Hard Top removal - ALONE!
JK Freak
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 888
Likes: 1
From: Mt. Pleasant, SC
Drive-up Style...
Awesome job! Here's a nice idea. Get some casters that have a single "pin" design that will fit up through the rear hard top bolt holes. When you go to remove the top, lift it up in the back and put the casters into the rear most bolt holes. Then you can simply move the top a few inches onto the table, then roll it the rest of the way by lifting on the front part ! If you do that, you could update the table design by either routing a groove in the sides of the table that are slightly wider than the caster wheels, or you could add a couple of 1x strips on each side of the table to act as the caster guide. That would keep you from rolling it off the table. 
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I had a similar U-shaped 2x4 frame, but it was wider than the FJ. I would slide it (no wheels) around the back of the FJ, & lift the top just high enough to slide a 2x4 under the top and across to the other side. Then, lift the other side & place the 2x4 on the opposite side of the frame.
Next I did the same for the front. The only thing was I needed 3 - 2x4's, because you had to pull-out slowly until you got around the back roll bar.
If I would have taken the time, I could have had some slide-out pipe or something for the front half so it wouldn't cross the roll bar.
Thread Starter
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 457
Likes: 3
From: Myrtle Beach, SC
Update...
My "Table" is getting a lot of use lately! The weather in the Charlotte, NC area is unbelievably nice right now!
I never explained the "putting the top back on" routine.
Again, the key is to find the center of gravity point from front to back, I then spread my hands and lift just enough to start easing the top over to the Jeep rails.
The spare tire can get in the way. My design allows for the rear gate of the Jeep to open just enough to stand where the trailer hitch would be sticking out. Of course I have to open the gate while climbing through the side of the table.
From this vantage point, I've gotten comfortable enough that I can "send the top home"!!!
It sounds like a PITA, but it's pretty quick and easy. I prefer it to fighting the soft top!!!
I never explained the "putting the top back on" routine.
Again, the key is to find the center of gravity point from front to back, I then spread my hands and lift just enough to start easing the top over to the Jeep rails.
The spare tire can get in the way. My design allows for the rear gate of the Jeep to open just enough to stand where the trailer hitch would be sticking out. Of course I have to open the gate while climbing through the side of the table.
From this vantage point, I've gotten comfortable enough that I can "send the top home"!!!
It sounds like a PITA, but it's pretty quick and easy. I prefer it to fighting the soft top!!!
JK Newbie
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: houston, TX
I copied you model Sgt. and built a hardtop stand. I put 4 caster wheels, two that lock, so I can wheel that thing in and out of my garage. I haven't taken any picts yet. I don't think I did as good as yours, but it didn't fall to pieces when I put my jeeps hardtop on it and rolled it in the garage. Thanks for sharing your idea.
JK Newbie
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: houston, TX
Here are picts of the hardtop stand I built over the weekend. Keep in mind, Im not a carpenter, thats my brother and he's in Iraq right now, so he couldn't help.
http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/l...epstand1-1.jpg
http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/l...epstand2-1.jpg
http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/l...wrangler-1.jpg
http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/l...rangler2-1.jpg
http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/l...epstand1-1.jpg
http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/l...epstand2-1.jpg
http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/l...wrangler-1.jpg
http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/l...rangler2-1.jpg
JK Newbie
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: houston, TX
