For long term storage is it not advised to store the removable top on its rail because the sides may bow out?
CK5
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Storing a removable 76+ hard top
- Thread starter wazzabie
- Start date
Set it across a couple 2x4's and bolt it down. Or get a soft top and ditch that heavy sucker
I don't think I've ever left it off for more than a couple of weeks at a time. I would be more worried about the front bowing out, than the back, just because of all the steel and material at the back. A couple of boards, angle iron, Unistrut or whatever you have, bolted through some of the holes should brace it and also allow lifting/moving.
https://ck5.com/forums/resources/hard-top-storage-ideas.11/
https://ck5.com/forums/threads/one-man-k5-top-removal-diy-structure-idea.199691/
https://ck5.com/forums/threads/a-better-way-to-remove-the-hardtop.240634/
https://ck5.com/forums/resources/hard-top-storage-ideas.11/
https://ck5.com/forums/threads/one-man-k5-top-removal-diy-structure-idea.199691/
https://ck5.com/forums/threads/a-better-way-to-remove-the-hardtop.240634/
Along the red line is this the strongest point of the removable top? Would it be ok for long term storage to rest the top on edge of this red line and prop it up against a wall?
I have never heard of the tops bowing. I stored mine on some pallets outside for months and it bolted back on no problem. The fiberglass is quite rigid, but I don't think I would rest it on the back edge like that.
Why not rest it on the back edge?
Seems like you would be putting all the weight on a small area. Try it and report back.
Would it be ok to rest the top upright on the edge colored in yellow in this photo?
I would worry about damaging the seal or having it compressed more than it would normally be on the truck. You could easily make a stand of some kind out of lumber that leaves the seal in the open.
I think you're better off on the red line side. Preferably making a slanted platform so it's supported on the whole surface and upright.
The seal side is more vulnerable
For the record I had mine against a wall on the tips of the corners for years, and the only thing that happened was some minor damage to the paint and little rubbing of the fiberglass.
But I don't care about that stuff.
The first time I removed mine, having heard stories about Bowing I opted to hang it over a fence long ways, the top of the fence essentially sat in the 90 with the side hanging over the fence and the top and other side on the other side of the fence, it sat there all summer and went back on without issue.. however I think the best way to store it, which is how I do it now: It sits on 2x2s running width wise, one in the front, one in the back, I drilled holes in the 2x2s where the bolt hole is and put the top bolts driven into the wood which prevent bowing. The 2x2s stick out about 4-6” on each side which I use for straps and suspend in the garage, first time I just used 4 ratchet straps to hooks into rafters. This keeps it out of the UV and weather and the K5 can park under it (saves space). My buddy had a boat winch and cable setup used for a jeep top he gave me that I plan to incorporate and reclaim my 4 ratchet straps. However I have a softopper waiting to go on so I imagine the hard top will probably live there Until I get tired of looking at it and sell it lol.. rendering the boat winch and cable setup not worth the effort to install it all..
