OK, I know we've had a lot of methods posted to do this task, but I claim to have made progress because I no longer have to lift the top by hand at all.
I've been using ratchet straps from ceiling eye bolts for a long time, but this still requires me to pick up the top, place wood between the bedsides and top and put eye bolts in 4 of the topper holes. I realized that the only way to improve was to permanently mount an anchor point of some kind in the top. But what to use? Where to mount it? How to seal it? And in my case, I couldn't sacrifice clearance up top because I already have scratches on the top from exiting my garage.
Now here's the beauty part. After searching for some time for hardware that could work, I came across EXACTLY what I already had in mind in the McMaster car catalog. Then I discovered that it's actually a commercial product called "Bed Bolt".
It comes 2 per pack in various sizes, this is the smallest one. I ordered two pairs from Amazon.com (actually "Sportsman's Guide").
So the sleeve is threaded inside and out. I mount that permanently in the topper and then I thread the eye bolts in and out by hand whenever I need them.
With the hardware issues solved, I was on to installation. I decided there was only one place suitable to mount them - in the "corners" of the hardtop where the inner and outer shells meet. This has a flat surface on the bottom, the total fiberglass is 3/8" solid and it's very close to the steel reinforcing ribs.
Since the top of the fiberglass is slightly arced, I cut a slight recess into the top. This helps keep the whole install low-profile, but more importantly gives the top washer a flat area to sit in.
I drilled the hole a little small and then "tapped" it with the large bolt (you can kind of see the threads in the pictures)
The top washer is a thin stainless item that didn't come with the kit. I wanted something there to spread the force out (the kit is designed to be installed in a steel truck bed). I may use these as anchor points to carry stuff on the roof.
For installation I spread some "Bondo-Glass" on the underside of the washer and in the threads to make a solid and water-tight installation.
Next, I have to actually use the mounting points!
I've been using ratchet straps from ceiling eye bolts for a long time, but this still requires me to pick up the top, place wood between the bedsides and top and put eye bolts in 4 of the topper holes. I realized that the only way to improve was to permanently mount an anchor point of some kind in the top. But what to use? Where to mount it? How to seal it? And in my case, I couldn't sacrifice clearance up top because I already have scratches on the top from exiting my garage.
Now here's the beauty part. After searching for some time for hardware that could work, I came across EXACTLY what I already had in mind in the McMaster car catalog. Then I discovered that it's actually a commercial product called "Bed Bolt".
It comes 2 per pack in various sizes, this is the smallest one. I ordered two pairs from Amazon.com (actually "Sportsman's Guide").
So the sleeve is threaded inside and out. I mount that permanently in the topper and then I thread the eye bolts in and out by hand whenever I need them.
With the hardware issues solved, I was on to installation. I decided there was only one place suitable to mount them - in the "corners" of the hardtop where the inner and outer shells meet. This has a flat surface on the bottom, the total fiberglass is 3/8" solid and it's very close to the steel reinforcing ribs.
Since the top of the fiberglass is slightly arced, I cut a slight recess into the top. This helps keep the whole install low-profile, but more importantly gives the top washer a flat area to sit in.
I drilled the hole a little small and then "tapped" it with the large bolt (you can kind of see the threads in the pictures)
The top washer is a thin stainless item that didn't come with the kit. I wanted something there to spread the force out (the kit is designed to be installed in a steel truck bed). I may use these as anchor points to carry stuff on the roof.
For installation I spread some "Bondo-Glass" on the underside of the washer and in the threads to make a solid and water-tight installation.
Next, I have to actually use the mounting points!
Who needs a top? 
