The R107 hardtop is heavy and awkward, and it is easily damaged if dropped or stored badly. Most owners remove it for summer, so a safe way to lift and store it is worth having. Here is how the options compare.
How heavy is the hardtop?
The hardtop is heavy enough that two people are needed to lift it safely by hand, and its glass and edges are vulnerable. See hardtop removal for the removal steps.
Hoist vs cart vs stand
- Ceiling hoist: a pulley system mounted to the garage ceiling that lifts the hardtop straight off the car and stores it overhead. It is a one-person job, and the hardtop stays out of the way. It needs enough garage height and a solid ceiling mounting.
- Hardtop cart: a wheeled frame that holds the hardtop vertically or on its side. You lift the top onto the cart with a helper, then roll it into a corner. Easy to store but takes floor space.
- Hardtop stand: a fixed stand that holds the hardtop. Similar to a cart but without wheels.
Garage height
For a hoist, you need enough room to lift the hardtop clear of the car’s windshield and to park under it. Measure from the floor to the ceiling and allow for the car’s height plus the hardtop. Check that the ceiling joists can take the load.
Safe lifting points
Lift the hardtop by the strong points at the front and rear edges, not by the glass or the thin trim. Hoist straps should be positioned so the hardtop stays level. Cart and stand supports should hold the hardtop on padded surfaces, not on the seals or glass.
DIY options
Many owners build a simple wooden cart with padded arms and casters. It works well if it holds the hardtop securely and protects the seals. For hoists, use a commercial hoist kit designed for hardtops rather than improvising with rope.
Cost
Carts and stands are the least expensive option. Hoist kits cost more and require installation. Compare that with the cost of repairing a dropped or scratched hardtop, which can be considerable.
Quick answers
- Can one person remove the hardtop? With a hoist, yes. Without one, use two people.
- How should I store it long term? Upright on a padded cart or stand, or on a hoist, covered to keep dust off. See hardtop storage.
- Can I lay it on the floor? Only on thick padding, and never on the seals.
- Does the stand fit other SL hardtops? Many stands are adjustable; check before buying.
