DIY Hardtop hoist ideas - brainstorming

[STL J-Hawk]

I agree. I have built myself two simple "shelves" out of 2 by 4s, one will go under each of the sides of the hardtop. I will then hang those to the heavylift. That way I can unbolt the hard top, then lift it on each side, put the 2 by 4 shelves below, hook them up, then hoist. One man operation.

What I like about the heavylift is that it hoists all four sides evenly. My home made contraption does not do that and so some pushing is required to hoist it up straight.

That is a good thought...might have to consider that myself!

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[Kadonny]

Here is mine for my JK, I sure hope the JL top would fit on my wooden platform. It should.

 

[jeremyjeep]

Here is mine for my JK, I sure hope the JL top would fit on my wooden platform. It should.

How did you get the hard top onto the shelf?

 

[Kadonny]

How did you get the hard top onto the shelf?

If you look carefully, there is a second set of straps. I ratchet the top off with the first set of straps (camo color), then take a second set of straps (blue) and hoist the platform underneath the hard top until it meets the bottom of the top. Then ratchet both up to the height I want. Then I have 2 sets of straps holding the top just in case one would to let go, extra security.

 

[desert runner]

Here is my setup with the power lift.

 

[STL J-Hawk]

Got mine all built over the weekend...slightly terrifying seeing it hovering above my new ride, but it turned out great! And I love the topless look!!

 

[desert runner]

Got mine all built over the weekend...slightly terrifying seeing it hovering above my new ride, but it turned out great! And I love the topless look!!

That does it, nice! Having used a similar contraption I imagine that there was some pushing and shoving involved to get the platform lifted.
To reduce the terror factor, you may want to hang the chain off separate hooks (as you did on the left side). That gives you some redundancy.

 

[jeremyjeep]

Got mine all built over the weekend...slightly terrifying seeing it hovering above my new ride, but it turned out great! And I love the topless look!!

How are you getting the hard top onto the shelf?

 

[STL J-Hawk]

That does it, nice! Having used a similar contraption I imagine that there was some pushing and shoving involved to get the platform lifted.
To reduce the terror factor, you may want to hang the chain off separate hooks (as you did on the left side). That gives you some redundancy.

Thanks! They are actually all like that, just like you said for redundancy.

 

[STL J-Hawk]

How are you getting the hard top onto the shelf?

It lowers down as it is hooked up to a winch and pulley system.

 

[jeremyjeep]

It lowers down as it is hooked up to a winch and pulley system.

Are you using straps, hooks, or what to raise it up? I'm concerned about breaking the back glass as some have mentioned on this forum.

 

[STL J-Hawk]

Are you using straps, hooks, or what to raise it up? I'm concerned about breaking the back glass as some have mentioned on this forum.

Nether...I lower the platform, and just set the top on it. Then hoist it back up. Nothing is ever attached to the top, which is why I went with this setup. Took a while to build it all and get the lines run, but it works well so far.

 

[jeremyjeep]

Nether...I lower the platform, and just set the top on it. Then hoist it back up. Nothing is ever attached to the top, which is why I went with this setup. Took a while to build it all and get the lines run, but it works well so far.

Are you lifting the top onto the platform/shelf by yourself or 2 people?

 

[STL J-Hawk]

Are you lifting the top onto the platform/shelf by yourself or 2 people?

It takes two people. Too heavy and cumbersome for one.

 

[deadphish]

Could you drill through the roof for some discreet hooks? Would that help with weight distribution? Trying to think of the quickest way one person can get their top on and off. There are some great designs here!

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