DIY Hardtop hoist ideas - brainstorming

[Fourthandlong5]

My hoist and storage. Built it for my JK back in 07 and modified it slightly for the JL yesterday.

Original write up here: https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/jk-write-ups-39/hardtop-hoist-storage-write-up-5559/

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[Scarr2k]

After scouring through this section and seeing some great ideas I decided to make a DIY hard top hoist. Picked up the harbor freight hoist (420lb) and built my own frame using black steel threaded pipes and some connectors in a “I” formation. Also picked up the Topsy hoist brackets which are fantastic. I used three pulleys to try and level it out some. The hardest part IMO was mounting the damn hoist to the wall since the HF hoist uses a bracket meant to be hung from the ceiling. All in I’m out about $250 for a great lift system.

I have to say the innagural lift went perfectly and I’m now going topless.

update. April 2020. Still working great. Attacking parts list for anyone who might want it. See below.

 

[LouNYC]

Topsy Products hooks/ four eye hooks/ ratchet straps

 

[higbyz]

Topsy Products hooks/ four eye hooks/ ratchet straps

[/Q

Does anyone know the weight of the hard top without the panels ?

 

[HealthRebel]

It was posted earlier in the thread. For the JLU, 100 lbs. The front panels are 22 lbs. each.

 

[BrntWS6]

Ordered some square tubing and a "T" connector with disconnect clips from a company I found. This is for the ridge back frame that would connect to my electric hoist, the ratchet straps work but they are a little sketchy. If it works it will be a lot easier and cleaner looking than building anything from a box store, total was $50 shipped. I will post pictures when completed.

 

[zoepup]

I debated for a long time and finally dropped the money on the Racor lift with Topsy brackets. The deciding factors was the storage platform and not wanting to spend too much time "designing" one.

 

[Jammer]

I guess having an electric like this is so much better we have mine by hand work just pull the hooks and the straps I mean I put the hooks in the ceiling we pull the straps it was a pain in the ass trying to put it back down

 

[zoepup]

I guess having an electric like this is so much better we have mine by hand work just pull the hooks and the straps I mean I put the hooks in the ceiling we pull the straps it was a pain in the ass trying to put it back down

That was my concern. I wanted it to be easy up and down and I didn't want to worry about dropping it. With that said, many use the strap method and are happy with it.
I have noticed that using the drill, I must go slow in raising it. Otherwise, the cable doesn't wind correctly.

 

[BrntWS6]

I did a video on my setup. Turned out pretty good, top is balanced and pretty stable. Electric hoist is just a harbor freight for a $100 or so.

 

[Jcsieman]

Couldn’t get the video of this to load so I used some screen shots from it..... but cheapest and fastest hoist system I could find

 

[SheilaMkIII]

I ordered some items for a hoist, just want to get some advice on if this will work;

I bought this hoist- https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0774HBQHQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1 And want to install it to my garage ceiling. I have no attic access to that part of the garage, and the ceiling is finished, so no easy access to the joists.

My plan is to mount a 6 foot board across 4 joists with 5 inch lag bolts. Then, attack a metal rail to the mounting board, which this hoist would then connect to.

My question is, is that a stable enough setup to hoist the JLU hard top? All I see are suggestions on how to mount an electric hoist ABOVE the joists, but that's not an option for me, I'm hoping spreading the weight across 4 joints will be plenty

 

[Shots]

Assuming proper thread engagement with the lag bolts, yes they'll hold the weight of the hardtop just fine. Obviously make sure you get them centered into the rafter so they don't pull out.
The metal rail will also handle the weight fine, assuming you don't buy a super thin one, and you fasten it across the span, not just at the ends. Angle or box can be a thinner rail than flat stock, but either will work.
So to answer the question simply. Yes that will work.

 

[Shots]

Jay, that looks like an effective hoist. Unfortunately my hoist like that seems to have lost a lot of torque/power and breaks down pretty easy these days. I can't seem to find a warranty on it either.

 

[NewTXJL]

Anyone build a hoist to take off a roof with rhino rack backbone system and pioneer platform??

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