Question concerning two SFGaM rides

OK, maybe one of you intelligent buzzers can answer this one, since it has been puzzling me for awhile. When the park is closed, even during the off season, the cars for Sky Trek Tower, and Giant Drop are kept at the top of the towers. Why is that? Does it have something to do with the cables?

I've always been told it's to keep as much of the cable out of the weather as possible.

When they're at the top of the towers most of the cable is inside the support cylinder, keeping it out of the elements.

^ I've heard that in addition to that, it prevents the cables from flapping around in the wind and hitting the sides of the tower.

In addition, it allows easy quick access to the lower parts of the ride for morning inspection, saving a small amount of time each morning.

I just had this discussion last weekend with a friend who works at PGA and he said the same thing as the people above.

It prevents the cables from flapping around in the wind along with keeping them out of contact with the elements outside when the ride isn't in use. *** Edited 11/12/2005 9:10:37 AM UTC by New Bay***

On the tower rides can't they just lift the carriers?

I know on TOD when one side isn't running they just leave the carrier at the top & the car at the bottom.

Speculation on why they dont just keep the carriers at the top, it would then allow the clamps that conect them to be exposed to the elements.

Maybe it's like construction sites where everything is hoisted into the air with cranes so people don't walk in and steal everything? ;)

Honestly, I have no idea, but the reasons listed above sound good to me.

So then does anybody want to explain S&S towers then, cause those have cables exposed regardless of where the passenger cart is on the tower. Does Cedar Point (in the off-season) remove the carts and cables from all four towers on PT?