Pagoda SL Group

W113 Pagoda SL Group => General Discussion => Topic started by: rwmastel on April 02, 2003, 20:38:14

Title: Hard Top Holder
Post by: rwmastel on April 02, 2003, 20:38:14

Hello Group!

Who out there holds or stores their hard tops on some form of floor-based carrier?  There are many who sell them, here are a few....

http://www.benzstuff.com/hard_top_stand.htm
http://www.4basic.com/specialty.html
http://www.heavenforcars.com/products/gifts/index2.htm
http://benz-store.com/
http://www.thebenzbin.com/mercedes-sl-hardtop.html

What makes one better than another?  Can anyone recommend one from first hand ownership?

Thanks,

Rodd
1966 230SL Euro
1994 E420

Title: Re: Hard Top Holder
Post by: n/a on April 03, 2003, 11:36:49

I have used the roll about mercedes dealer hardtop holder.  Mine was from a 1996 500sl and it worked fine.  The hardtop is still too heavy for most adults (two) and it was very awkward to install same without scratching or denting corner of hardtop.  I got anh electri hardtop hoist from Hardtop Hoist Co. in Texas and it has worked great. I can now install or remove my own hardtop by myself within 5 minutes.  See their product at www.hardtophoist.com.  I greatly recommend their product and service.
David Shapiro  1971 280sl  dark olive

Title: Re: Hard Top Holder
Post by: Douglas on April 03, 2003, 12:37:35

rodd, i have an aluminum cart that i purchased from millers about 7 years ago & it's a piece of junk.

it looks good and all, but if you try to roll the cart, it tends to twist and ends up scratching the hardtop. as long as i don't move it very far, it's fine. like i said, a piece of junk.

by the way, i've seen the other white tubular cart that's commonly available & i don't think it's particularly sturdy either. it IS better than mine though.

Douglas Kim
New York, NY
#11304410018260

Title: Re: Hard Top Holder
Post by: rwmastel on April 03, 2003, 14:51:40

David,
The hard top hoists are expensive (cheapest EZ-Top kit is $445, ranging up to $995).  I was looking for a less expensive solution.  Most carriers cost less than $200 and that includes a cloth cover for the hard top.  Also, the location I have to install a hoist would block an overhead light bulb and be very near my tall cabinets & shelves.  Taking up floor space might be better for me.

Rodd
1966 230SL Euro
1994 E420

Title: Re: Hard Top Holder
Post by: ted280sl on April 07, 2003, 17:26:16

I looked at the carts available and deceided to build mine from wood. A few 2x4's, carpet padding and heavy duty wheels can make a very sturdy and durable cart. I bought my winch to remove the top from Bud's. I'm looking foward to using it soon. It's snowing in New York today.
Regards,
Ted
1969 280SL