Hoist

[Ed Cave]

Having begun my research on hard top hoists for the 113 I have discovered several manufacturers. There is a little discussion on this forum about these but not much in terms of "this is the one to buy" vs. "this one is a piece of #@%*#". I am looking for reccomendations - without consideration for price, which is the BEST solution. Also, I can't imagine an electric one could be that much better a solution than a simple manual crank. Just looking for good feedback on this subject.

Thanks.I appreciate your thoughts...

[Mike Hughes]

I have a Fritzi Hoist in both my garages.  Works wonderfully.  Regarding electric v.s. manual:  It's soley a matter of convenience.  If you have someone to stand by the wall and crank while you guide the hardtop, manual crank is just fine.  If you are working solo, the electric model is the only way to go.  They are both equally safe.

- Mike Hughes  -ô¿ô-
  1966 230SL Auto P/S
  Havanna Brown (408)
  Light Beige (181)
  Cream M-B Tex (121)

[hauser]

I think the easiest way is to go electric. Simple to do without help from others.

1969 280sl 5 spd        1999 ML320          Gainesville,Fl.

[n/a]

Ed

I have a manual hard top hoist but rarely use it. You do need two people: one to crank it and the other to guide it so it doesn't scratch the paint. On the rare occasions I put the hard top on I just get one of my sons to give me a hand. The good thing about the manual hoist (apart from the price) is that strength is not required so that if one of my strapping lads is not about, my wife can help remove it.

Mark

1965 230 SL light blue, auto, RHD

[hands_aus]

I have a hoist too.
The boat winch is mounted on one of the garage rafters at the side of the garage and the stainless steel wire goes through a pulley to a safety clipped hook on the end.

I reach up and turn the winch handle which is in a horizontal plane.

There are two seat belt straps making a sling
one goes side to side and
the other goes front to back.

There are two closed rings onto which I tied the seat belt webbing using granny smith knots.
They will never undo.

The front to back sling has an adjustment buckle
The side to side is fixed length.

The slings are easy to slip under the hard top and centre/balance before turning the winch.

I start off slowly and I keep winding until it is up off the car.

A one man job.

Bob (Brisbane,Australia)
RHD,1967 early 250 SL, auto

[rwmastel]

Wow!  It didn't take long for this thread to go from "which is the best made product?" to "do you prefer manual or electric hoists?".

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

[Ed Cave]

Thanks, Rod. I agree. I am really looking for reccomendations of "what to buy". Since I want to be able to remove or install the hardtop myself it sounds like I definately want to go electric.

 Mike H. suggested the Fritzi hoist but they don't seem to have a website. Any other suggestions out there?

[George Davis]

I'll put in my 2 cents worth on the best - even though I've only ever used 1 brand:  EZ Lift, see this link:

http://eztop.com/

Nice, well made unit.  And if you own an electric reversible hand drill, I'll recommend the manual crank model, best of both worlds.  It has an adapter and socket you can put in your drill and you have an electric hoist.  Take it off, put on the handle, and it's manual for the last few millimeters if you want.


George Davis
'69 280 SL Euro manual

[Mike Hughes]

http://www.capitolwest.com/mercedes_hardtop_management.htm

Sorry, Ed, I forgot to post this in my first reply!

quote:Originally posted by Ed Cave

Thanks, Rod. I agree. I am really looking for reccomendations of "what to buy". Since I want to be able to remove or install the hardtop myself it sounds like I definately want to go electric.

 Mike H. suggested the Fritzi hoist but they don't seem to have a website. Any other suggestions out there?

- Mike Hughes  -ô¿ô-
  1966 230SL Auto P/S
  Havanna Brown (408)
  Light Beige (181)
  Cream M-B Tex (121)

[bayleif]

Ed,
I wish I could tell you the name of the hoist I have. But I got it for Christmas, my wife found it on Ebay. It is manual, but the whench is mounted on the hoist. I use it all the time by myself, it is absolutely great. I'll see if I can fine any info tonight when I get home.

Chuck Bartlett
1969 Signal Red 4 Speed

[113gray]

Ed- I recently purchased an electric unit from Capitol West. The unit is relatively inexpensive (?$299) & appears sturdy. Things I learned: 1) the unit is NOT designed to store the H'top in the suspended position so they say. I suspect this is motivated by liability considerations. However, I installed 4 heayy eyebolts on the ceiling (into solid wood of the trusses) with nylon rope loops that slip over the four protruding latching posts of the hardtop. This allows the weight of the top to be lowered onto these slings for storage rather than have the hoist itself bear the load. 2) the hardtop lifting straps are supplied with plastic buckles which WILL fracture during hoisting if installed incorrectly. Problem is, the instructions don't say how to install correctly. I found out by contacting Capitol West who were very nice in providing correct instruction by phone & prompt in replacing the broken buckles/straps which has solved the problem, thus far at least. Bottom line: After being totally sure that installation is SOLID, I am now pleased with the unit & at a  price that probably can't be beat unless you build your own. Regards, -JP-

[bayleif]

Ed,
Well it took an extra day but I did remember to look up the information on the hoist. Like I said, I found it on ebay, but this is the guy's address:
James Motor Sport
28220 Avenue Crocker #406
Valencia Ca. 91355
800 760-2853

Here is a picture

Download Attachment:
Top Hoist.JPG
38.39 KB

I know, I have to turn the car around first. Then it is an easy one man operation.

Chuck Bartlett
1969 Signal Red 4 Speed