Do you guys think with would be safe to carry a hardtop with suction lifters that would attach to the back glass? This is what I'm talking about:



They're used to transport plate glass or when replacing car windshields. If you got 2 of those, they should have no problem supporting the 40lb weight of the top, as each is rated for a load of 250lbs.

Seems like that could make removing the hardtop a one man operation (assuming you don't have access to a lift). I'm just wondering if the top would be damaged if you supported it only by the window...

 

I wouldn't want to risk scratching the paint with the pins that come out of the bottom of the top. It is always 2 people for me.

 

swirl city

 

The window is where all the weight is at, the top is made of aluminum so it is light. If you have the forearm strength to lift it straight up 6" then sure i dont see the problem by lifting it from the window.

 

No swirls, since those attach to the glass, not the paint.

 

^ Rock on then

 

The problem I have with suction cups is that when they get old or a bit dirty they lose their ability to do a good seal and can fail suddenly. Old rubber cups tend to get stiff or crack. So I'd prefer the more traditional method.

Handa used to sell a hartop lifter that was a U-shaped tube along with a "T" strap that attached to the ends of the tubes and another attachment that goes under the rear glass window. Nothing touches the paint or glass.

I use one of these and it is a one-man job to remove and replace the top. I even had it hanging up for a year and took it down this past weekend and it had zero damage to all the rubber weatherstripping or any other part of the hardtop.

 

I'd rather be safe than sorry.