Pagoda SL Group

W113 Pagoda SL Group => General Discussion => Topic started by: 69280sl on November 15, 2006, 22:12:46

Title: hard top hoist
Post by: 69280sl on November 15, 2006, 22:12:46

At various times, there have been discussions of hoists, storing the hard top, etc. I would like to share my hoist idea which is cost effective and efficient (if I do say so myself).

The heart of the hoist is the 440 lb hoist offered by Harbor Freight. When it is on sale, which is most of the time, it is about $60.

This hoist runs fore and aft, suspended from a 1" pipe which is itself attached to a 2x8, which allows spreading the load over 5 ceiling joists. The ability to move the hoist makes positioning over the car easier and allows the suspended top to be moved out of the way of the overhead door.

The "hanger" bar I used is from a manual hoist, but I believe a roof top carrier can be used since all it does is grab onto the drip rail.

One change I made to the Harbor Frt hoist was to change from single sheave pulleys to double sheave. This cuts the speed in half and makes control very easy.

Installing or removing the top is an easy one person job and takes less than 2 minutes start to finish. And of course the stored top doesn't take up any useable space.

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b284/inspectorgm/100_0961.jpg

Gus
68 280sl, signal red/beige

Title: Re: hard top hoist
Post by: rob walker on November 16, 2006, 02:08:31

Gus, nice job, interesting for us getting older!

Rob Walker

1968 280SL papyrus white/green leather
2004 230 SLK silver

Title: Re: hard top hoist
Post by: ChrisInNashville on November 16, 2006, 02:38:03

Wow, I stand in awe!  

I go into a panic when the chalk on garage floor (that marks the PRECISE spot where the four tires must be to get safe lift) gets wiped off!

Title: Re: hard top hoist
Post by: rwmastel on November 16, 2006, 09:58:58

Gus,

This was a perfect post for this thread:
http://index.php?topic=5559

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

Title: Re: hard top hoist
Post by: BHap on November 16, 2006, 12:03:45

Nice job Gus - how do you attach / move the hoist on the 1" pipe?

Bob Happe
Pittsburgh, Pa
1970 280SL, white/black 4 speed

Title: Re: hard top hoist
Post by: 69280sl on November 16, 2006, 16:50:35

Rodd: Sorry I missed the previous thread you referred to. I certainly would have piggy backed onto it.

Bob: The hoist hangs off the pipe from the semi circular brackets that come with the HF hoist. Being in the garage, I push it into position with whatever comes to hand (like the tine end of a rake). Not precise, but adequate.

Gus  280sl
Signal red/beige
280sl

Title: Re: hard top hoist
Post by: glennard on November 17, 2006, 07:46:26

My hardtop seems to balance on the rear latch pins.  Is this true for all tops?

Title: Re: hard top hoist
Post by: rwmastel on November 17, 2006, 09:16:46

Mine almost does (230SL top w/ fixed handles).  The front falls to the floor, but not with a lot of weight.

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