Hardtop Hoists

I've gone back and forth for a while on whether I thought I might want or need a hoist for my hardtop and I reached a point recently that I realized it would be far more convenient to store it raised than in its current location. I did a bit of research and found a few options including some great DIY write-ups but would appreciate thoughts on the options. IMC Manual: $228 Winch: $340 Electric $585 Hoistlifts.com Manual: $119 (sale price) Winch: $149 (sale price) Electric: $237 (sale price) I came across options through Automotion and other sites as well that were generally more expensive than Hoistlifts' sales price and either somewhere in between their price and IMC's or closer to IMC's. All of the systems look very similar in function to my non-technical eyes...including most of the DIYs. I was leaning heavily towards a DIY project because I enjoy a good project and couldn't see the benefit of some of the packaged hoists over the cost of the DIYs that left you with the same results. The sale prices of the Hoistlifts.com options, however, are now so low that it starts to offset the balance a bit. Plus, I have a tendency of picking up new projects the more I mill around Home Depot looking for parts to other projects. Anyway, I was wondering if any of you had any experience with any of these lifts and had some thoughts on the options. Thanks! -Eric

Make sure you consider the available clearance in your garage. Some of the powered hoists take up a lot of headroom. You don't want to be whacking your head into the hardtop when it's hanging from the ceiling.

Thanks! Great write-up on your hoist, btw. It looks great and the instructions were straightforward enough that makes the project seem doable to someone with my lack of woodworking skills. The ceilings in my garage are a little over 9' high and I was thinking about hoisting it above my Sonett where it will see the least traffic. Otherwise, I fear it will become an attractive nuisance to my little kids. "Can you touch it?" "Daddy said not to..." "Watch this..." "You missed. Let me try." "Where's the whiffle bat?" "No, use the broom..." -Eric

I ordered my hoist from Performance Products [phone removed]) about three years ago. My installation time was about 2 hours, and the instructions were quite good. FWIW, I wouldn't bother with getting an electric hoist. The manual hoist allows tiny adjustments as in "OK, turn the crank about 1/4 turn". That's an advantage while you're getting acclimated to the hoist's operations. The first few times I used the hoist, I had my spouse assist. But once I got the hang of it, I could put it on or take it off alone. relinuca

Thanks...yeah, I've managed to date with my wife's help so an electric lift seemed more like a novelty than a necessity given the top's weight. Is yours manual or does it have a winch (non-electric)? -Eric

I have a brand new manual hoist still in the shipping box. Did move right after ordering it so I don't need it anymore. Don't remember brand but from one of the usual suspects. Pm me If interested and I could get pics and model and so forth.

Quotes source post: 10476088

" Or this shovel ?!?" lol

Thread with a few DIY hoists https://rennlist.com/forums/996-foru...oist-help.html

You could also consider the Harken Hoister. While not Porsche specific, it could probably be used. http://www.hoister.com/

Thanks, DK. The set-up for Jeeps and Trucks is similar to the manual set-ups of the other systems but I'm not sure how it would keep the 911's top balanced. You can't create the same level "X" pattern they used on the Jeep where its rear window is removed (or open) and it lacks the foam covered cross brace in all of the 911 specific systems (including each of the DIYs). I love the disclaimer on the page though... You've gotta love lawyers. -Eric

If you still have your hoist, I would be interested. Pics would be useful , details, etc. thanks. Dave C

https://rennlist.com/forums/996-foru...top-hoist.html