Matt's Jeep JK page

The day we got it brand new, Feb 2008

Hard Top Hoist Project

July 2008

I need an easy way to remove the hard top.  It weighs around 150 pounds (I guess), and is a pain for two people to physically lift off.  There are lifts available for prices of $100 on up.  This one I'm building will have about $60 into it.

First, I need to build a "T" bar.  60" wide by 40" long, braced.  I used 1" square tubing from a local supplier.

Test out the fit

Perfect!

I picked up some parts from Lowes:

I never used the tie off.  The hook set was $6.  The pulleys were around $4 each.  All parts so far add up to less then $35.

After trying different things I came up with two ends like this:

(also note the "bumpers")

and the one in the back like this:

Set on for fitment:

next I installed a pulley on the "balance point"

this kind has a removable pin - needed for running the rope

installed the pulley and set up the pulleys with a nylon rope and a couple eye bolts I had laying around

Painted and added heat shrink to the rear peg

I picked this up from Harbor Freight ($17.99)

Put it all together

In the "up" position

(the bungie helps to stabilize after hoisting)

I plan on adding a couple straps for better stowing and leaving hoisted long term if needed.

Looks a little different now!