Originally Posted by uofawildcats

That would be very helpful.

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).

Originally Posted by HG97TJ

Try Colonial Electric. Look in the B-Line catalog (mentioned in the first post) for the part number.

Originally Posted by uofawildcats

You've been a tremendous help. I think I am down to my last question for you. Any chance you could take a few pictures of the pulley apparatus up-close. I couldn't really tell by the pictures and I'm having a hard time visualizing which pulley goes right above the hoist, which one is closer to the wall, and also what fastener you are using to attach the rope to the eyehook on the channel.

Thanks again!

Originally Posted by HG97TJ

Check the first post... I added some close-up shots of the pulleys at the end of the write-up.

Originally Posted by HG97TJ

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" Block and Tackle set (search google for "National 2" 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 (3" inside width x 7.5" tall) (qty: 3)
3/8" vinyl tubing (qty: 2 feet)
36" slotted angle (qty: 2)
foam rubber pipe insulation ( 1 - 7' length)

Originally Posted by uofawildcats

Any reason why this slightly less expensive winch
http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/w...0559_200330559 wouldn't work compared to this one http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/w...roduct%20Page?

Originally Posted by HG97TJ

There is a BIG difference in those two winches. The brake winch is designed to hold the load overhead when you let go of the handle. Let go of the handle on the marine winch and Kaboom...you're hardtop just went crashing to the floor!!!

Originally Posted by uofawildcats

I'm not very familiar with winches, but they both say they have automatic braking. Isn't that what holds the load in place overhead when you release the handle?

Originally Posted by HG97TJ

Amazon sells the Dutton Lainson 800lb Brake Winch for < $50.

Brake Winches
Brake Winches are suitable for many lifting and lowering applications. Self-locking brake winches provide additional safety and control for many lifting and pulling jobs. The automatic friction brake supplies constant, positive holding action and prevents a runaway load. Brake is fully automatic and the load remains in position any time the handle is released. A load is required to pull line from the winch drum.

Pulling Winches
Pulling winches are best suited for boat trailers and other horizontal pulling applications which require the freewheeling feature of ratchet type winches.