Midyear Hardtop Hoist

[Chris H.]

Hello,

I've been looking at catalogs that advertise hoists for lifting and storing hardtops. They are all priced around $150.

Does anyone have any recommendations? Are they junk? Can I build my own by getting stuff at Home Depot?

Thanks, Chris

[Rob Edwards]

Re: Midyear Hardtop Hoist

I'm very happy with the Fritzi hoist (part # 39409 at Eckler's) for our '62 hardtop. The winch and mounting brackets are all nicely made and the instructions come with the correct lengths to adjust each strap for each model (C1, C2, etc.) of 'vette hardtop. They warn about not storing tops long term this way, and I do wonder whether the lower edge of the side windows may be getting bowed 'outward' a bit (the side holding brackets lift from the bottom of the windows. It looks ok to me, perhaps I'll measure the width of it and see how it compares to the published width of an installed hardtop. Anyone have the latter number handy? I'm also less concerned about the rear lower weatherstrip since it's not the original curved one, just a repro 58-60 strip that's been Bubba'd into place.
I am also a little paranoid that the top could drop out of the holders in the next 'big one' to hit SoCal, but it made it thru the rumblers last week, no problem. Since it's held under all four sides, I think this is unlikely.

[Jim W.]

Re: Midyear Hardtop Hoist

Chris, I wrote an article back in the 1980's for the NCRS Restorer about my method of storing the hardtop. Simply put, I took a 5/16" or 3/8" steel rod about 50" long threaded at both ends and ran it through both side brackets of the hardtop. I then put flat washers and nuts on both ends to hold the rod in place. Next I installed 3/8" hooks in the wall at a reasonable height and apart enough to catch the rod just inside the hardtop brackets to safely support it. Then with the top standing on its header and the window facing out, I hung the rod on the hooks. I've used this method for almost 30 years with several tops because it keeps the top safely out of the way. Good luck. Jim - Member #2978