Hard top storage and hoist?

[Terrymo]

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[CRZYCDN]

I second the HARKEN lift, one handed operation, then I added some 2x4's and leave it hanging on straps not the HARKEN left for the summer. The 2x4s also give storage space for all the other goodies.
I reinforced the ceiling by adding two braces and threaded rod...so now the weight is distributed over 6 ceiling joist.

 

[ForgottenTaco]

pretty simple setup. I did find it easier to run the straps front to back instead of side to side. Back into the garage. Remove the freedom panels and the bolts. Run the straps through, pull the straps to lift the top off then drive out.

 

[onepoundjeepjl]

I made my own hoist system for like $150. buying cheap elec hoist, straps, 2x6 (wife painted it) and eyelets. I can give more details if needed. first elec lift with hoist then attach straps so I dont just rely on the hoist to hold for long time periods.

 

[Darugs]

The door bags are a great add - doors get scratched easily. I can get my Jeep naked in an easy 30 minutes with this setup and a power ratchet.

 

[Kerney]

As a garage ‘guy’ I love seeing how people use the space in their garages efficiently. Luckily when I bought my hard top the seller included a Lange power lift. I had to modify Lange’s installation instructions for my garage, but very happy with it. Otherwise I would likely have gone with a Harken lift since I have used those for my kayaks and bikes.

What you need to figure out or what I worked the most on is how ‘high’ can you get the hardtop? As my garage is 2 car deep I wanted the top to be ‘over’ the soft top so I could back in the jeep and pull a second car in front of it. Unfortunately, I couldn’t get it that high so second requirement was it had to be high enough for me to walk under it without hitting my head. This sounds easy but as you can see from peoples pictures the height between the top of their hard top to the ceiling varies for each lift which impacts the lower edge height that you’d hit your head on. You also need to understand where you are going to store your freedom panels which could impact clearance.

It literally was down to ½ inches and I thought I was going to have to remove the sheetrock to recess the 2x6s to gain that little bit of height or I was also looking at going to plate steel recessed instead of 2x6s to gain another ½”, but luckily neither was needed.

As far as installing / removing the top. I put 2 small marks on the center of the rear wheels onto my garage floor. I have a set of wheel dollies so I can move the Jeep around freely to line up with those marks.

I haven’t removed my doors yet as life has thrown me projects / travel, but they would be wall mounted. I use Gladiator GearTrack in my garage so that would be the method used to keep a clean / consistent look in my garage.

 

[larryc]

I did basically the same thing as a couple other posters and bought the hoist from Harken. I think about 130ish a few years ago. Just drive under and hoist up the panels live on to of the roof. I don’t have a high garage so all summer long I nearly talked my head off walking near it.
My doors ( I’m a half door full door guy) go in bags I got on Amazon and I built a couple mini shelves out of 2 x 6 and 2 x 4s and bungee them snug. Winter the half’s go there and the soft top goes against the wall.
It’s work for both my JK and now my JL

NOT MY TOOLBOX. STORING FOR A FRIEND. IM NIT THAT COOL.

 

[Coledig]

Waiting on a new Rubicon X. Need some garage storage solutions for hard top and doors.

Thinking of hanging doors on an empty garage wall.

Thinking ceiling mounted hoist like Harken or wondering what others have.

Here is my solution. Works great and I can have the top off by myself in about 15 minutes or less.
https://langeoriginals.com/products/jeep-top-hoist

 

[kah.mun.rah]

The hard top weighs less than I do and I could hang from one of the lag bolts.

Four bolts, on two different trusses, four straps to lift, fixed length cables across a 2x6 ripped lengthwise to hold the weight. Probably $100 all included.

Mine is similar to this but I use Topsy brackets to connect ratchet strap hooks to the back
https://topsyproducts.com/collectio...ducts/hinge-hoist-bracket-kit-jl-bracket-only

 

[BDinTX]

Mine is similar to this but I use Topsy brackets to connect ratchet strap hooks to the back
https://topsyproducts.com/collectio...ducts/hinge-hoist-bracket-kit-jl-bracket-only

Ya those brackets seem pretty slick. Also the crank style winch like on a boat trailer would be nice. I've definitely left room for improvement.

 

[Cahlheim]

Harbor Freight winch mounted in the ceiling joists, Superstrut backbone, and Topsy products hoist hinges/straps.

 

[SRFRAT67]

I am digging the recessed winch, very slick install

 

[Cire]

I store it on the lift.

I can raise it higher and park under it, if I want more room.

I can take off and put on my top (and screw down) in five minutes with this set up.

 

[rockadile]

Harbor Freight winch mounted in the ceiling joists, Superstrut backbone, and Topsy products hoist hinges/straps.

Hey! This is what I was looking to do. I picked up the Harbor Freight winch a while back and was gonna build a Superstrut structure. I've never used these before and was unsure if it was capable of handling the weight of the top and freedom panels. Can you tell me what size struts you used?

 

[Cahlheim]

Hey! This is what I was looking to do. I picked up the Harbor Freight winch a while back and was gonna build a Superstrut structure. I've never used these before and was unsure if it was capable of handling the weight of the top and freedom panels. Can you tell me what size struts you used?

10-ft 12 -Gauge

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