Hardtop hoist/storage write-up
JK Newbie
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
From: Flemington, NJ
gambrel hoist & pully?
Has anyone used this product to create a type of hoist system?
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=99758
item 99758-0VGA for $13.00 (not on sale).
Holds 450lbs each - install two of these - one front and one back - and you just add strap/hooks to the ends of the gambrel hooks to lift top.
Seems easy and inexpensive to turn this into a strong & simple hoist system. I haven't seen this in person but I will take a look and I will probably play with this. I'll post pics when I do.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=99758
item 99758-0VGA for $13.00 (not on sale).
Holds 450lbs each - install two of these - one front and one back - and you just add strap/hooks to the ends of the gambrel hooks to lift top.
Seems easy and inexpensive to turn this into a strong & simple hoist system. I haven't seen this in person but I will take a look and I will probably play with this. I'll post pics when I do.
Last edited by Keith-JK; Jan 27, 2010 at 05:47 PM.
JK Freak
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 888
Likes: 1
From: Mt. Pleasant, SC
It would work (the "gambrel & pulley system"), but really you would only need one & build the t-frame from unistrut.
It wouldn't be heavy since there are 4 pulleys. The pull on the rope would be about 25 pound. But, a winch is so much easier to "fine tune the height of the top.
It wouldn't be heavy since there are 4 pulleys. The pull on the rope would be about 25 pound. But, a winch is so much easier to "fine tune the height of the top.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 411
Likes: 0
From: Edmond, OK
A nice mod to this hardtop hoist is to use 7/64" amsteel line (1,600 lbs rated)instead of rope or cable. It doesn't stretch or twist and every person that has seen it thinks I am using a shoe lace to hold up my top 
(their reaction)
(their reaction)
Last edited by thom1879; Apr 1, 2010 at 08:06 AM.
JK Super Freak
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,891
Likes: 5
From: Great Lakes
i built mine using the exact hoist but built the frame slightly different ( a have an unlimited )....tip for ya.....you get way more precise control when you use the pully and hook the cable back to the hoist...not as jerky when lowering the top back on!
I am at about 6 min. as well
I am at about 6 min. as well
JK Super Freak
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,529
Likes: 1
From: Austin, TX
I just built a giant table/shelf thing for mine. It's 48" tall, so I can store the lawnmower and other junk underneath it. The hard top sits beautifully on top. Simple, cheap, and effective. 
JK Newbie
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Tyrone, Georgia
I bought the 4 Point Harken Hoister / Hoist for my unlimited top. Installed in about 30 minutes and very easy to use. I like the four corner cords, it adds stability and have no issues parking the JK under it.
