Cheap, Easy Hardtop Hanger / Storage Solution

[RedRockJK]

So I was at Home Depot yesterday gathering all the parts to build a nice hoist and platform for storage of my hard top, and a few things occurred to me.

1) I am not going to be taking my hard top on and off that much.

2) I only have an 8' garage ceiling, and If I built a hoist and platform, it is going to be hanging lower than I prefer and taking up too much space. I wouldn't be able to raise the hood on whichever Jeep is parked on that side of the garage. I also would not be able to back into that parking spot because the platform would be too low.

3) I really didn't want to spend $100 or more building one.

Browsing around the garage storage area, I found some "J" hook style hangers for $4.96 each. I bought 2 of them.

http://ayresweb.com/RedRockJK/hardtop_hanger/hanger_label_1_IMG_4299.jpg

I had some 2x4 lumber at home. I took a 16' 2x4 and cut it in half, making two 8' sections. I measured the portion of the hardtop from the rear wiper down to the door opening area, then added a few inches. This gave me a good measurement, so I mounted the hangers 48" down from the ceiling, measured from the ceiling to the top of the hanger where the 2x4 would be sitting on.

http://ayresweb.com/RedRockJK/hardtop_hanger/ht_hanger_1_IMG_4296.jpg

I found the location I wanted the 1st hanger, found the closest stud, then measured over 80" to mount the other hanger (making sure a stud was in that location also.)

http://ayresweb.com/RedRockJK/hardtop_hanger/ht_hanger_2_IMG_4288.jpg

I used an old comforter to put between the hardtop and the wall. I had also considered using a piece of foam insulation like you use on the outside walls of a house to mount on the wall. The 2x4's supporting the top make a great spot to sit the front freedom top panels, and hanging it on that wall this way takes up a lot less room than hoisting it up and hanging it from the ceiling. It also only cost me $10 since I already had the 16' 2x4.

http://ayresweb.com/RedRockJK/hardtop_hanger/ht_hanger_3_IMG_4290.jpg

[Karla]

I was wondering where I would put my hard top as well since my garage is a lot like yours (not very tall).

Your ideas is a GREAT one! I may have to do the same thing since I'll only remove and store the hard top once (for the late spring/summer/early fall months).

Anyway, I don't have a JK yet, but will hopefully by June/July. Also, I'll be getting the Bestop hard top aftermarket rather than the freedom top.

Thanks so much for sharing!

[DBB888]

Hmm I Like that!! I have no room in my garage though. Maybe I can just store it in my basement.

[HG97TJ]

Great idea RedRockJK. Now it looks like you'll have to make another one!!!

[LEGEND]

best and simplest one i've seen yet.

well done red!!!!!!!!!!:yup:

[Robar]

Good idea. Any chance of the top falling forward? or did you secure it in some way?

[RedRockJK]

Good idea. Any chance of the top falling forward? or did you secure it in some way?

I'm not concerned about it falling forward, but if you wanted to, you could attach a couple of small eye hooks on the wall towards the top of the top, and run some appropriate length bungee cords from the top to the eye hook. I believe that would be enough to prevent even an accidental tipping. It's really pretty secure the way it is.

[ColoradoJeep06]

I have a similar garage config with low ceilings, and I don't think I can use that much wall space.

Has anyone hung their freedom top from the roof, normal orientation, but backwards? That way you could have it hang so that you could drive in and have the freedom top over the hood area. Maybe even drive in backwards to install/uninstall it by lowering it onto the body.

[HappyCurmudgeon]

I want two JK's in my garage :sad2:

[JKJeremy]

I have a similar garage config with low ceilings, and I don't think I can use that much wall space.

Has anyone hung their freedom top from the roof, normal orientation, but backwards? That way you could have it hang so that you could drive in and have the freedom top over the hood area. Maybe even drive in backwards to install/uninstall it by lowering it onto the body.
I recently came up with a pretty nice solution that raises and lowers easily that ended up costing around $60 by the time it was all said and done with parts coming from your local home depot and harbor freight store. Not quite the $20 dollar solution others have posted using ratchet straps, but it works much smoother and is still significantly cheaper than the $200 lange hoist. I have been meaning to post it to this site for all to behold in its wonderful glory. Look for a new thread coming in a week or so with pictures.

[HG97TJ]

Has anyone hung their freedom top from the roof, normal orientation, but backwards? That way you could have it hang so that you could drive in and have the freedom top over the hood area. Maybe even drive in backwards to install/uninstall it by lowering it onto the body.

I did a write-up (http://jk-forum.com/showthread.php?t=5559) on this a few weeks ago ...

[Imkman]

looking good... might have to use your idea over the summer time

thanks

[duneslider]

I have a similar garage config with low ceilings, and I don't think I can use that much wall space.

Has anyone hung their freedom top from the roof, normal orientation, but backwards? That way you could have it hang so that you could drive in and have the freedom top over the hood area. Maybe even drive in backwards to install/uninstall it by lowering it onto the body.


That's how I did it when I had my YJ. Worked just fine for me. I didn't have a ceiling in mine (just the rafters) so I could attach the cords up higher and lift the top until it hit the rafters.

Bryan

[JKinTN]

Copied RedRcokJK's storage rack this weekend. It works fine and costs less than $15. A little cumbersome to get the top in place and support board set (low ceiling). I will eventually build a lift so I can remove the top by myself. Nonetheless, this is a cheap, easy method for those with dual tops.

Weather finally broke in TN (heat wave for the past 2 months). Nothing like a Jeep on an 80 degree afternoon.

[mmcan]

I want two JK's in my garage :sad2:

Promise this to all and run for president!!!!

[jeepgreensahara]

Very nice. I think this is my favourite cheap/simple idea yet for storing the top. Although if I were to do it, I would make it a bit lower due to low ceiling height also.

[jeepnyak]

wow, Good Thinking

[mt3]

hey .... for all those who have stored their hardtop this way, how has this storage method been working? any worry of warping with that hanging position?

thanks!

[jinkim_nc]

I tried this over the weekend. it seems to hold up pretty weill. but the curve where the rear window and the thin part over the passenger seats cracked a little on one side. after the initial crack, it seems to be holding up fine. i'll keep an eye on it. sorry, no pics... the top is at a different garage from where i live.

[windnsea78]

I think its a great idea but has anyone done this that has a 2-door. I dont think theres enough of the front portion like the 4-doors have.

[Slag]

Nice work.

Although I think you need to do something with the freedom tops. Those suckers look like they are going to fall soon.

[yellowjeeper85]

TWO JKs.... must be nice ;)

[Newtybar]

Nice work, good way to store the top.

[PaulPuglisi]

Nice solution. And it is somethign my non mechanical inclined brain can handle.

[SASQUATCH]

Nice idea, freaking 2-drs have no leverage compared to you 4-dr guys with these hardtops:bleh:...my wife also wants a 4-dr.

[homer]

Redrockjk
nice job.

2 quick questons. You keep talking about a 16' of 2x4.,
Did you just use half of it, or is the 2nd length somewhere I am blind to?

Also, how do you load the top?
Is it 2 folks lift into place while a 3rd slides the 2x4 into place?

Thanks in advance

homer

[jebgriffin]

I copied RedRockJK's idea as well and it worked out great. Only changes I incorporated was that I used 2x6 vs 2x4 and I used shelf brackets to support it. Additionally, I was a little hesitant with the slight bow in the middle so I wedged a 2x4 for additional support. To answer homer's question, there were 3 of us...2 lifting and holding and 1 sliding the support in place.

[XenoWolf]

Any of you guys seen any extensive cracking from this solution?

[Big D2]

This has got to be the best storage idea! Ever! It's simple and cheap and uses the unusable space on the wall. Thanks for sharing.

[CASSELMAN]

Nice work.

Although I think you need to do something with the freedom tops. Those suckers look like they are going to fall soon.

Agree, they look like there just balancing there!

Sweet idea though, I'll be copying this but with some upgrades :yup:

[jebgriffin]

Any of you guys seen any extensive cracking from this solution?

I Haven't seen any warping/cracks since it has been up there. Regarding the freedom tops, I put a small screw in front of the tops to keep them from sliding off.

[cojk]

Thanks for sharing, I just did the same thing in my garage today. It was so easy and it works great!

[VocalMasta]

Could you add some pictures of you putting it up?? Is it a 2 man job or can you do it yourself?? :eek2: