Hoist for new Hardtop
Just got new Hardtop, now a new problem. I am an "experienced" i.e senior type person who is single and I live by myself. My 3 kids all are grown and live in other cities. I live on a lake in a remote location.

Ok, this Hardtop is going to come off in the spring, so I can enjoy the wind of a convertible and will go back on in the fall when the chill is in the air.

Anyone have any experiences and recommendations for a quality hoist or lift device so I can safely remove / replace the Hardtop by myself. As you know the Hardtop weighs 44 lbs so lifting it is NOT an issue. Major concern is to remove or install without scratching the top or car.

I have seen a few on eBay and I am not impressed. I have a 2.5 car garage, s2000 and GMC Envoy which is my DD, space not an issue

Really want to hear from you and those with experience with these devices.

 

links
http://www.hoistlifts.com/honda.htm

https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.ph...ic=678568&st=0

my diy one works great.

 

I've been getting ready to build my hoist, and this is the design that I decided was the best in my opinion. I plan to build it with a few little changes to improve the security of hoist.

https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=86314

Without getting into too much detail. My plan is to build one very much like this, but I was going to attach a piece of rope or nylon strap on to each side with a ring on the end. The ring would loop over the latch posts just so that if one of the hooks popped off the hardtop would be caught by the ropes.

I picked this design, because it is the only one (I've seen) that makes no contact with the rubber seals. I think this is important, because like you I plan on changing the top seasonally, so once it is off it may be stored for several months.

 

Here's my setup:

Yes, the rope (cushion with foam pipe insulation) does contact the rubber seals both at the windows and the rear but it's a very secure setup. Plus I grease the rubber seals every year and so far it's holding up okay.

I bought the set from a guy on this website which included the hoist and the ropes. Forgot how much I paid.

 

It's basically a bicycle hoist I have seen sold at Target stores. Only difference is the addition of the two ropes.

 

Awesome - my design is still getting noticed.

I am planning an '11 update - I have someone working up a quote on a metal tube for the top to sit on - once I get it done I will update the thread.