Portable Hardtop Rack - Should it stay or should it go

[stretchit2]

Gents,

My wife and I will be going to Yosemite Healey Week this coming June and I was struggling with the idea of whether to take my hardtop or not. On the one hand it makes my wife happy if I take the top (she has hat hair issues), on the other hand we will be up in the Sierra Nevada Mountains and I hated the idea driving through all that beautiful scenery with the top on.....blahhhh.

So I made a portable rack out of furniture grade PVC. Breaks down in seconds and fits in a small nylon bag designed to carry a tripod. Viola, problem solved.

Jeff

 

[BigGreen]

Great, make some more and put them on eBay ;-)

 

[healeyblue]

Good idea, I guess you then assemble the frame and store the hardtop in the hotel room while you are out for the day? Yes make up more or post the dimensions of the various pieces for a DIY.

 

[drambuie]

Then their is this option. Because she's worth it!

 

[Jerry]

I think the rack is a great idea. I like the look of the car with the hardtop on, and can't take the sun as much anymore so I wish I had one again. But I will see you in Yosemite.
I did buy one of the aftermarket hardtops sold in the day, but have been unmotivated to restore it as it just does not look as good as the original.
Jerry

 

[drambuie]

I agree, actually it's really a great idea and should serve you well along your trip and garage. Having a hard top on in that part of the country may be a better idea then you thought!

 

[Keoke]

View attachment 41495Then their is this option. Because she's worth it!

This fella bout to get you hurt either the wife or the bear----:highly_amused:

 

[John Turney]

I was just going to leave my HT on the porch of our rental cabin.

 

[stretchit2]

That probably will work, bring a tarp to hide it. You wouldn't want it to walk off. Jeff

 

[steveg]

That probably will work, bring a tarp to hide it. You wouldn't want it to walk off. Jeff

It will be interesting for those of us on the Forum to meet in person in Yosemite. If I think of it, will write 'Forum' on my badge.

 

[John Turney]

It will be interesting for those of us on the Forum to meet in person in Yosemite. If I think of it, will write 'Forum' on my badge.

Sounds like an excellent idea!

 

[nevets]

Nice solution and great looking Healey.
On a related note, I need a better way to store my BN6 soft top, which I almost never use and don't stow behind the seats out of fear it will get damaged, especially the window.

 

[steveg]

Nice solution and great looking Healey.
On a related note, I need a better way to store my BN6 soft top, which I almost never use and don't stow behind the seats out of fear it will get damaged, especially the window.

I keep mine under a shelf in the garage - away from heat.

 

[Keoke]

Anything that simple and neat sure should GO !---

 

[nevets]

Thanks Steveg...your solution gives me an idea where/how to store mine.

 

[Jerry]

While you guys were talking about the Yosemite trip, I came up with a question. Parking at night around there leaves the car available to animals. Do you guys plan to put the top up at night, or just use a car cover, OR???
I have camped there before, and please do not leave any food, gum or anything that smells in the car! I have seen the bears tear up a trunk.

 

[drambuie]

While you guys were talking about the Yosemite trip, I came up with a question. Parking at night around there leaves the car available to animals. Do you guys plan to put the top up at night, or just use a car cover, OR???
I have camped there before, and please do not leave any food, gum or anything that smells in the car! I have seen the bears tear up a trunk.[/QUOTe.

On a serious note: I would like to add to my first post, First of all I really hope all going to this event enjoy the beautiful park and all it offers. It should be a really great and scenic experience in your Healey's. I would also suggest for any event bring a can of Bear repellent with you and keep it handy. As suggested above NEVER leave food items of any kind or even MINTS in your car. I bring up the Bear repellent for YOUR safety not the car. Most likely you won't need it, but it's nice to know you have at least something on hand. I really wish I was going with you guys!

 

[apbos]

If any of you are going to the event, my office/garage/Veterinary Clinic is one block from HWY 120 in Escalon. We have a great NAPA auto parts and are not far from British Car Specialists in Stockton if you need to do some repairs or drop off your hard tops ��. I can not make the event as I have used up my vacation time, but was wondering if there was a single day event/ activity that I might be able to attend with my Speedwell Sprite tribute car?
Regards
Paul

 

[stretchit2]

If any of you are going to the event, my office/garage/Veterinary Clinic is one block from HWY 120 in Escalon. We have a great NAPA auto parts and are not far from British Car Specialists in Stockton if you need to do some repairs or drop off your hard tops . I can not make the event as I have used up my vacation time, but was wondering if there was a single day event/ activity that I might be able to attend with my Speedwell Sprite tribute car?
Regards
Paul

Paul

If you go to the Austin Healey Association of Southern California and go to the event section and go to the June calendar and you will see a list of each days activities and planned drives.
https://www.austin-healey.org

Hope to see you there.

Jeff

 

[John Turney]

While you guys were talking about the Yosemite trip, I came up with a question. Parking at night around there leaves the car available to animals. Do you guys plan to put the top up at night, or just use a car cover, OR???
I have camped there before, and please do not leave any food, gum or anything that smells in the car! I have seen the bears tear up a trunk.[/QUOTe.

On a serious note: I would like to add to my first post, First of all I really hope all going to this event enjoy the beautiful park and all it offers. It should be a really great and scenic experience in your Healey's. I would also suggest for any event bring a can of Bear repellent with you and keep it handy. As suggested above NEVER leave food items of any kind or even MINTS in your car. I bring up the Bear repellent for YOUR safety not the car. Most likely you won't need it, but it's nice to know you have at least something on hand. I really wish I was going with you guys!

In addition to food, don't leave sunscreen, toothpaste, empty ice chests, picnic baskets or anything that could be mistaken for food in the car either.

As for bear spray, the Rangers tell me you're more likely to be injured by the deer.