Hardtop hoist/storage write-up
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 143
Likes: 1
From: Tucson,AZ
Great write-up. I've got mine going together now (with an electric winch), just need a few more parts. I'm also working on a storage shelf on a track system so I can move it laterally for various garage needs.
JK Freak
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 819
Likes: 0
From: Back in the world, Belleville, Ont
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 259
Likes: 1
From: Sedona, AZ
Hoist parts question
Well the temperature is warming up so it's that time of year to take the hardtop off on my 4door JK Rubicon. My goal was to create a hardtop hoist/storage system that was easy to use and could be done by one person. Here's how it went ...
I used a two step approach first lifting the top up to my garage ceiling using hoist bar and hand winch. Once the top was up to the ceiling I lowered it onto a suspended wood shelf.
Hoist Parts:
----------------
10' Channel Strut (Home Depot "SuperStrut" or B-Line B22 Channel; see www.b-line.com for catalog) (qty: 1)
5 hole t-gusset plate (see www.b-line.com for catalog, part #B532 - used to join the two pieces of strut to form the "T") (qty: 1)
Channel nuts/bolts (qty: 9)
Channel end caps (qty: 3)
Channel washers (2-holes qty=3)
Channel washers (1-hole qty=1)
1/2" x 3" eye bolt (qty: 1)
brake winch
3/8" nylon rope (50' length)
2" pulley (block and tackle) (qty: 1)
2" swivel pulley (qty: 1)
quick links (qty: 2)
lag screws (qty: 20 or so)
3/8" square U-bolts (qty: 3)
3/8" vinyl tubing (qty: 2 feet)
36" slotted angle (qty: 2)
foam rubber pipe insulation ( 1 - 7' length)
I used a two step approach first lifting the top up to my garage ceiling using hoist bar and hand winch. Once the top was up to the ceiling I lowered it onto a suspended wood shelf.
Hoist Parts:
----------------
10' Channel Strut (Home Depot "SuperStrut" or B-Line B22 Channel; see www.b-line.com for catalog) (qty: 1)
5 hole t-gusset plate (see www.b-line.com for catalog, part #B532 - used to join the two pieces of strut to form the "T") (qty: 1)
Channel nuts/bolts (qty: 9)
Channel end caps (qty: 3)
Channel washers (2-holes qty=3)
Channel washers (1-hole qty=1)
1/2" x 3" eye bolt (qty: 1)
brake winch
3/8" nylon rope (50' length)
2" pulley (block and tackle) (qty: 1)
2" swivel pulley (qty: 1)
quick links (qty: 2)
lag screws (qty: 20 or so)
3/8" square U-bolts (qty: 3)
3/8" vinyl tubing (qty: 2 feet)
36" slotted angle (qty: 2)
foam rubber pipe insulation ( 1 - 7' length)
Thanks
Thread Starter
JK Junkie
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,466
Likes: 0
From: Pottstown, PA
Thanks for a great write-up. I just have one question. I went to Fastenal to order the parts and they weren't clear what size U-bolts you used. They have several different combinations of Inside Length (3"-5")/Thread Length (1 1/2" - 5 5/8")/Inside Width (2"-4"). Any idea which size you used?
Thanks
Thanks
JK Newbie
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
From: Palmdale, CA
Don't Use the hooks that you would store a bike with. I made a top hoist system and the hooks made a nasty gash in the upper corner of the doors on the top.
Any recomendations on a different type of hook, I have the rest of the hoist setup.
Any recomendations on a different type of hook, I have the rest of the hoist setup.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 259
Likes: 1
From: Sedona, AZ
End Caps
Also, any idea where I can get the plastic end caps? Fastenal said they don't have them and Home Depot didn't have them either (according to the guy I talked to).
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 294
Likes: 0
From: Seaford DE
Thread Starter
JK Junkie
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,466
Likes: 0
From: Pottstown, PA
