Hardtop storage rack review

[gtoger]

I was really just looking for a cover to store the hardtop in for the summer, but when I found a cover that included a storage rack on casters for $117, I decided I would give it a try.

Here it is for sale on ebay: Hard Top Carrier Rack w Cover Storage Cart for Porsche Boxster for Mercedes SL | eBay

What I found was a predictable item for the price. It's quite obviously Chinese made. The rack ships flat and assembly is required. The packing is sufficient so as to include all the pieces and prevent damage in transit.

The instructions that are included are relatively clear, although it's obvious that a Chinese-to-English dictionary was probably used in the process. Illustrations are provided, as is a 14mm wrench used to turn most of the bolts.

Unfortunately, the instructions reference the bolts as being 13mm, and according to the "required tools" list, that's all that is needed. But I'm here to tell you if you try a 13mm socket instead of the included stubby thing, it's not going to work. In addition, the casters utilize a larger, 17mm nut, and you either need an open-end wrench or a deep-wall socket to make that work. I had neither and my box-end ratchet wrench set is too wide to get around the nut where it is near the support bracket on the base. I wound up using the closest-sized SAE and that did a fine job. If you don't own tools, and this thing just shows up and you try to assemble it, you'll be disappointed. That said, how many of us don't own tools?

It all goes together and feels sturdy enough. The Boxster top is fairly light-weight, so nothing frightens me about the rig. I loaded the top on, and it rolls around easily enough on the casters. The wheels are very small, but sufficient for pushing around a garage or shop floor.

The dust cover is of the material that cheap car covers are made of. It's not exactly the softest material in the world, but it also should not cause any paint damage. It's soft "enough" but will not be mistaken for luxurious. It's by no means a fitted cover. The rack is advertised as fitting a number of different models, and I think they make the bag large enough to fit whatever you throw at it. So there's a bit of extra material that bunches up, but I have it tucked in around the bottom and it looks fine.

A couple pics (excuse the clutter... I'm doing the annual Spring Shuffle-O-Stuff):





All in all, I'd say it's a decent way to inexpensively store your hardtop. The rack is light-weight, sturdy enough to do the job, and costs barely more than a good quality cover. If you want to get the hardtop off the ground, or it's time to upgrade from propping it against the wall and tossing a blanket over it, this is a good way to go. I'd buy it again.