Hard Top Storage

[chevyaddict]

Hi all! I was looking in some catalogs and was dissatisfied and what I was finding for removable hard top storage. My plan is to run the 68 with the top down most the time unless I get stuck in the rain and then will just use the soft top. I don't want my nice hard top to get warped by storing it improperly.

I noticed Ecklers has one item for $140 but it isn't really what I'm looking for. Can those of you who have removable hardtops let me know what you've done to ensure your hard top doesn't warp while its off???

 

[chevyaddict]

WHAT??? No one stores their hardtop? I'm surprised there haven't been any replies yet!!!

 

[bill81vette]

Dawn,Do you mean T-tops as opposed to a removable hardtop???

 

[chevyaddict]

Removeable hardtop for my 68......

 

[bill81vette]

didn't know they made them...sorry

 

[Erik S. Klein]

The only two options I'm familiar with are the rolling trollies that store them with the rear window facing down or the strap systems that suspend them over where you park the car.

I don't think either would warp the top, but I'm a T-top guy, so I have no practical experience.

Good luck!

 

[JohnZ]

I used to store my '57 hardtop in the basement, upside-down on a blanket, with a dust cover over it, after I got it back from Glassworks; stayed there for five years after my restoration until the day I sold the car and re-installed it. Never saw any of the "dolly" storage devices that wouldn't permanently distort either the front or rear header weatherstrips.

 

[Crimson Thunder]

My hardtop sits aganst the wall of my garage with an old blanket covering it.Ive got some stacked up cardboard on the floor to protect the chrome tips.I usually put it on for about a month every winter,ive never noticed any warping.

 

[chevyaddict]

Excellent! Goody goody! This means I get to take it off tonight when I get HOME! Thanks all!

 

[Crimson Thunder]

Just make sure to put some kind of padding down to protect the rear tips as some of the earlier hardtops didnt have the chrome tips.

 

[BruceBed]

My hardtop sits aganst the wall of my garage with an old blanket covering it.Ive got some stacked up cardboard on the floor to protect the chrome tips.I usually put it on for about a month every winter,ive never noticed any warping.

I do about the same. I have it wrapped in a furniture blanket then it's roped around like a bakery box. The tips are elevated by a block of wood. It's never warped in 30+years.

 

[BlueL36]

I took some styrofoam that came with a new computer and made "feet" for the front edge and stacked my hardtop in my basement. Covered it with a blanket that was not seeing any usage. I'd be concerned with cardboard or anything else that might absorb water/moisture to wick to the hardtop.

 

[chevyaddict]

Great - mine does not have the chrome tips on the edges so I'll be extra careful. Great advise too about what surface comes in contact with the top regarding absorption and whatnot. I was thinking about making a custom stand that would have it "sit" the same way it does on the car but it sounds like my warping hypothesis has no basis for concern so I'll not worry!

 

[GaryS]

Well, since you didn't get many responses, I will add what I did to my 66 hardtop. I did not find a suitable hardtop storage system so I figured out my own. I installed a long threaded 3/8" rod through the side hold down points with nuts and washers on both side. I tightened the nuts down so that there wasn't any movement and then hung that from one of the screw in steel hooks that are used to hang bicycles from the ceiling.

 

[chevyaddict]

Well, since you didn't get many responses, I will add what I did to my 66 hardtop. I did not find a suitable hardtop storage system so I figured out my own. I installed a long threaded 3/8" rod through the side hold down points with nuts and washers on both side. I tightened the nuts down so that there wasn't any movement and then hung that from one of the screw in steel hooks that are used to hang bicycles from the ceiling.

Great idea!!! I really like this one! thanks!!

 

[6880 Mike]

Make your own storage cart. I took a look at what Eckler's had to offer and determined I could make my own for a lot less money. Took some scrap lumber, four casters, some scrap carpet, and made my own. Works like a charm and cost almost nothing.

 

[Chuck-75]

Ive had my Hard top for 2 yrs now, its a 71 Yr model and fits fine on my 75 Vert. I keep it in the spare bedroom upright against the wall,Tips down. (no resion other then to save space).I have read posts where people have left them in the garage and with High heat areas of the country they tend to warp, so Id say go with the suggestions and keep it in a dry cool place. lol kind of like yr meds?mine is like new condition and the previouse owner had it in a safe climent controled area as well.
parts for these hard tops can get expensive$ so good luck.

 

[Chuck-75]

Opps I forgot to mention, I have a old bed frame that has whells on the buttom, I havent done this yet but soon, Im gonna cut and weld it to the size and ad supports to hold the hard top. and this will be much less expensive then a new one from the catalog

 

[chevyaddict]

Well, I do live in a very hot part of the country and my shop is even more hot. I have a second level where everything is stored and this *was* where I was going to put it.... but with what you just said perhaps I should find another place. Hmmmmmmmm

 

[Chuck-75]

yr smart and cute. ,Ive read many posts that say there hard top, or there intier parts have warped through the years.
happy trails dawn.