Has anyone fabricated a top hoist for a JK three piece 4DR hardtop? if so can you share plans-ideas. I was looking at the hardtop hoists from the retailers but it seems like there isn't that much to them for the price.

Thank for help in advance!

 

[h=3]Hardtop hoist/storage write-up[/h]

 

This is what I made maybe it will help you

 

I used the write-up that HG07JKRubi linked as a template and instead of the gusset plate used a sheet of 1/4" plywood to make a shelf on top of the T shaped hoist. I put a 2x3 fence around that so it holds my Freedom Panels on top. I also ditched the chain supported shelf since my garage ceiling is ridiculously high, I just hang it up above everything.

The only downsides are that I have to use sandbags to balance it when the top is not hanging beneath it and the rear hook is lengthened by a coupling nut and it bothers me that I can't tell how many threads are engaged.

 

Has anyone had top warpage issues? I will most likely leave the hardtop on the hoist for the summer and I have been reading about warpage problems.

 

Then you should go one step further and build a shelf for it to rest on. I wouldn't suggest leaving it suspended from a hoist.

 

This is my cheap setup I use. Just gotta make sure you get the hooks into studs. I leave mine hanging like this every year from March until November. I haven't had any issues with warping.

 

This is probably more extreme than you want to go, but I redesigned the trusses in the garage and hoist the top up into the rafters. I ues a cable and pully system up in the attic that comes out at the front of the garage above the garage door. I then back the jeep in the garage, and use the winch on the jeep to hoist the top up in the rafters. It works great and I can remove and install the top by myself.

 

Cool idea. did you do anything besides head off the joists?

 

https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/stoc...4/#post3198811

start at post #5

Mine is up there 9 months a year. I've done this for two years, and just put my hardtop back on before christmas and it fits like new. I keep my panels and miscellaneous other stuff on the supporting 2x10.

The 4 block and tackle set ups came from Northern Tool, and I used one 4' garage door hanger bracket and cut it with a hacksaw. When installing, I bolted the brackets to the studs in the ceiling and tried to keep them at each corner of the soft top (maybe a few inches out).

It's a one-man job to remove/replace the hardtop, and with the block and tackle I can raise and lower it with 1 arm.