Removable Hard-top
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,200
Likes: 3
From: Lehigh county Pennsylvania
I managed to remove it once by myself by straddling the console with my feet on the seats and lifting with my back, then walking out stoop shouldered. Never again!
Next time I waited to enlist the muscle of a friend. Turns out he discovered he had a weak back when leaning over the wheel well, couldn't control his side of the top and the locating pin put a deep gouge in the decklid paint.
I bought the sling soon after. Now it just collects dust as I had a new soft top installed and no longer use the hard top.
Next time I waited to enlist the muscle of a friend. Turns out he discovered he had a weak back when leaning over the wheel well, couldn't control his side of the top and the locating pin put a deep gouge in the decklid paint.
I bought the sling soon after. Now it just collects dust as I had a new soft top installed and no longer use the hard top.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,222
Likes: 93
From: shelbyville West Michigan
if you google mercedes SL top hoist or miata or bmw, you'll see a dozen different home brew designs for hoists. Their tops are aluminum and probably pretty close in weight...I don't have a hard top yet for my 68 vert but my SL500's top goes on and off with a hand crank trailer winch bolted to the garage wall and hangs in storage under the rafters. you can buy pre-made universal strap/hook combos but many people make their own.
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Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 26,545
Likes: 46
From: Huntersville NC
Pretty much what others have said. I can pick it up and walk it around by myself - I can take it out on the driveway and wash it, but I wouldn't try to put it on the car or take it off by myself. That's why I have a wife. 
(She helps me) Remember to remove the antenna first.
(She helps me) Remember to remove the antenna first.
Instructor
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 180
Likes: 11
From: Colorado Springs Colorado
Hey GreatSteaks,
I live in Colorado Springs. Just bought a '68 Rally Red Roadster on left. Looking for a removable hardtop for it. If you hear of someone in CO. ( no one wants to ship) wanting to get rid of theirs for some quick cash, let me know color isn't a factor as most have to be repainted anyway. PM: rickmendoza@comcast.net
God Bless,
rick
I live in Colorado Springs. Just bought a '68 Rally Red Roadster on left. Looking for a removable hardtop for it. If you hear of someone in CO. ( no one wants to ship) wanting to get rid of theirs for some quick cash, let me know color isn't a factor as most have to be repainted anyway. PM: rickmendoza@comcast.net
God Bless,
rick
2026 Loser of the Year
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 36,559
Likes: 7,006
From: New Or-leens Loo-z-anna
With practice/practice/practice (like carrying a canoe by yourself) you can DIY the hardtop....but lay a thick cloth over the rear deck when reinstalling it to prevent scratches.
Open both doors & lower doorglass(es)/loosen all retainers/straddle console/lift with legs/walk out of car carefully/have a designated rack or lift to place the hardtop onto.
Open both doors & lower doorglass(es)/loosen all retainers/straddle console/lift with legs/walk out of car carefully/have a designated rack or lift to place the hardtop onto.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 1,231
Likes: 115
From: Yelm Wa
I've done it by myself (helps being 6' 6'' and long arms)..better with two people.
I think the next time mine will be on, is for the pictures, if I sell it.
I prefer top down, or soft top. I can drive other vehicles in the winter.
I think the next time mine will be on, is for the pictures, if I sell it.
I prefer top down, or soft top. I can drive other vehicles in the winter.
