mmccurdy

It definitely makes it easier to handle alone -- I have had my wife help me each time I've had to lower it, but it was more to help guide it and let one of the ratchets out.

I'm guessing it would be possible to do it yourself, just a little slow going, since you'd need to let a few inches or so out in the front, walk to the back, let a few more inches out, etc. until it seats.

If quick one-man operation is a must, you may be better off with one of the commercial products. Between my wife or a friend, I can usually sucker someone into lending me a quick hand.

Rubimon

I agree! I have the same set-up. I do it myself, but you do have to walk back and forth lowering a few inches each time. I will get the hoist a top eventually for convenience sake, but for now this is fine. The new two door is a little harder to hook up in the front since there is not long lip like the four door. I use a different type of hook so I don't ruin the top.

I will leave the four hooks and use them with the hoist-a-top to secure the top so it is not just hanging in one place only

shredX

Thanks to you both!

Jeephrog

I took the Hard Top of this weekend and had to figure out how to store it. I got my idea from this thread and modified it a little bit.
As you can see, it also accomodates the removeable panels and will hold the soft top next winter.

Here's links to some pictures:

http://www.rocketspeed.net/jeep/DSC00743.JPG
http://www.rocketspeed.net/jeep/DSC00744.JPG

The only extra materials I used from the above postings was 4 8" 2x4's that I paid $11.00 for.

rm1515

That is exactly what I plan on doing.. nice work!!

Rubimon

The idea is good, but makes it difficult to manage with only one person. I used the 2x4 in the back and then just hooked straps to the front corners. That way one person can lift it off.

Then once it is off, I have wood slats that run across inside the top with bolts that drop through the mounting holes. This does two things, keeps the top from deforming and gives a place to store the panels. Same idea as yours, just a little more managable for one person.

Don't have pics right now as the top is on my Jeep. I will try to get some soon if anybody needs to see them.

Jeephrog

Yeah, I figured that I have 3 sons and they can help me twice a year getting it up and down.

olrcoach

Great ideas for the hoists, but after viewing all of the pics you have all guilted me into going out and cleaning my garage!

How on earth do you spend weekends in the woods and still have garages that are cleaner than commercial kitchens?

Rubimon

I would post my hoist pictures but I haven't vacuumed the carpet in my garage in days!

[IMG][/IMG]

chris269

why in the world do you have carpet in your garage? Do you live somewhere that it doesn't rain?