Starting this project as we speak. Will post more pics when hoist is complete!

 

[QUOTE=JK-Ford;2364894]I can get my hands dirty with the best of them. But, for some of us, our strengths lye in other areas.

kudos to you....i dont have a garage so...and i wont drop it...

 

I liked this setup, so I installed four ceiling screw hooks, (about $1 a piece at Lowe's, purchased four 1" ratchet straps at Harbor Freight (on sale for $12, package of four!), and skipped the 2x4, and instead doubled the straps over the ceiling hooks, so that I have eight hooks under the hardtop lip.

I spaced the ceiling hooks so the straps aren't vertical, but parallel with the hardtop sides, so there is minimal "opening" force, preserving the shape, which worked with no measurable distortion in the shape while hung. I also spaced the straps so that they straddle the windows, and don't load the weaker section under the glass.

I estimate the top weighs around 150#, with about 70% in the back due to the rear glass, so the rear ceiling hooks have about 52.5# each on them and each doubled strap. The weak element of the straps is the sewing, and with mine doubled, each seam will see half of the 52.5#, or 26.25#. I can live with that, as the straps are rated for several hundred lb.

Also, the hooks don't load the lip, but instead bear on the gasket surface, which is designed to bear on the jeep at six points. The maximum bearing force of the hook "points" is the same as the strap load, or 26.25#, which is very small.

The ceiling hooks are 1/4" lag style hooks, with about 1.25" embedment. I think I recall the pullout for these is over 200#. I load tested each one by suspending my total weight, with no detectable deflection, making me feel good about both the hook strength, and the rafter strength. However, I probably won't add any more suspended weight without adding hooks. Next, I'll probably find a spot to hang the doors and targa panels from new hooks.

With the top hoisted to the ceiling, I can open the rear glass, and walk thru if needed. Also, my wife can pull her car underneath, and I can actually open her hood and check her oil. Its great to have this thing off the floor, and re-claim badly needed real estate.

I think it all took me about an hour to design, measure, construct, test, and operate. I should be able to don or remove the top now in minutes - probably much quicker than a softtop. Thanks Rubimon for such a simple (cheap) design.