C2 - How do you store a mid year hard top

[Ken Seddon - 25329]

I would appreciate any advice on how to store a mid-year hard top.

I am looking to cover it and hang it from the ceiling of my garage. Any recommendations for what top of cover? How do you hang it?

I would appreciate any recommendations of products, stores, or prices.

I won't be taking the hard top down that often, so I am looking for a way to store the top long term without causing any damage to it.

Thanks,

Ken
NCRS #25329

[Gary S.]

Re: C2 - How do you store a mid year hard top

Ken, over the years there have been several articles in The Restorer on hard top storage. All required some degree of fabrication but one is so simple as to be silly. All you need is a long threaded rod to run through the side hold downs (where the top is held to the car via the large (9/16"?) nut). I put a nut on either side of each hold down and locked the bar in place. This keeps the rod from sliding back and forth. I then bought some wall hooks at Home Depot and hung the threaded rod from the hooks. If I remember correctly, I used bicyle hooks. I don't think I spent more than $20 on everything. When I took the top down two years later, there wasn't any damage, warpage, or other ill effects from hanging it on the garage wall.
Gary

[Dave S.]

Re: C2 - How do you store a mid year hard top

Ken,
I use 4 eyebolts screwed into the ceiling joists with short lightweight chain hanging from all 4 locations. Hooks will be at the end of each chain and hooked into the mounting holes at the rear of the top and onto the latches at the front of the top. The top will be stored upside down. One trip to Home depot and about $10 will do it. In order to balance the weight, the window (rear) end of the top will hang lower and the latch end will be higher, meaning the chains will be different lengths.

[Michael H.]

Re: C2 - How do you store a mid year hard top

I purchased a hardtop cover from Eckler's and it works great. I believe I paid about $75 for it. I hang my hardtop from the side supports using a piece of aluminum angle drilled to accept 5/16 bolts. I can e-mail you a photo of the setup if you'd like.