I looked through the sponsors section, and didn't really see any sponsors with Hard Top lift offerings, but I'm open to hearing about some if I did over look something.

I've been thinking about building one of my own Hard Top lifts for awhile....but finally decided.....I have enough projects going, no need to take on another.

For now I've just been throwing 3 tie down ratchet straps over the rafter beams in my Garage and slowly ratcheting each strap up up a little at a time. It was a quick and cheap solution ($25), but am now looking for something a bit more permanent and secure.

So I'm currently shopping for a hard top lift assembly kit.

I found this one, which I thought would fit my needs and price range. The thing I liked about this one, is that I didn't have to mount a crank to a wall, since I don't have any wall space or easy access to the walls in my garage.
http://www.topcaplift.com/tcjeep.htm

Anyone using this one? How do you like it? Any other suggestions?

 

I dont have that specific top lift but I have a Harken Hoister Top. I know you said you don't have any wall space. I don't have much room in my garage and I was able to install the running end of the rope towards my back corner. It took a lot of double measuring but I am very happy with the hoist. I only have 9 foot tall finished celings in my garage and it lifted my hard top to the max heght where I can still move around with out ducking. Since you have rafters exposed would probably be a simple install for you. And it's only $130.00.

http://www.quadratec.com/products/12020_1000.htm

 

Thanks for posting the suggestion. Unfortunately, that won't work for me. That back wall mount is a problem for me. Inside my garage on the back wall, behind where I park my Jeep, I have a dog kennel built for my 2 labs, where they have access to go in and out through a back doggy door through the garage. Then above the kennel is a shelving/storage area where all my camping gear is stored, and that goes up like that to the rafters. So getting access to mount something on the back wall, as well as even being able to pull on the rope from that location just isn't possible.

My side walls are unfinished with stand up shelving racks in front, work benches, and a chest freezer, so even the side wall would be a major challenge. Basically, the ceiling is all I have to work with.

This one at Quadratec had me interested, but again....it shows a back wall mount for the crank. I kind of prefer this one at Quadratec than the one I posted, because they use hooks where I wouldn't have to get inside to fasten straps like the one I originally posted.



Thanks again.

 

That's pretty slick. I traded in my Sahara and I'm picking up my new (to me) Rubicon today and was going to piece something like this together to store the hard top till winter. This make it WAY easier. Definitely getting added to the list of stuff to order from Quadratec this week.

 

You could easily just mount the crank to the ceiling as well. You would just have to stand on a ladder to crank it. I was thinking of going that route. They're just too expensive for what they are.

 

Excellent!!! I think I may go with that one then. It is a tad more than I wanted to pay.....afterall, my $25 ratchet tie down straps still do the job. Actually, the straps work really well hoisting up the top....it's the lowering it back down which is more difficult since those tie down straps only ratchet in one direction. I found a dealer on Ebay which is $60 cheaper than Quadratec's price....so that helps ease the pain a little.

 

Found mine on eBay also. Much cheaper and free shipping, something the Q wouldn't do for me.

 

Yep....I found the "Power" version on Ebay for about the same price as the crank version at the Q. Now, I'm almost considering buying the power one.

Must resist.....must resist....must resist the temptation......"Power means more work running wires for electrical hook up".....must resist....power no worky during black outs.......must resist......you're already spending more than you wanted......must resist....it's only $70 more.....must resist.....no wall space to hang power control.....must resist.....they have an "or best offer option"....must resist

 

Go for the power. Will avoid you having to drag a ladder out to crank the hoist up. Do the offer. May be surprised.

 

You're not helping now. LOL!!!

Actually, I made an offer for $350 and it was declined. So I decided, to make an offer on the crank one and got it for $280 with free shipping.