Hard top hoist options

I was researching this because I was thinking of going hardtop, but decided against it, but you can certainly take it off yourself. I would do what this guys does, but have a place elevated on both sides to set it on. Also, I had a Tacoma that had a cap on the back and I just hoisted it off with two heavy duty ratchet ties to the ceiling. I always did this stuff alone and no big deal.

JK's must be a bit different than TJ's. I can barely get my hand in between the hardtop and the rear window when it's open (where his right hand was). Not saying it can't be done this way but it would be a bit tougher.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Chris
What is the actual weight of a hardtop ?
Wanting to remove mine this summer .... to add the sound deadening matts, and a general clean-up.
They're around 120-130 lbs. Jerry Bransford used to put his on his back and move it. That activity depends on your size and strength and confidence. I think they are too valuable to move in awkward ways. My opinion is it's best to get some help for a few minutes to remove it.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Head Lice and Chris
JK's must be a bit different than TJ's. I can barely get my hand in between the hardtop and the rear window when it's open (where his right hand was). Not saying it can't be done this way but it would be a bit tougher.

Good point. I sort of glazed over this subject over time, because I decided I am going soft top, but thought this vid might be of some value for weight purposes at least. He seems to lift it off there pretty easily.

I would probably have a hoist hanging from my garage ceiling like I had for my truck cap. I made it out of gas line, so it is pretty strong.
 
My boss was given a manual hoist setup (minus a few key parts). Does anyone know where the correct straps for this might be bought?
81TOwLEqO3L__SL1500_.jpg
 
  • Like
Reactions: derekmac
My boss was given a manual hoist setup (minus a few key parts). Does anyone know where the correct straps for this might be bought?View attachment 34390
That's the kind of rope hoist I use. You're kind of on your own for the straps. You should be able to find ones that are adjustable at most auto parts stores, hardware stores, Walmart, Harbor Freight, etc.

Here's a pic of my straps if it helps. The red ones are axle straps The yellow ones are ratchet straps.
upload_2018-3-7_12-51-42.png
 
  • Like
Reactions: Chris and Head Lice

I was considering the Lange, but now I think I'm leaning towards the Harken.

The fact that the Lange only has one ceiling mounting point concerns me not really because of the weight, but because if you accidentally bump the hardtop, it could spin around and hit a wall or something, breaking the class or damaging it. Am I wrong?

The Harken has numerous ceiling mounting points, so this isn't possible.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 05 Blue Unlimited
I was considering the Lange, but now I think I'm leaning towards the Harken.

The fact that the Lange only has one ceiling mounting point concerns me not really because of the weight, but because if you accidentally bump the hardtop, it could spin around and hit a wall or something, breaking the class or damaging it. Am I wrong?

The Harken has numerous ceiling mounting points, so this isn't possible.
I never had that issue, and believe me, since I have a somewhat low ceiling in my garage I've banged my head on it more times than I'd like to admit and it never spun much.
It takes me about 15 minutes to put on / take off the top by myself.
 
I never had that issue, and believe me, since I have a somewhat low ceiling in my garage I've banged my head on it more times than I'd like to admit and it never spun much.
It takes me about 15 minutes to put on / take off the top by myself.

Really? That was my biggest concern with the Lange hoist, but it sounds like it's not a concern at all. I just figured it would be spinning around like crazy, but it sounds like that isn't so. Hmmm, I may have to rethink my choice then, because I know the Harken Hoist takes about 3 hours to setup due to all the mounting points. How long did it take you setup your Lange hoist?
 
Really? That was my biggest concern with the Lange hoist, but it sounds like it's not a concern at all. I just figured it would be spinning around like crazy, but it sounds like that isn't so. Hmmm, I may have to rethink my choice then, because I know the Harken Hoist takes about 3 hours to setup due to all the mounting points. How long did it take you setup your Lange hoist?

I did the Harken install in about 90 lazy minutes.
 
I did the Harken install in about 90 lazy minutes.

Really? All the reviews people were saying 3 hours, but maybe they were lazy or not very mechanically inclined! I need to order one ASAP, cause it was 70 degrees and sunny out in Salem today, and this whole week is suppose to be 68 plus and sunny!
 
Really? All the reviews people were saying 3 hours, but maybe they were lazy or not very mechanically inclined! I need to order one ASAP, cause it was 70 degrees and sunny out in Salem today, and this whole week is suppose to be 68 plus and sunny!

Really not that big a deal, looking forward to some sunny days. It was mid 60's here today, real nice. I had to cut 4 of the 6 hardtop thumbscrew anchors to get it off today, I don't think it's been off in 4 years.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Chris
Really not that big a deal, looking forward to some sunny days. It was mid 60's here today, real nice. I had to cut 4 of the 6 hardtop thumbscrew anchors to get it off today, I don't think it's been off in 4 years.

Okay, I'll probably just order the Harken then. What all do I need to get aside from the kit? I assume just some 2x6 wood? Anything else?

That's too long to not take the top off on a Wrangler!
 
Okay, I'll probably just order the Harken then. What all do I need to get aside from the kit? I assume just some 2x6 wood? Anything else?

That's too long to not take the top off on a Wrangler!

I used one 10' 2 x 4 cut into two 5' pieces and fastened them to the rafters with 4" drywall type screws and this was for rafters running front to back, if yours run left to right you will need an additional cross piece. They say 2 x 6 in the instructions but what I installed is solid and ain't gonna go anywhere.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Chris