Hard top hoist for storage

[Merc_Girl]

Hi everyone!
So, my husband has selfishly parked his 1972 Fiat Cinquecento back in MY garage!!! Whilst Bessie’s hard top wraps around the Fiat to some extent, we are now rather bored of ‘dancing around’ it all the time.
I see there have been a few discussions around hoists, particularly this chat https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=33106.0.

So my questions are:
- is it ok for hardtop to be stored in such a way? Mindful there are comments about the pinching of the rubber seals?
- can anyone recommend a manufacturer/ supplier (baring in mind I’m in the UK
- are any available with a powered hoist, thinking of the future and old age!!!!

As always, help always gratefully received 🥰
thinking of future or

[Alf]

Great post Merc_Girl. I’m very interested in the answers too!

[Figoulu]

Hi

I built the support myself inspired by models sold by professionals, but which I found expensive, and I bought the manual winch separately in a DIY store.
If you’re interested, I can share the measurements with you. No welding is needed — everything is assembled using screws and nuts. The winch is manual, but it doesn’t cause any physical problems (especially considering how frequently it’s used, it’s not really an issue...).

Indeed, the seal at the bottom of the hardtop tends to get crushed... but I think mine are original, and if they are newer, I believe the effect is lessened. Moreover, once put back in place and given a bit of time, the seal regains its original shape...

---

Would you like me to make it a bit more formal or casual?

[su8pack1]

I built this lift over 40 years ago with a hand crank, and it still works fine.

[Merc_Girl]

Obviously a lot of clever chaps out there, unfortunately I’m somewhat lazy when it comes to this 😂

[rwmastel]

MercGirl,

Be patient, get lots of feedback before buying.

Who was the member in Australia who's hoist failed?  It was the type that clamps on the chrome trim, I believe. 

For DIY, that seems be the most precise to make on your own.  I would think a good DIY solution would be to support at the inner roof handles and the rear pin.  Then, find the balance point above the top with straps.

[Lori]

This looks interesting
https://www.easyhoists.com/buy-hardtop-hoist/hard_top_hoists.php?show=00284091#&gid=null&pid=2

Then there's this from sl shop
https://parts.theslshop.com/mercedes-benz-sl-removable-hardtop-storage-hoist/

[Pawel66]

Tried the one from the first link - not very seals and top upholstery friendly.

I am using the one from he second link.

[Figoulu]

Tried the one from the first link - not very seals and top upholstery friendly.

I am using the one from he second link.

I believe I somehow copied / pasted this one to build mine...

[Paul & Dolly]

Katie,

Are you planning to store it on a stand, or Hanging in the air ?

I use an Audi Hoist, slightly modified, it came with a crank handle, but I use a Ryobi Drill with a hook to turn it.

I am not keen on the hoists that use the gutters to attach to the Hardtop - it weighs 50 Kg, mine lifts from below.

Have fun

Paul & Dolly

[RAY]

Hi Katie,

I made one up using the exact same gutter clamps as su8pack1 but with an aluminium box section instead of wood and doubled up on the clamps and bars so dont have to worry to much about the balance point and no chance of it failing. I lift it off and on with an electric winch and store it in a hard top roof stand. Been a success for ten years now, no dings in the paint work, angle it so you locate the front levers first.

[GM]

If you run out of suggestions, although in the US, this worked for me.
Ignore the listing of cars, it works on a W113...
https://www.top-hoist.com/

[John Betsch - "SADIE"]

More data points to consider.
Being nervous about the weight of the hardtop, I purchased mine.  See some of the cautionary notes from the Manufacturer attached.  I also was fearful of pulling the winch reel from the wall, so it is lag bolted across beams.  Note in the pix that the winch can connect to a drill/socket for operation.  Just  some more input for you
JB

[Pawel66]

If you are going to be using any additional hooks, blocks or pulleys, do not buy cheap chinesum ones, buy only weight rated ones, e.g. marine ones, no matter how solid the chinesum ones look like.