Minimum hard top and rack storage space?

[1mintjulep]

Hi all,

In planning ahead for that dream T, one of the issues we have to consider is storage space. We have a tight 2-car garage. We need to factor in extra space for the hard top on the storage rack. Can someone give an estimate of how much space one of these stands with the hard top needs? Garage width is not the issue here, length is. Our garage doors clear our present cars (16 ft each) with just inches to spare.

Any other storage solutions for the hard top and rack are appreciated.

Thanks much,

~1MJ

[Lonestar]

Re: Minimum hard top and rack storage space?

the depth of the hard top setting on the stand is approx 20". If you have a min. of an 8' ceiling you can use a hoist to hang the top and your car will clear the hard top when suspended. You can look in my gallery and see a hard top suspended above my car and see that there is plenty of room to drive the car in and out.

[1mintjulep]

Re: Minimum hard top and rack storage space?

the depth of the hard top setting on the stand is approx 20". If you have a min. of an 8' ceiling you can use a hoist to hang the top and your car will clear the hard top when suspended. You can look in my gallery and see a hard top suspended above my car and see that there is plenty of room to drive the car in and out.

We wondered about hanging it somehow, but thought it might interfere with the garage door tracks. I'll look through your pics - thanks much!

[rpatton3]

Re: Minimum hard top and rack storage space?

We bought an electric hoist on Ebay and back in to remove the top. The rest of the time, we don't back in. We have 16 foot doors, too.

[texasbird]

Re: Minimum hard top and rack storage space?

We wondered about hanging it somehow, but thought it might interfere with the garage door tracks. I'll look through your pics - thanks much!

Pat.

Our Hard Top hoist is mounted in such a way as to work perfectly by backing the car in, to remove and install the top. With the top hanging, we can drive into the garage normally the rest of the time.

The only down side is that I occasionally forget it is there or how close I am to it, and bump my head on it when the car is out of the garage and I am getting tools or hardware for a project.

James

PS - Hanging the top hoist toward the back wall of the garage, making us have to back in to remove the top is to accomodate the Garage Door Opener track.

[bronzebird]

Re: Minimum hard top and rack storage space?

Pat:

Take a look at how I have my hoist set up. Photo is attached.

http://www.thunderbirdnest.com/membe...cat=500&page=1

I also do not have much room at either end of the garage and that is why I chose to go up. My hoist is manual and does a great job of keeping the top out of the way when off the car. I can install or uninstall the top in about ten minutes by myself.

Bronzebird

[steelblue5505]

Re: Minimum hard top and rack storage space?

I too found it is far easier to hang it from the hoist than keep the HT on its cart. Up & away out of the way. And so easy for removal or install.

[04birdman]

Re: Minimum hard top and rack storage space?

i have a single garage with an opener...cant use a hoist...have my top on rack against the wall takes up about 7 feet of wall..stickes out about 2 feet...only thing i did was put some I hooks into the wall on both sides of the top and ran a strap across so it could not get knocked over...grandkids in and out of the garage etc

[04birdman]

Re: Minimum hard top and rack storage space?

P.S. its on a side wall...have to back out ..so the passenger can get in...do that anyway...

[justjon]

Re: Minimum hard top and rack storage space?

Brronzebird
love your photos! i've never seen those tail light rings before? Where do they come from and the birds eye dash is perfect, whose kit? Thanks Jon

[Lonestar]

Re: Minimum hard top and rack storage space?

Here is another pic that shows better that the hoist and top do not interfere with the garage tracks. Additionally, the way I made mine eliminated the need to have the car parked at on specific spot to accommodate the lift. Was probably more trouble to build than it was worth however.

[rpatton3]

Re: Minimum hard top and rack storage space?

Look at my post on may 9, 2007 for photos of my electric hoist.
http://www.thunderbirdnest.com/forum...ad.php?t=16231

[1mintjulep]

Re: Minimum hard top and rack storage space?

Wow, thanks everyone for the helpful responses! This gives us lots of ideas.

[bronzebird]

Re: Minimum hard top and rack storage space?

Brronzebird
love your photos! i've never seen those tail light rings before? Where do they come from and the birds eye dash is perfect, whose kit? Thanks Jon

Jon:

The tail light rings are made of 1/8" plastic trim that comes in rolls at Auto Zone or other parts stores. I used the same trim to fill in the indentation that runs along the sides of the car.

On a warm day, just strip the backing off the trim and carefully mold it into the appropriate shape you want. The circle on the tail light is easy to follow and as long as you don't use a heavy hand with the two way tape you can remove it and replace it with no problem. Once you have the stuff in place, just trim with a razor blade and apply some pressure to make it stay in place.

I prefer the look as the other aftermarket tail light adornment is just too far overboard for my tastes.

The dash kit came from Wood Dash Experts and is kit number FDTDO2A, the 29 piece one in the Bird's Eye color is number SBEW.

Bronzebird