Frequently Asked Questions

This is a list of our most commonly asked questions. If you cannot find the information you need here, please do contact us and we will gladly help you.

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A question from one of our valued customers;

If you don't mind, I have questions on your electric top hoist that I couldn't find answers to on your sight.  

 I would like more information on the installation of this hoist such as can the hoist be mounted on a side wall and if so are the pulleys supplied.  

Answer: No, what you will have to do is mount it on the top ceiling, directly above where your hardtop lift will be raised.

Also does the speed of the hoist need to be doubled down or is there a control on the motor to control the lowering speed.

Answer: Our electric motor winch has one speed; Slow. This insures that your hardtop will be lifted smooth and safe!

How does the hoist attach to the car top, with straps or is there a curved bar under the top?  

Answer: There is a custom mandrel bent bar that is specifically designed for your vehicle with a protective padding that you will cradle underneath the window section of your hardtop. This insures that your top will be held efficiently and most importantly, without damaging your hardtop's weather rubber trim.

Does the top swing when hanging and how precise does the car need to be under the hanging top for alignment back on to the car?  

Answer: Yes, the top can swing. With the Electric Motor Winch, you simply use one hand to control the lifting button, and one hand to steady the top as it raises... if it actually does start to turn or sway. The top only weighs around 80lbs, so if it does start to sway and move around, it will not fall off the lift system. Our lift systems are secure. If you are using the Brake Winch version, you will simply raise it slowly, and if it does start to sway or move, you will stop the lifting, grab control of the hardtop, then proceed. Again, your hardtop is secure, so you will not have to worry about it falling off!

Any additional information would be greatly appreciated since I have a one car garage and I have a garage door opener to work around.  The garage isn't very deep and the location of the top on the car sits directly below the opener motor. I may need to offset the hoist to pass the rail of the opener or back the bird in and hang the top behind the opener.  

Answer: You called it in your last line when you said to: "back your car in and hang the top behind the opener". That's your best option. If you were to hang the eye bolt hanger or Electric Motor Winch on the side of the garage door opener motor on the top ceiling, you would then have to be more careful with lifting and lowering the hardtop down to your vehicle. We do not suggest this, although it is possible.

In addition I only have an eight foot high ceiling.  Thanks for any help.  Love your site and just ordered the chrome rear deck protector.  I check your site everyday.

Answer: As long as your ceiling is 6 feet high, you can install any of our Hardtop Lift Systems for your cherished roadster!

Thanks again and hope to hear from you soon.
Jeff
2005 Cashmere Bird
1963 Thunderbird Sports Roadster

Your welcome Jeff. Thank you for sending in your questions that I'm sure so many other customers have as well.
Happy Motoring,

Aaron Scott, Owner

MORE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Please click your question to see the answer;

Does the Brake Winch and Electric Motor come with the Support Cradle and Harness Assembly or do I have to purchase that separately?

In your photo it would appear that the weather stripping is resting on the support cradle. Doesn't it become damaged over time?

Can I leave my hardtop hanging in the hoist?

How high does my garage ceiling have to be?

Which lifting system do you recommend?

How difficult is the installation?

Is this really a "one person" operation?

What is the guarantee?

1. Does the Brake Winch and Electric Motor come with the Support Cradle and Harness Assembly or do I have to purchase that separately?

A - The manual pulley, the Brake Winch and Electric Motor all include Support Cradle and Harness Assembly as well as all necessary hardware and fasteners.

2. In your photo it would appear that the weather stripping is resting on the support cradle. Doesn't it become damaged over time?

A - The weather stripping is actually higher than the hard inner head liner. The contact points between the padded support cradle and the hardtop are with this hard inner head liner. Thus the weather stripping is not effected.

3. Can I leave my hardtop hanging in the hoist?

A - The hardtop is supported and balanced at three points in such a way that does not strain the structure, does not touch the paint and does not effect the weather stripping. You can cover your suspended hardtop and leave it up and out of harm's way for as long as you need to.

4. How high does my garage ceiling have to be?

A - Your ceiling can be as low as seven feet. It's generally a good idea to back your car into place for the removal and replacement procedure. This will accommodate a lower ceiling height and the hardtop will be over the hood of the car when you park normally so you wont bang your head getting in and out of the car. Also, the lifting cable will be far enough into the garage to prevent interference with the garage door. The greatest advantage is replacing the hardtop - you can lower the hardtop to just a few inches higher than it would be as it sat on the car. This will make it very easy to back your car under it for a perfect alignment and absolutely safe replacement.

5. Which lifting system do you recommend?

A - All three lifting systems are very safe and easy to use. Of course, the easier it is to raise and lower the hardtop the safer it's going to be. The electric lifting system has a little box which houses the control switch and is small enough to allow you to actually use both hands to help position the hardtop as it is lowered onto the car.

6. How difficult is the installation?

A - The installation is quick and easy. If you have a ladder, a 1/4' drill, a phillips screwdriver and a 9/16" socket you can install any of the three systems and have the hardtop removed from you car in about 45 minutes.

7. Is this really a "one person" operation?

A - Both the manual pulley system and the electric winch are truly a one person operation. Since the brake winch mounts to a wall stud it's necessary to be able to reach both the crank handle and the hardtop to make this a one person job. If you must park your car a farther distance from the wall you may need a second person to turn the crank handle.

8. What is the guarantee?

A - The guarantee is very simple: If at any time you're not completely satisfied with any Hoist Lifts product you have 30 days to return in for a refund.

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