How do you raise the hardtop

[dearborntbird]

I just bought my retro bird and wonder if there is any new methods to remove the hardtop. Are the any hooks available to use to help raise the top? I have seen a rope type hoist somewhere but it had no hooks.

[Vintage Merlot]

Re: How do you raise the hardtop

Paul, I suggest you use the search function here on the site and type in: "hardtop hoist" or "hoist" there is a lot of infomation. I am sure most of us use a two person crew and carefully lift it off. I have a hoist but have never installed it. Some day I will get to it.

Enjoy the site and really explore all the information in the "Search" library.

[Icebluebird]

Re: How do you raise the hardtop

Welcome!

Search the site, there is lots of great information here on hoists, both homemade and "store bought."

If you are handy, you can make your own for less than $200. Search for member Ge0rge and look at the hoist he made in the gallery. I made one like it and just love it. It is easy to use and one person can remove and install the top easily. It also keeps the top out of the way when it is off the car.

Look at the pictures in my gallery for an addition I made for long term storage. Being overly cautious, I got a piece of 1" square tubing and drilled holes for the top pins to rest in and in each end to hook up a cargo strap which can be adjusted to take the weight off of the other straps. I covered the tubing with some water pipe insulation that you can buy at Lowes that is self stick and then covered that with some clear packing tape for further security.

To remove the top, I disconnect the front bolts and raise the top on the rear levers by putting them in the full open position. Then I use the straps to pull the top by putting the clips on the top between the top material and the rubber seal. After the top is removed then I put the "extra" holder on and raise the top to the garage ceiling.

Good luck!

[FritsB]

Re: How do you raise the hardtop

I took this shot at Choo-Choo.
Bit over the top if you ask me

[RBIRD]

Re: How do you raise the hardtop

Frits, I will pardon the pun.....THIS time!!

RBIRD

[snowbird]

Re: How do you raise the hardtop

I took this shot at Choo-Choo.
Bit over the top if you ask me

Great for parking in tight spots as well as it would lift the whole car if you forgot to unscrew the top.

[AZTB]

Re: How do you raise the hardtop

I own this system...used it on both the '02 & '05...wouldn't have it any other way, as it allows me to store the top covered & up-out-of-the-way for months at a time.

http://home.earthlink.net/~garbiso/menu.htm

[SunnyDayz]

Re: How do you raise the hardtop

These threads come up pretty often.

Once again, I recommend Top-Hoist.com

It's not much more $ than a DIY system.

[jerrym3]

Re: How do you raise the hardtop

Two guys, four arms, works like a champ.

[Vegas Retrobird]

Re: How do you raise the hardtop

Two guys, four arms, works like a champ.

LOL

[boss21078]

Re: How do you raise the hardtop

Or a guy and a girl, 4 arms, it helps if she is tall (6' 1")!

[Ski]

Re: How do you raise the hardtop

Or a guy and a girl, 4 arms, it helps if she is tall (6' 1")!

Only if the guy is 6'1" too!

[Ediron]

Re: How do you raise the hardtop

Live in S.Florida you don't need a Hardtop

[jerrym3]

Re: How do you raise the hardtop

I've decided not to put the hardtop on this winter. She sits in the garage in bad weather, so where's the benefit? In the long run, it's probably better for the soft top to be in the up position rather than folded into tight quarters.

Besides, I may take a NJ to Florida road trip in January. My brother-in-law will be down there at his friend's condo on A1a in Ormond Beach. If I go, I'll be visiting friends/family in Ormond Beach, Sebastian, Orlando, and Marco Island.

If I go, I'll probably be going solo, but I don't mind long trips with or without a copilot.

Just another check mark on the "bucket list".