One person top removal

[kp texan]

You could get this one for only a little more money and a lot more security (and a lot less work).

That would be a nice one to have but since it runs off 12v DC I would either have to have my K5 present to run it or I would have to buy an AC to DC converter which would add even more to the cost. I sort of like the simplicity and reliability of a manual winch in order to lift a top that really only weighs about 180 lbs to begin with.

-Wes

 

[bp71k5]

One tricky part is the roll bar ( if you have one). I don't think Craig has one? so it's easier to get that front 2x4 under there. Since my roll bar is right at that same spot near the front window, I have to either lift from the window overhang or about 2 feet farther back which is more unstable. Not impossible, but something to be aware before you start since I had to redesign mine a little when I noticed it.

 

[Craig Artzner]

One tricky part is the roll bar ( if you have one). I don't think Craig has one? so it's easier to get that front 2x4 under there. Since my roll bar is right at that same spot near the front window, I have to either lift from the window overhang or about 2 feet farther back which is more unstable. Not impossible, but something to be aware before you start since I had to redesign mine a little when I noticed it.

You know I never thought about that. Yeah I have no rollbar so it's easy for me to slide that front 2x4 right in there from the front. If I did have a rollbar I would probably lift up the rear and walk it up to the front from there maybe. I'd still have to clear the seat though

 

[Randy92782]

I just tell my 2 sons, " If you want to be able to go out this weekend, go take the top off the blazer!"


works like a charm!

guess i'll just have to go make kids. lmao

 

[sledheadak]

fork lift works well for me

 

[lectric80]

Well I don't have a roll bar so that is not a concern...yet. My kids are too little to have them take the top off yet. Does anyone know what the top actually weighs? That would be an important consideration when I am building this system.

 

[goldwing2000]

That would be a nice one to have but since it runs off 12v DC I would either have to have my K5 present to run it or I would have to buy an AC to DC converter which would add even more to the cost. I sort of like the simplicity and reliability of a manual winch in order to lift a top that really only weighs about 180 lbs to begin with.

-Wes

Ummm... if you're taking the top on and off the Blazer, won't the Blazer be there?

Even if it wasn't, you wouldn't need an AC to DC converter. Just hook it up to an old battery.

 

[kp texan]

Ummm... if you're taking the top on and off the Blazer, won't the Blazer be there?

Even if it wasn't, you wouldn't need an AC to DC converter. Just hook it up to an old battery.

Yeah, that's true. I just bought my first house a few months ago so I'm still building my garage up and haven't yet acquired an extra old battery. Heck, I don't even have my own battery charger so I have to go over and borrow my neighbor's.

-Wes

 

[goldwing2000]

Ahhh... ok. That makes sense. I always keep two or three on hand but I've had 11 years in this house to collect all kinds of useless crap.

Were you planning to leave your top hanging or drop it down and store it somewhere else?

 

[kp texan]

Were you planning to leave your top hanging or drop it down and store it somewhere else?

I actually plan on leaving it hanging most of the time since I can make better use of my garage floor space. Because of that, I'll also have a backup system which uses nylon cargo straps just in case a part of the pulley/winch system fails. That way, the wife's '06 Jetta TDI can be parked under it and I don't have to worry about my falling hardtop smashing the hood and or windshield in.

-Wes

 

[lectric80]

Wait I was actually hoping top would smash the wife's car. She refuses to pay for fuel or anything else to do with the K5 but if something is wrong with her car I have to fork out the cash and labor for it so what the heck...payback time.