Top Removal and Storage

[Kota4bye]

I posted pictures of this last fall on another site, but here are some better pics of my solution to one man top removal. My truck doesn't really fit in the garage for the hanging method, and the wifey is not too keen on me backin into the ditch in the front yard and asking her to help carry the top off the truck.:bitch:

She actually had a very large part in this idea.:cheers:

These pictures were taken as I was putting the top back on today. Although it was 80 yesterday and today, the high for the weekend is going to be sub 60.

I use a action packer to let my stinger slide back as I back up to my rack.

Here's the best pic I took of the rack. Just four 4x4s with rubber casters at the top. I also framed them together more strength, and it lets me slide the top back by myself.

Drop the tailgate and back up as close as possible. The use of "spotters" is optional.:character0182:

Now, standing on the ground, I lift the rear of the top over the rear casters and walk it towards the truck.

With the top resting on the front casters, and the frame, this is as close as I can get to the truck.

From here, I get in the back of the truck and lift the front of the top onto the bed rails and walk it on, until the rear of top is at the front casters, then I do the squat and crab walk with the top on my back.

Removal is exactly the reverse!

It takes about 10 minutes for me to do by myself, and 1TXChick didn't complain about the money for lumber as long as I wasn't going to ask her to carry the top any more.

I don't remember, but I think I got everything I needed from Lowes for less than $50.

 

[chevy wrangler]

that is a great idea!!

 

[bigbadchev84]

may want to think about adding some eyebolts and a couple ratchet straps to keep it in place, never know when a strong wind is coming! other than that great idea

 

[MojaveK5]

I may have to copy your idea. (nice job) / (nice truck)

 

[Dafey]

Cool idea and Nice truck !

 

[1978Blazerk5]

Great Idea

I would copy that idea but I dont think my neighbors would like that on my front lawn.

 

[abig84]

lol cool.

also a stock s10 blazer with a luggage rack works really good for a k5 top holder also. i used to slide mine off onto it all the time,

 

[Kota4bye]

may want to think about adding some eyebolts and a couple ratchet straps to keep it in place, never know when a strong wind is coming! other than that great idea

I usually loop a cargo strap around one end of the frame, and throw the strap over the top. I don't know how much wind it might take, and I don't want to find out!


Thanks for the compliments fellas!

 

[rjpastor]

Good idea. Great spotters.

 

[RonyMikal]

Great Idea but not sure that every one can apply it.

 

[rampage]

You could have made it a little easier. Move the posts so they are wider than your Blazer and make them the same height as the bedsides. Then secure a 4x4 on top of those post so they are parallel to the bedsides (you may want to put an X brace going from each vertical 4x4 on each side for stability). Using this method you can drive between the structure. Once the top is unbolted just lift with your back and slide a 2x4 under the front and back of the top so they rest on the horizontal 4x4s.

 

[Fordum]

I swear, we need to figure out a system so that posts over a certain age, which have not had any action in a certain time have a small flag or mark designating them......

The girl in that picture is probably taking lessons on driving in that truck now.......

 

[496truck]

What? Nobody else just backs up really fast and jams on the brakes? Friggin top just removes itself.

 

[Deuling]

What? Nobody else just backs up really fast and jams on the brakes? Friggin top just removes itself.

I just make my friends help me

 

[Kota4bye]

You could have made it a little easier. Move the posts so they are wider than your Blazer and make them the same height as the bedsides. Then secure a 4x4 on top of those post so they are parallel to the bedsides (you may want to put an X brace going from each vertical 4x4 on each side for stability). Using this method you can drive between the structure. Once the top is unbolted just lift with your back and slide a 2x4 under the front and back of the top so they rest on the horizontal 4x4s.

That doesn't work with a cage, and I knew a cage was coming.

 

[Kota4bye]

I swear, we need to figure out a system so that posts over a certain age, which have not had any action in a certain time have a small flag or mark designating them......

The girl in that picture is probably taking lessons on driving in that truck now.......

I like seeing old threads get bumped up.....at least he didn't post a question on ideas to remove/store a top....then we'd all be complaining he didn't search!

 

[76k5grrl]

Love this. Wish I had the space. I basically did what you Did except I walked mine on to the roll bars of my jeep. So now my little jeep is basically a storage rack for the k5 top. p.s
it was a little heavier than expected

 

[Brian_D]

I like seeing old threads get bumped up.....at least he didn't post a question on ideas to remove/store a top....then we'd all be complaining he didn't search!

^ this, search function rocks.

 

[Chief Brody]

I've never seen the thread before, so it is new to me.

If I could get into my back yard, I would have considered this method over the garage setup I have...

you have no idea how many times I have bumped my head on that top

 

[The Griff]

I am really considering coping you, but I have never had the top off of my truck, and I am quite sure it has never been off, (original, repainted twice, factory weather stripping) and I am curious as to what one of these tops weighs?