Hardtop hoist/storage write-up
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 277
Likes: 0
From: walla walla washington
Which one ?
Greetings one and all.
Thanks to the o p for a great write up and all others with there great ideas.
I plan on buying one of the ready made hoist set ups..Works out better for me, but would like to know pros and cons on Hoister system or the Racor system from all that have used such systems.
Thanks in advance.
Thanks to the o p for a great write up and all others with there great ideas.
I plan on buying one of the ready made hoist set ups..Works out better for me, but would like to know pros and cons on Hoister system or the Racor system from all that have used such systems.
Thanks in advance.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 277
Likes: 0
From: walla walla washington
Anyone
Greetings one and all.
Thanks to the o p for a great write up and all others with there great ideas.
I plan on buying one of the ready made hoist set ups..Works out better for me, but would like to know pros and cons on Hoister system or the Racor system from all that have used such systems.
Thanks in advance.
Thanks to the o p for a great write up and all others with there great ideas.
I plan on buying one of the ready made hoist set ups..Works out better for me, but would like to know pros and cons on Hoister system or the Racor system from all that have used such systems.
Thanks in advance.
JK Super Freak
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,297
Likes: 0
From: Tampa/Lutz, FL
Been meaning to post these pics up for a while and just got around. Thanks to all who contributed and kept improving on an already great write up. My version is a slight variation from the original but basically the same in concept. The ceiling hooks in the picture were already there and were being used for my kids bikes so I went ahead and used them to keep it steady when not in use. Takes me about 15-20 minutes to get the top off or on and I am getting faster with every time. Also if your wondering if I lose a part of the light from that fixture above it I have 5 more in garage so no problem seeing at night.
The winch is from Harbor Frt ($29) and it works great.
Total cost for build was $70
The winch is from Harbor Frt ($29) and it works great.
Total cost for build was $70
JK Jedi
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 4,468
Likes: 221
From: SE Michigan
Keep it in the box! But seriously, could you tell me more about your setup? Where the winch is from, pulleys, support, etc?
Also, how did you get the Lange frame to fit across the width of your top? When I assembled mine according to their (poorly written) directions, it came up a few inches short. I can't get the other J-hook under the lip, it's not even close. They tell you to put both arms into the center T until they meet, but if you do this you come up short. I could spread them further apart, but I don't trust that, especially with the tiny screws holding it together. Do have a problem with this?
And yes, I used the matched pair of arms, not the rear arm.
Also, how did you get the Lange frame to fit across the width of your top? When I assembled mine according to their (poorly written) directions, it came up a few inches short. I can't get the other J-hook under the lip, it's not even close. They tell you to put both arms into the center T until they meet, but if you do this you come up short. I could spread them further apart, but I don't trust that, especially with the tiny screws holding it together. Do have a problem with this?
And yes, I used the matched pair of arms, not the rear arm.
This was my 1st and last Lange product, I will ever purchased. I paid $280 for the hoist and hand crank and feel totally ripped off. The only thing that seems secure about this hoist are the 2x6's I mounted in my rafters which this thing is now suspended by.
JK Newbie
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
From: Moorpark, CA
Thank you so much for the wonderful information. I have the hoist mounted (wife even let me go with electric from Harbor Freight. I was able to make straps work until I can build the frame and then I am definitely adding the shelf.
JK Super Freak
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,891
Likes: 5
From: Great Lakes
cheap and light weight
i mounted winch in ceiling for more height and built lift out of 2x4, angle iron and heavy duty rubber coated hooks( and a few tennis balls )
i have the uni-strut one built as well and actually prefer my wood one cause it is WAY lighter.
I have since removed the blue padding and attached tennis balls at each end to act as "bump stops" to protect the hardtop from scratches
i have the uni-strut one built as well and actually prefer my wood one cause it is WAY lighter.
I have since removed the blue padding and attached tennis balls at each end to act as "bump stops" to protect the hardtop from scratches