Author Topic: Hard top dolly/rack and or hoist  (Read 2873 times)

mdsalemi

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Hard top dolly/rack and or hoist
« on: June 01, 2021, 13:05:28 »
For the first time ever, I’ll soon have my [restored] hard top to deal with.

Suggestions on dolly/rack or hoist? Some of the racks I have seen appear to be fairly lightweight and probably inappropriate for the weight of the hardtop. My hardtop was initially damaged by sitting upright against a wall for 20 years in my basement.

I have not done any investigation on hoists.

Suggestions appreciated good and bad, on both.
Michael Salemi
Davidson, North Carolina (Charlotte Area) USA
1969 280SL (USA-Spec)
Signal Red 568G w/Black Leather (Restored)
2023 Ford Maverick Lariat Hybrid "Area 51"
2023 Ford Escape Hybrid
2024 Ford Mustang Mach Ex PEV

Bonnyboy

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Re: Hard top dolly/rack and or hoist
« Reply #1 on: June 01, 2021, 13:35:36 »
Michael - how was your hardtop damaged -  your comment has me worried - mine is just leaning up against a wall and I don't want to damage it.

Ian
69 280SL
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GM

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« Last Edit: June 01, 2021, 15:57:40 by GM »
Gary
1971 280SL - Sold
(98 from the end of production)
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hauser

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Re: Hard top dolly/rack and or hoist
« Reply #3 on: June 01, 2021, 14:57:23 »
Have a look at this hoist system.  It was once sold here in the US as E Z hoist.  Contact points are covered in with a sheepskin pad.

https://www.easyhoists.com/hardtop-hoist-system.php

Pawel66

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Re: Hard top dolly/rack and or hoist
« Reply #4 on: June 01, 2021, 15:26:51 »
I have this one. I had to re-do the support points as I was afraid they will ruin the headliner. Otherwise - it hangs there since three months or so...
Pawel

280SL 1970 automatic 180G Silver
W128 220SE
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G-class

mdsalemi

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Re: Hard top dolly/rack and or hoist
« Reply #5 on: June 01, 2021, 19:13:48 »
Michael - how was your hardtop damaged -  your comment has me worried - mine is just leaning up against a wall and I don't want to damage it.

That was it. Leaning against a wall. Rear side down, front leaning on the wall. Too much weight on the contact point. Was there, untouched from December 2001-July 2019.
Michael Salemi
Davidson, North Carolina (Charlotte Area) USA
1969 280SL (USA-Spec)
Signal Red 568G w/Black Leather (Restored)
2023 Ford Maverick Lariat Hybrid "Area 51"
2023 Ford Escape Hybrid
2024 Ford Mustang Mach Ex PEV

su8pack1

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Re: Hard top dolly/rack and or hoist
« Reply #6 on: June 01, 2021, 20:10:05 »
I've used this one I made for 40 years.
1969 280SL
1984 300CD
1987 190E 2.6
1988 190D 2.5

Garry

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Re: Hard top dolly/rack and or hoist
« Reply #7 on: June 01, 2021, 23:13:52 »
Michael,


I use the storage rack as per the other Gary GM post and have had no problem with it and only take my hard top off it when i am putting the car in for service or repair rather that with the soft top.


I lift it off with a gutter hoist but with s secondary strap on it as you know i have dropped it once about 15 years ago.  I do not feel confident leaving it on the hoist.


Garry
Garry Marks
Melbourne/ Kyneton, Brisbane. Australia
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specracer

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Re: Hard top dolly/rack and or hoist
« Reply #8 on: June 01, 2021, 23:58:43 »
I too have the amazon one.

Leester

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Re: Hard top dolly/rack and or hoist
« Reply #9 on: June 03, 2021, 15:27:03 »
For su8pac1, just curious as to what kind of brackets you used to attach the hoist to the top. This is on my to do list and yours looks nicely fabricated and worthy imitation.  Thanks in advance.  Lee
Lee Backus
1963 220SE Cabriolet
1970 280SL (reassembling - hopefully soon)
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su8pack1

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Re: Hard top dolly/rack and or hoist
« Reply #10 on: June 03, 2021, 21:46:45 »
Not sure if they're made any more but here's a link to some on eBay. https://www.ebay.com/itm/265184036575?hash=item3dbe3346df:g:9R8AAOSwZLtguNxT
1969 280SL
1984 300CD
1987 190E 2.6
1988 190D 2.5