Hardtop Cart / Holder DIY

[theryko]

Thanks for the the specs! Gave er a run and it turned out pretty good. Carpeting took the longest.

Now to put the hard top on for the test fit.

Sponsored

 

[JLUandCJ-7]

Lots of projects this weekend!

Here is how to build your own hardtop cart and save a $150.

2 2x4 cut to 29"
2 2x4 cut to 60"
1 1x2 cut to 60"
4 2x4 cut to 15"
4 caster wheels - if your garage is at a slant get locking casters
25 2.5" screws
Staple gun
Carpeting of your choice...

Total cost was $20 at home depot...$13 at Walmart for 2 yards of soft material...$14 at Lowes because my staple gun broke..

I carpeted the whole thing just because. Also, you will see I have my hard top set behind the front 2x4 but you can set it on top. I felt it was more secure that way.

I started by carpeting the 5 main pieces; the 2x4's and the 1x2.

Once those were carpeted I placed the 29" pieces under the 60" boards and clamped each corner going one corner at a time. Drilled pilot holes and put 4 screws in each corner.

Once the frame was built, I put the 1x2 6" back from the front board. That way there was space for the wiper. This board will hold the wiper off the ground if you do not secure the window to the hard top.

I then pilot holes and drilled/screwed the first 15" board 8" from the edge. Then screwed the 2nd 15" board to the top of that. Once they were both screwed down I carpeted them.

I then flipped it over and put the caster wheels on. I got wheels that spun 360*; if you do the same make sure there is room for them to spin.

Attached are the results!

**the blue tape was used to hold the window while we were lifting on to the cart..it was then removed.

Very happy I found your post. Will save a bunch of money vs buying one. Assembly starts tomorrow.

 

[Texas_Yote]

Awesome, I am taking the hard top off tomorrow and this will be it’s 3rd year in use. Still going strong!

 

[Renhilio]

This is an old post, but wanted to share my results. I have a short garage that eliminates using a hoist to store the hard top. Boy am I glad I found this thread! Assembled and used the cart two weekends ago and it works like a charm. A big thanks to this community for always providing detailed information on anything and everything. One thing I plan to do is plug a couple of eye hooks into the wall and snugging the top against the wall with a strap to prevent any accidental movements. The cart is on locking casters but I like a little more reassurance. Beyond that I’d like to potentially wrap it with something, maybe plastic cling wrap or something?

 

[JLUandCJ-7]

Finally got my hardtop off and the diy cart in use! Good to have while I'm getting my power hoist installed.

 

[Trien2k]

Just wanted to thank everyone in this post. Finally made my Hardtop holder. It worked great!!

 

[CCWillys]

Made my cart today. Worked great! Only mistake I made was only using 2 spinning caster wheels instead of all 4. I’ll correct next season. Now need to figure out what to use for a cover and something to protect the rear glass.

 

[trwkane]

This was my solution. Was planning on building a cart as per Original post, but noticed because I have a 2Dr the hardtop is slightly smaller and less awkward. I did a simple shelf and covered with carpet material. So far so good!

 

[Danny2203]

Thanks for the specs. Made my cart today and works well.

 

[Membrain]

Lots of projects this weekend!

Here is how to build your own hardtop cart and save a $150.

2 2x4 cut to 29"
2 2x4 cut to 60"
1 1x2 cut to 60"
4 2x4 cut to 15"
4 caster wheels - if your garage is at a slant get locking casters
25 2.5" screws
Staple gun
Carpeting of your choice...

Total cost was $20 at home depot...$13 at Walmart for 2 yards of soft material...$14 at Lowes because my staple gun broke..

I carpeted the whole thing just because. Also, you will see I have my hard top set behind the front 2x4 but you can set it on top. I felt it was more secure that way.

I started by carpeting the 5 main pieces; the 2x4's and the 1x2.

Once those were carpeted I placed the 29" pieces under the 60" boards and clamped each corner going one corner at a time. Drilled pilot holes and put 4 screws in each corner.

Once the frame was built, I put the 1x2 6" back from the front board. That way there was space for the wiper. This board will hold the wiper off the ground if you do not secure the window to the hard top.

I then pilot holes and drilled/screwed the first 15" board 8" from the edge. Then screwed the 2nd 15" board to the top of that. Once they were both screwed down I carpeted them.

I then flipped it over and put the caster wheels on. I got wheels that spun 360*; if you do the same make sure there is room for them to spin.

Attached are the results!

**the blue tape was used to hold the window while we were lifting on to the cart..it was then removed.

Yup - I also did this one a few years back - it works.

 

[miguelroboso]

Dude I just made this and it is perfect! Thanks!

 

[CndnSnowMxicn]

Keeping this thread alive.

Thanks @Texas_Yote for this fantastic idea of yours certainly saved our hands and backs from carrying our hardtop from out townhouse to our parking stall.
Works PERFECTLY!!

 

[Texas_Yote]

Just mocked up and adjusted the cart for my new gladiator. Should prob post those over there on that forum.

 

[poncho@home]

Glad I found this thread, saved me the planning stage. Gonna build this soon for the upcoming summer season

Just one question, can anyone conform the spacing between the 1x2 and the bottom 2x4?

All the rest is quite clear! Thanks a bunch

 

[rscott91]

Glad I found this thread, saved me the planning stage. Gonna build this soon for the upcoming summer season

Just one question, can anyone conform the spacing between the 1x2 and the bottom 2x4?

All the rest is quite clear! Thanks a bunch

Believe it is 6 inches per the original plan, set mine at that but have not used it yet.

Sponsored