So, I have wanted to get a cart for my removable hardtop... but to be honest, I thought they were not priced fairly for what you actually get. So, that actually means that I think I could do something a little less costly that would work as well.

I used a furniture dolly as the base. The dolly is 18" x 30", Harbor Freight has it for $18, and it is a perfect size for your base. A couple pieces of 1.5" pvc, 4 90 degree elbows, 6 T's. Some 3/4" screws, PVC primer and cement, a couple pool noodles, and zip strips and VOILA. It's done. Of course the PVC is firmly attached to the base, so that it is a one-piece unit... with better casters than the store-bought cart.

So, it's not great, it probably doesn't look as nice as something that is machined, but it works well...and if you are even the slightest bit handy, or have some of this sitting around, it can be done pretty cheap. For what is is worth, I have seen folks put their top on the cart similar to how I have it stored now, I have seen others turn the top so that the 'inside' is what is resting along the top bar of the cart. This cart setup allows you to easily store the cart either way, and the pool noodles allow it to stand firm without sliding at all. Of course a blanket or cover of some kind is (and should be) used.

Opening it up to all of you. Honest feedback is appreciated. I had an idea to add a bungee or strap to connect from the center of the top bar, around the top, and then connecting to the cart. But it doesn't seem to be necessary, but it may help to relieve some of the 'strain' on the taller side of the cart. Likewise, I could make the tall side shorter, to also reduce some of the strain. But, so far, so good.

 

Good job.

 

It looks good from here...pull those zip ties tight enough to prevent them from chafing the paint.
And Yes...run a long bungee cord over the top of the hardtop "just in case".
Now, spend that money you saved on shiny stuff for your Vette

 

Did that exact thing.... pulled the zip strips tight so that they are not contacting the surfaces. Wish I could have found the larger pool noodles, but these were a buck and a quarter each, so I made due.

 

Looks good, is it firm enough? I've often found PVC to be a little too flexible. I made a similar one out of 2x4's and made it a little wider than the top. I put eye bolts on each end on top and a ratchet strap to hold it in place. I also stapled carpet along all the contact areas.

 

Sounds interesting, for sure. I was a little concerned initially, because when you set the top down and it starts to 'lean' into the taller section, it does 'give' just a little bit. But I used pvc cement on all joints, and double screws on each connection as well. I was going to use a strap to go from one side of the cart, up and over the top, then down to the other side of the cart. I am figuring that this will actually 'snug' up that taller section just a bit more. Hqvent done it yet, but I will reply back. I will also see if I can find a way to estimate how much that taller section is 'giving' when I place the top in it.

Yes, I was a little concerned the first couple times I put the top in it, but I have no reason to be suspicious at this point, because it seems fairly secure, and the amount of 'give' isn't that much.

 

Looks good but to be honest I just lay mine against the wall in the basement with two pieces of wood under the SS tips. Works great. I'll eventually make a one-man lift to put on and off and store in the garage but that project is number 241735735 of 11301481571575775 projects I have around the house.