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Hard top hoist

8K views 37 replies 25 participants last post by  wwch99tj 
#1 ·
Anyone have any experience or knowledge of a hoist for removing and suspending a hard top?
 
#6 ·
I went this route because of space and cost.
Dabolt55, nice simple setup. One thing I would suggest is after you crank the top up to where you want, put the remaining strap (that's hanging towards the floor) up on the top itself so they aren't hanging down. I noticed when you pulled the Jeep back inside, and got out, the strap got closed in the door. I would hate for it to do that as you were leaving, and pull the strap off of the top. The last thing you need is the top falling to the floor.

-Michael
 
#4 ·
There are 3 lil 4x4 in the attic connected to wooden I beams. Then I've been using 1x1 square tubing its shaped like a tee. I'll try to get pics of it later. Buddy has it right now... he's had it for a lil to long... I need to get that back now that I think of it...
 
#5 ·
i recommend the Lang Hoist-A-Top, about $120, got mine from Quadratec, its a well made unit with excellent hardware and works as advertised.
 
#7 ·
I have the Hoist-a-Top and can take the top on and off by myself. I just mounted it like the instructions said, then put in 4 eye bolts and use ratchet straps to hold the top in place once I lift it to my garage ceiling. Works great for me. Not bad for a $120 investment.
 
#10 ·
i bought mine last July, paid $119.99 plus shipping.

did price go up? even at $159 it is still a good investment for a useful tool.
 
#12 ·
TFBlackout05 said:
There are 3 lil 4x4 in the attic connected to wooden I beams. Then I've been using 1x1 square tubing its shaped like a tee. I'll try to get pics of it later. Buddy has it right now... he's had it for a lil to long... I need to get that back now that I think of it...
sorry I bought mine at harbor freight for $70 and made my own T lift.
 
#13 ·
How heavy would a 2 Door hard top be? I don't have a garage atm and was hoping to just get in the back and transfer it over to a platform of some sorts this summer.
 
#20 ·
Dextreme said:
They are just very awkward for 1 person to handle. They can be lifted off if you have 2-3 buddies to grab a side. I believe the hard top is somewhere around 140 lbs.
Yea that makes sense. Thanks! Now to rig up a stand for it
 
#21 ·
DEXTREME i really like that geared winch, much better than the ratchet winch you get with the Hoist-a-Top system.

If I was removing/installing my hardtop on a frequent basis I would say get a device like DEXTREME is showing as the ratchet winch is sort of a pain and if you are not careful it can disengage allowing the top to free-fall. I remove my hardtop once/year so I'll deal with the slow ratchet.
 
#22 ·
Here is a few more pics of my set up:

HF Winch with a socket ready for my drill



The rack itself I made out of scrap metal I had left over from replacing a garage door opener track. I welded some scrap chain on it to add some weight for it to lower easy, and it gives me options for balance points.

Basically I lower it down on the hard top, hook up 3 ratchet tiedowns. Lift it off with the drill to the ceiling



Oh and those ladder hooks in the beam is where I hang my full doors.
 
#25 ·
cool setup DEXTREME.

i see you covered your t-bar with foam pipe insulation, I did the exact same thing.
 
#26 ·
Hey folks, I just bought a '04 LJ with hard top, and need to rig something up to take it off (and put back on). Unfortunately, I don't have a carport or garage, so will have to figure something out for outside. I looked at Harbor Freight's portable hoist, but am concerned about lifting the top using only one point of lift. Any suggestions? Thanks.
 
#29 ·
i have a question.. have you noticed using the hooks from the ratchet straps is putting stress on the jeep hardtop or ruining the rubber seal? im very interested in putting this up in my garage for my wife and I and we would store the top long term in the summer hanging from our ceiling most likely. Great video!
 
#31 ·
I did the ratchet strap thing for a few years in my previous house's low ceiling carport.
Inexpensive and worked great.

I bought the Lange Hoist a Top when we bought our current house a few years ago. The garage has a fairly high ceiling and the straps would be difficult.

The only drawback is that the T-Bar lift is supported by one center point. This allows the top to swing around freely while suspended in the air. No problemo, I have some extra ratchet straps that I secure the top with while in storage.

I used the included come-a-long. I would love an electric hoist, but I could not justify the added cost. I've only put the hard top on once in the last 3 years!
 
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