Thanks for validating what I’m thinking in reality. I think you make more sense with 3 straps instead of 4 as I originally thought I would do. I didn’t realize you actually let out the straps though. I thought you would lift the hard top a bit from hanging position, undo the hook mechanism, and lower it to the Jeep. Am I missing a step?
Yeah, I just release the ratchet mechanism a couple inches each time and work my way around the other two to lower the top slowly and evenly. I should also add that after lifting the top, I add safety chains so that the top isn't totally suspended by ratchet straps (may not be necessary, but I dont want to worry about it falling on my little one if she's in the garage).
Yes, all tied to the same four eyebolts. Also, my ratchet straps behave just as you describe - they will let the top freefall if you don't control it by either holding the strap or keeping a hand under the top. The top is really not all that heavy to support, feels like 25-30 lbs at each corner.
No concerns or issues with those straps or clasps? They seem pretty light duty. I actually ordered the clasps and didn't realize how small they were, so I need to get smaller straps than I ordered. Mine are 1.7" and no way they'll make it through the clasp. I would like to find larger clasps if anyone has any suggestions there!1st time pulling the top off with the Topsy brackets. They work as advertised.
Interesting. I installed my 2 door brackets this weekend and had the same problem. If installed as directed, the brackets are not close enough to slide under the hardtop. I didn't go so far as to drill new mounting holes in the hoist to fix it though. I did speak with Topsy today and they said I'm the first one that has said they don't fit/work. I need to snap some pics and send them to Topsy for them to try and figure it out. Only thing I can think of is Rancor changed the dimensions of their lift slightly or something.I installed the racor rack and topsy pieces the other day and, just today, at long last, removed the roof of my JL.
It went well-enough, I guess. I had difficulties with the front brackets and getting them to rest comfortably and symmetrically. I confirmed that I had ordered the correct parts. I searched for photos of the install on a two door JL...no luck, just unlimited after unlimited. The Topsy site didn’t provide any additional information than is found in the printed installation instructions, which are, well, not very detailed.
It being after 5 pm on a Friday, and the whole roof-removal process in full-swing (bolts off, JL positioned, etc), I chose to modify things a titch: I moved the forward hockey-stick shaped brackets inward about 3 inches each. In other words, the brackets are no longer held in place with the eye-bolts at the edges of the front bar. See photos. It works great.
Now the question is did I perform the initial installation incorrectly? Or was I sent an incorrect pair of forward brackets?
The top only weighs a little over 100lbs. The straps are rated at 250lbs. The top has been hanging in my garage for the last two months with no issues.
I go around. I can’t imagine it matters other than you may need to level racor set up differently because distance is changing when back straps stay the same.
