Hardtop hoist/storage write-up
JK Newbie
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Conifer, Colorado
2 door top storage! 
Thanks to this thread I was inspired to do my own. I chose to mount an electric hoist on a box rail so I can take the top off and then push it to the side of the garage - where I built a shelf that hinges for the (almost) length of the top for summer storage. (I have to remove the bars underneath which help hold everything level and support the top when extended)
I just cover the top with a moving pad and keep the whole thing together (unless I need the hoist for something else, like loading/unloading the snow blower). I used web strapping so I can open/close the top and put the freedom panels in (and other jeepy things if necessary).
Pictures are at: http://gallery.rennlist.com/gallery/JeepTop
The top isn't too heavy (about 100 pounds?) and I pretty much built everything to handle about 400 pounds.
I've got the OME 2.5 inch lift, 33 inch tires, and the ceilijng height is about 9 feet, so not a whole lot of room to play but it makes for a very easy one man operation for old pharts like me.
Thanks to this thread I was inspired to do my own. I chose to mount an electric hoist on a box rail so I can take the top off and then push it to the side of the garage - where I built a shelf that hinges for the (almost) length of the top for summer storage. (I have to remove the bars underneath which help hold everything level and support the top when extended)
I just cover the top with a moving pad and keep the whole thing together (unless I need the hoist for something else, like loading/unloading the snow blower). I used web strapping so I can open/close the top and put the freedom panels in (and other jeepy things if necessary).
Pictures are at: http://gallery.rennlist.com/gallery/JeepTop
The top isn't too heavy (about 100 pounds?) and I pretty much built everything to handle about 400 pounds.
I've got the OME 2.5 inch lift, 33 inch tires, and the ceilijng height is about 9 feet, so not a whole lot of room to play but it makes for a very easy one man operation for old pharts like me.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 161
Likes: 0
From: Villa Hills, KY
2 door top storage!
Thanks to this thread I was inspired to do my own. I chose to mount an electric hoist on a box rail so I can take the top off and then push it to the side of the garage - where I built a shelf that hinges for the (almost) length of the top for summer storage. (I have to remove the bars underneath which help hold everything level and support the top when extended)
I just cover the top with a moving pad and keep the whole thing together (unless I need the hoist for something else, like loading/unloading the snow blower). I used web strapping so I can open/close the top and put the freedom panels in (and other jeepy things if necessary).
Pictures are at: http://gallery.rennlist.com/gallery/JeepTop
The top isn't too heavy (about 100 pounds?) and I pretty much built everything to handle about 400 pounds.
I've got the OME 2.5 inch lift, 33 inch tires, and the ceilijng height is about 9 feet, so not a whole lot of room to play but it makes for a very easy one man operation for old pharts like me.
Thanks to this thread I was inspired to do my own. I chose to mount an electric hoist on a box rail so I can take the top off and then push it to the side of the garage - where I built a shelf that hinges for the (almost) length of the top for summer storage. (I have to remove the bars underneath which help hold everything level and support the top when extended)
I just cover the top with a moving pad and keep the whole thing together (unless I need the hoist for something else, like loading/unloading the snow blower). I used web strapping so I can open/close the top and put the freedom panels in (and other jeepy things if necessary).
Pictures are at: http://gallery.rennlist.com/gallery/JeepTop
The top isn't too heavy (about 100 pounds?) and I pretty much built everything to handle about 400 pounds.
I've got the OME 2.5 inch lift, 33 inch tires, and the ceilijng height is about 9 feet, so not a whole lot of room to play but it makes for a very easy one man operation for old pharts like me.
Thread Starter
JK Junkie
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,466
Likes: 0
From: Pottstown, PA
2 door top storage!
Thanks to this thread I was inspired to do my own. I chose to mount an electric hoist on a box rail so I can take the top off and then push it to the side of the garage - where I built a shelf that hinges for the (almost) length of the top for summer storage. (I have to remove the bars underneath which help hold everything level and support the top when extended)
I just cover the top with a moving pad and keep the whole thing together (unless I need the hoist for something else, like loading/unloading the snow blower). I used web strapping so I can open/close the top and put the freedom panels in (and other jeepy things if necessary).
Pictures are at: http://gallery.rennlist.com/gallery/JeepTop
The top isn't too heavy (about 100 pounds?) and I pretty much built everything to handle about 400 pounds.
I've got the OME 2.5 inch lift, 33 inch tires, and the ceilijng height is about 9 feet, so not a whole lot of room to play but it makes for a very easy one man operation for old pharts like me.
Thanks to this thread I was inspired to do my own. I chose to mount an electric hoist on a box rail so I can take the top off and then push it to the side of the garage - where I built a shelf that hinges for the (almost) length of the top for summer storage. (I have to remove the bars underneath which help hold everything level and support the top when extended)
I just cover the top with a moving pad and keep the whole thing together (unless I need the hoist for something else, like loading/unloading the snow blower). I used web strapping so I can open/close the top and put the freedom panels in (and other jeepy things if necessary).
Pictures are at: http://gallery.rennlist.com/gallery/JeepTop
The top isn't too heavy (about 100 pounds?) and I pretty much built everything to handle about 400 pounds.
I've got the OME 2.5 inch lift, 33 inch tires, and the ceilijng height is about 9 feet, so not a whole lot of room to play but it makes for a very easy one man operation for old pharts like me.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 406
Likes: 0
From: Kirkland, WA
JK Newbie
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Conifer, Colorado
Thanks for the positive comments. My garage might have been organized on THAT particular day (that I painted and took pictures). It will never be that organized again 
To gain added clearance I put the box rail up into the ceiling (flush) rather than mounting to the ceiling (below). I was trying to gain as much height as possible for the winch. Can't tell you how nervous I was to buy all this stuff and then just hope my measurments were correct (allowing enough room for hoist and hook and bracket). Can't seem to win the lottery but at least this panned out!
To gain added clearance I put the box rail up into the ceiling (flush) rather than mounting to the ceiling (below). I was trying to gain as much height as possible for the winch. Can't tell you how nervous I was to buy all this stuff and then just hope my measurments were correct (allowing enough room for hoist and hook and bracket). Can't seem to win the lottery but at least this panned out!
JK Newbie
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Columbus, Ohio
I just found this at Harbor Freight and thought I would share:
harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=98830"].harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=98830
1500 lb. brake winch for $20
harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=98830"].harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=98830
1500 lb. brake winch for $20
Last edited by mkjeep; Sep 26, 2009 at 08:31 PM. Reason: no linkys for non sponsors
JK Freak
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 819
Likes: 0
From: Back in the world, Belleville, Ont
I preferr cable so pulleys can be places above the rafters and hide everything except the cradle on the ceiling
Last edited by mkjeep; Sep 26, 2009 at 08:32 PM.
JK Newbie
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Dallas, TX
2 door top storage!
Thanks to this thread I was inspired to do my own. I chose to mount an electric hoist on a box rail so I can take the top off and then push it to the side of the garage - where I built a shelf that hinges for the (almost) length of the top for summer storage.
Thanks to this thread I was inspired to do my own. I chose to mount an electric hoist on a box rail so I can take the top off and then push it to the side of the garage - where I built a shelf that hinges for the (almost) length of the top for summer storage.