Best Hardtop Hoist for Bird?

[waterskiers2]

I've looked at several brands of hardtop hoists. Does anyone have a recommendation for best hoist? I've heard several have problems damaging headliner and/or paint. I appreciate any info. Need to purchase one soon.

2020 Moderator Update- See this new thread with product links- https://forums.fordthunderbirdforum...nderbird-electric-manual-hardtop-hoists.9260/
Thx.

 

[captjim]

Top Hoist Recommendation

Waterskiiers2:

I have an Ez-top with the electric winch and sheepskin pads. I have been using it for two years and have had no problems whatsoever. I would buy one again in a heartbeat. Paying the extra for the electric winch with an extended control cable was well worth the money, since it allows me to accurately position the top during lowering or raising activities.

Jim

 

[Quickdraw]

Waterskiers2,

Did you plan to store the top on the hoist while its off? I think long-term hanging from three or four pressure points on the top are where the problems come in... Do you take the top on & off frequently?

I don't put my top on often (or ever) but can those with lifts tell us how difficult it is to jockey directly under the lift? It seems that if you aren't exactly under the lift you'd still want two people to help guide it on & off. Of course you don’t have the weight to deal with.

 

[captjim]

Positioning Top

Quickdraw:

It's a piece of cake to position the car fairly close to the proper position, and with one hand on the controls of the electric winch and the other hand moving the top to the exact position it goes on quite easily.

Jim

 

[LRHYNE]

CaptJim,

Did you put your EZTOP hoist up yourself or have someone else do it? I to am single and am not able to install it myself. Should I call a garage door type company?

Thanks,

LRhyne

 

[captjim]

Hoist Installation

🙄

LRHyne:

I installed my hoist myself. No help needed, it's a one person job. Just a few simple tools and follow the well detailed instructions. Any handyman type person should be able to install the hoist without difficulty.

Jim

 

[whvt01]

Hoist install

Very simple for one. Clear instruction. Need just basic tools.

If one get the electric, if two people, easy with the manual. Its
really time consuming, jockeying things around more than anything.
If a person who likes messin around cars probably a piece of cake,
I'm not into cars so give it a PIA rating more than others. Don't think
would be disappointed in the cost spent on the EZ hoist system.
Finding a good safe place to store that top once off is another.