hard top off and stored away way up high

[77Jimmy]

Top has been off for a year, sitting in a corner of the garage taking up space. So I finally got off my butt and took care of things...here are a couple of pics.

to ceiling 1

to ceiling 2

Hardest part was that I didn't have big enough rachets...I'd have to ratchet up a couple of the corners until I got some slack, pull out the excess slack and ratchet up the other corners...repeating the process over and over. Could only go about 8 inches at a time and I was going from the floor to the ceiling so it took a good long while, probably 45mins to 1 hour. You can see the excess rolled up and hung on hooks.

 

[Confedneck]

now that is cool! /forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif

 

[rampage]

I would bolt a couple of 2x4s going from side to side. The way you have it now it may stress the seams and produce cracks or warp it. Also, if you made the 2x4s a little longer so they stuck out the sides by about 6 inches you could run the eye bolts through the ends and use that as your lifting point. Just a thought /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[77Jimmy]

Yea, I thought about doing that but decided to go ahead w/ it as is...needed to get it up off the garage floor asap (wife was on my butt about it). I did manage to put some pieces of wood w/ a recessed hole for a big washer and nut under each of the four bolt holes in the top. I think it's OK for now but your points are valid...I might see if I can't run a couple of 2x4s under there to help support it even more. Thanks! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif

 

[Batmanjr]

Just curious, but what watage is that bulb? Isn't that thing going to melt the crud out of the seal on the top, looks close! Just a thought! Other than that, looks good! /forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif

 

[wrathORC]

I recommend using 2x4s and supporting off the bottom. A friend of mine held his truck topper up like that and it gained a case of the splits over the course of a year.

If you do a search you'll see I use seatbelts instead of ratchet straps.

 

[77Jimmy]

It's a low wattage bulb and I've got about 4 or 5 inches of space.

Ok, you guys have convinced me...2x4's it is! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Thanks for the feedback! /forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif

 

[shane74]

That's what I did. I'll have to snap a couple pics for everyone. It works out great and taking my top off is only a 15 minute deal know! /forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif Same for putting it back on. It works great!

 

[rampage]

Great minds do think alike /forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif

 

[89VJimmy]

I just finished riggin up the ratchets and 2x4's and can't wait to try it out. So far looks good., (I'll post pics once I prove it works). Only problem is, I can't find the two hidden bolts in the rear everyone keeps talking about. Do I need to remove the trim panels to get to them?

 

[77Jimmy]

I've completed the 2x4 method and it works great. I'll snap some pics tomorrow and update the thread. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Scott73]

I also used 2x4s and ratchet tie downs. Left the 2x4s 8' long and put 3/8" eye bolts 6" from each end. The top lifted off very easily and is stored above my popup now. The best thing is I don't have to bug my neighbor for help removing and installing my top.

 

[77Jimmy]

UPDATED...hard top off and stored away way up high

Now w/ 2x4s for support...

 

[RootBreaker]

Re: UPDATED...hard top off and stored away way up high

i have a friend whom had a jeep. He always needed help taking the top off and had no where to store it... so we came up with using a boat winch... crank style... couple of those die downs with hooks that yall used and some plastic coated cable.... we made it so it looked like what yall have but he could crank it on or off all by himself..... his wife was preggo.. that is why we came up with it.. also made a good storage spot......

 

[rampage]

Re: UPDATED...hard top off and stored away way up high

/forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif /forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif
Another hard top saved from self destruction /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

You did use washers on the underside of the eye bolts right? It sort of looks like it but just wanted to confirm.

 

[77Jimmy]

Re: UPDATED...hard top off and stored away way up high

Yep, double washers in fact! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif