hardtop storage - LotusTalk

gameson · 03-15-2007, 05:40 PM

How do you store your hardtop?

I am thinking to just lay it upside down horizontally. Is that OK? Or should I just lay it against a wall (vertical)? If vertical, how do you do it? With the inner hardtop against the wall? Or the outside?

Thanks

Green Hornet · 03-15-2007, 05:43 PM

Wrapped in a blanket – under the bed

gameson · 03-15-2007, 05:45 PM

the hardtop comes with the bag storage, but i m just wondering how the hardtop is laid on. since the hardtop is not flat on both side (the exterior has a lil arc), so i m just wondering whether the orientation of the hardtop placement really matters or not in storing the hardtop.

Scott Bowman · 03-15-2007, 05:57 PM

I have mine stored in its bag vertically against a wall in my car trailer. I bolted two D-rings on either side of the hardtop case (upper and lower) and use two bungie cords in an "X" across the front of the case. I think the top of the hardtop is facing out, but I'm not sure that would matter. As long as nothing is putting weight against the hardtop--whether stored vertically or horizontally--I would think it would be okay. You could use this same method in a garage or anywhere you don't mind installing hardware into your wall.

xtn · 03-15-2007, 05:59 PM

I store mine between the sunvisors and the rollbar.

xtn

waydui · 03-16-2007, 07:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xtn

I store mine between the sunvisors and the rollbar.

xtn

I actually wasted a second thinking about this!! I must be slow today...

Wayne

babak · 03-16-2007, 08:34 AM

Perfectly timed thread as I'm contemplating this as well. My main concern is that if it lays on its rim, interior side down, the weight of top may warp the edges as it is not flush to the ground. Alternatively laying it topside down will put the apex of the roof on the floor and cause warpage.

MattG · 03-16-2007, 08:55 AM

In my last garage, I had a flat loft area over one end. Under that, I hung four very large L-shaped screw-in, rubber coated hooks. The hardtop would just slide into that area. The one downside was that, even though the hooks were large, the clearance to the loft above was not great and I had to be careful while sliding it over the hooks that the hardtop didn't contact the loft above.

I haven't decided what to do in my new garage, but will probably just build a custom wall bracket instead.

milehitom · 03-16-2007, 08:59 AM

Mine's coming off soon (although the wife keeps reminding me we could get alot more snow).

I store it in its bag on a padded platform I built out of plywood and 1"x2" supports, suspended from the garage rafters. I just slide it in there for the spring, summer and fall.

Tom

JayJ · 03-16-2007, 09:22 AM

I bought the Lotus hardtop storage bag, it came with hooks and anchors to hang it on a wall.

azskycop · 03-16-2007, 09:35 AM

Here:

http://www.elisetalk.com/forums/show...04&postcount=7

RoadDad · 03-16-2007, 09:39 AM

just got my hardtop storage system (D-ring hanging padded case) late last week. It's great. Got a great deal on it from John at FVMC.

Dmbrown34 · 03-16-2007, 10:12 AM

I have no idea what to do with my hard top. I try to take my soft top off as much as possible.

Thinking about selling it. What do you guys think about giving up the Hard top?

Cardinal · 03-16-2007, 10:13 AM

The blanket under the bed idea sounds pretty good.

Serebo1 · 03-16-2007, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dmbrown34

I have no idea what to do with my hard top. I try to take my soft top off as much as possible.

Thinking about selling it. What do you guys think about giving up the Hard top?

Go for it, unless you ever plan on adding a splitter or rear wing. As for storage, I simply used to hang mine on the garage wall, in bag. Now, it may as well be spot welded onto the car.

delise · 03-16-2007, 10:38 AM

So now thanks to this thread I am paranoid about storing my hard top

Last year it came off right from the dealer, I put it in the included Lotus bag a had it propped up in my closed resting on one side, carpeted floor. Can it really warp or bend over time if left like this? Does it need to be hanging? I put it on after having it in storage for about 6 months and it seemd to line up ok on the edges and windows. Now wondering if I need to hang it in my closet?

Ram · 03-16-2007, 11:03 AM

http://www.elisetalk.com/forums/show...ght=hang+chain

Scott in Houston · 03-16-2007, 12:00 PM

I am always not sure whether to leave it on, or store it. I really like the way it looks with the hard top on a lot more than with it off, but I like the open air feeling too.

Decisions decisions...

Once our horrid heat of Houston summers hits, I'll likely leave it on most of the time. (assuming I don't sell the car) lol

cbelon · 03-19-2007, 11:19 AM

Where do you keep your hardtop? I left mine under my bed last season and my dog started to chew the cover

Can it be stored on its side without doing any damage?

Eclise · 03-19-2007, 11:32 AM

There was a thread with this exact same title posted just a few days ago:
http://www.elisetalk.com/forums/show...ardtop+storage

03-15-2007, 05:40 PM	#1 (permalink)
gameson Track Addict Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 1,999	hardtop storage How do you store your hardtop? I am thinking to just lay it upside down horizontally. Is that OK? Or should I just lay it against a wall (vertical)? If vertical, how do you do it? With the inner hardtop against the wall? Or the outside? Thanks

03-15-2007, 05:43 PM	#2 (permalink)
Green Hornet Zzzzzzz Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Lancaster, PA Posts: 874	Hardtop Storage Wrapped in a blanket – under the bed __________________ Life, Liberty and the Happiness of Pursuit

03-15-2007, 05:57 PM	#4 (permalink)
Scott Bowman Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Leander, TX Posts: 425 Images: 21	I have mine stored in its bag vertically against a wall in my car trailer. I bolted two D-rings on either side of the hardtop case (upper and lower) and use two bungie cords in an "X" across the front of the case. I think the top of the hardtop is facing out, but I'm not sure that would matter. As long as nothing is putting weight against the hardtop--whether stored vertically or horizontally--I would think it would be okay. You could use this same method in a garage or anywhere you don't mind installing hardware into your wall. __________________ 2006 Elise British Racing Green; LSS, LSD-TC, 2bular exhaust, Blackwatch Racing front bar, BWR Supercharger, Tillett Seats

03-15-2007, 05:59 PM	#5 (permalink)
xtn McLareghini Bugatterrari Join Date: May 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 6,845	I store mine between the sunvisors and the rollbar. xtn __________________ 2006 McLareghini Bugatterrari, Storm Titanium... <mods> installed: air horn, Scroth 4-point ASM harnesses, Sector111 halon extinguisher and mounting bracket, Von Hep exhaust and rear panel delete, Pagid brake pads, red Volks CE28n wheels, Toyo RA-1 tires, Nitron SA coilovers, Sector111 (WorksBell) quick-disconnect steering wheel kit. awaiting installation: Scroth "pull-up" lap belts, Sector111 RTD Brace, Tony's heater bypass mod, and dropped steering rack mounting plates. </mods>

03-16-2007, 08:34 AM	#7 (permalink)
babak Moderator Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Topeka, KS Posts: 8,269 Images: 23	Perfectly timed thread as I'm contemplating this as well. My main concern is that if it lays on its rim, interior side down, the weight of top may warp the edges as it is not flush to the ground. Alternatively laying it topside down will put the apex of the roof on the floor and cause warpage. __________________ Babak Club111 Central Plains Coordinator '05 Elise - Touring, HT, StarShield '99 Ducati 996 Bip '05 Freelander SE

03-15-2007, 05:45 PM	#3 (permalink)
gameson Track Addict Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 1,999	the hardtop comes with the bag storage, but i m just wondering how the hardtop is laid on. since the hardtop is not flat on both side (the exterior has a lil arc), so i m just wondering whether the orientation of the hardtop placement really matters or not in storing the hardtop.

03-16-2007, 08:55 AM	#8 (permalink)
MattG insert clever title here Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Living above the clouds in Colorado Posts: 7,676 Images: 11	In my last garage, I had a flat loft area over one end. Under that, I hung four very large L-shaped screw-in, rubber coated hooks. The hardtop would just slide into that area. The one downside was that, even though the hooks were large, the clearance to the loft above was not great and I had to be careful while sliding it over the hooks that the hardtop didn't contact the loft above. I haven't decided what to do in my new garage, but will probably just build a custom wall bracket instead. __________________ '05 Elise, Magnetic Blue / Biscuit / Hardtop / http://eliseinfo.com Radar detector mounting brackets for sale here

03-16-2007, 08:59 AM	#9 (permalink)
milehitom Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 3,143	Mine's coming off soon (although the wife keeps reminding me we could get alot more snow). I store it in its bag on a padded platform I built out of plywood and 1"x2" supports, suspended from the garage rafters. I just slide it in there for the spring, summer and fall. Tom

03-16-2007, 09:22 AM	#10 (permalink)
JayJ Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Leesburg, VA Posts: 150	I bought the Lotus hardtop storage bag, it came with hooks and anchors to hang it on a wall.

03-16-2007, 09:35 AM	#11 (permalink)
azskycop Fly N Lowr Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 805	Here: http://www.elisetalk.com/forums/show...04&postcount=7 __________________ If you're not living on the edge you're taking up too much space! www.GoodBodyHealth.com

03-16-2007, 09:39 AM	#12 (permalink)
RoadDad perfututum futūtor Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 6,019	just got my hardtop storage system (D-ring hanging padded case) late last week. It's great. Got a great deal on it from John at FVMC. __________________ "Really, you want to maintain a semblance of professionalism since you represent Lotus. Me... I don't need to. Bite me." -Randy

03-16-2007, 10:12 AM	#13 (permalink)
Dmbrown34 Grrrrrr Baby Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 1,617	I have no idea what to do with my hard top. I try to take my soft top off as much as possible. Thinking about selling it. What do you guys think about giving up the Hard top? __________________ 2005 Lotus Elise LSS 2003 Corvette 50th Anniversary Convertible

03-16-2007, 10:13 AM	#14 (permalink)
Cardinal Ex and future Lotus owner Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Metro North Boston Posts: 4,031 Images: 8	The blanket under the bed idea sounds pretty good.

03-16-2007, 10:38 AM	#16 (permalink)
delise 2005 Ardent Red, Touring Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Beverly Hills Posts: 2,534	So now thanks to this thread I am paranoid about storing my hard top Last year it came off right from the dealer, I put it in the included Lotus bag a had it propped up in my closed resting on one side, carpeted floor. Can it really warp or bend over time if left like this? Does it need to be hanging? I put it on after having it in storage for about 6 months and it seemd to line up ok on the edges and windows. Now wondering if I need to hang it in my closet? __________________ "You can run over an insect and know just from the messages coming through the wheel how many legs it had. Was it a beetle? Was it a spider? Hang on......... spider." Jeremy Clarkson - Top Gear

03-16-2007, 11:03 AM	#17 (permalink)
Ram Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: Alexandria, VA Posts: 552	http://www.elisetalk.com/forums/show...ght=hang+chain __________________ 2005 Elise

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03-16-2007, 12:00 PM	#18 (permalink)
Scott in Houston Registered User Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 388	I am always not sure whether to leave it on, or store it. I really like the way it looks with the hard top on a lot more than with it off, but I like the open air feeling too. Decisions decisions... Once our horrid heat of Houston summers hits, I'll likely leave it on most of the time. (assuming I don't sell the car) lol

03-19-2007, 11:19 AM	#19 (permalink)
cbelon HellsBells Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: New Jersey Posts: 422	Hartop Storage Where do you keep your hardtop? I left mine under my bed last season and my dog started to chew the cover Can it be stored on its side without doing any damage?

03-19-2007, 11:32 AM	#20 (permalink)
Eclise Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 1,206	There was a thread with this exact same title posted just a few days ago: http://www.elisetalk.com/forums/show...ardtop+storage