Hardtop Storage

[Bator]

Hi all,

I just got a hardtop for my bronco but am not ready to put it on yet. After searching all the posts I could find, I like the idea of hanging it in my garage. I was wondering if anyone has done this by using the rain gutters as a lift point? They seem very strong and seems to me it would be easier to do it this way then to use 2x4's from the bottom. It also seems like hanging it this way would keep the sides from spreading. I woud like to know what ya'll think.
TIA - Bob

 

[Hawkdoc]

Storage

If you are worried about the bottom spreading, run a wood screw through the mounting holes into the 2X4. Have not heard of anybody hanging one by the gutters.

 

[sfaforester]

Yea, maybe you have a different design of rain gutters than we do here, but I wouldn't hang anything more than 10lbs, on our gutters. Maybe yours is different?

 

[jcwalsh1]

I will try and take a picture tonight, but I built mine based on other posts here.

I used 2 2/4s with eye bolts. These were placed under the lower part of the hard top from drivers side to passenger side. One was just behind the door and one just before the back. I also put some long screws through the rail mounting holes into the 2x4s to keep them from sliding while pulling it up to the ceiling. 4 big eye bolts into the ceiling joists. I know some people use the ratcheting tie-downs, but I wanted to move it from the bronco all the way to a 11' ceiling. I used motorcycle tie-downs that you pull through a spring loaded locking cam. worked great and has been there for 18 months.

 

[jcwalsh1]

This is the pic that I based my setup on.

Just do a search for hardtop storage or ceiling.

 

[dan73]

I hang mine from the rain gutter. I built a jig that clamps under it. Used peices of 3/4 angle about 2 foot long. Welded some 1x2 tubing standing up tall enough to clear top. One side is welded to another peice of 1x2 on edge running across the top. The other end of the long peice is slotted for a long bolt to drop through. The other short piece standing up is capped with a nut welded inside. This is so I can adjust it to clamp it on. confused yet;D

 

[Bator]

I hang mine from the rain gutter. I built a jig that clamps under it. Used peices of 3/4 angle about 2 foot long. Welded some 1x2 tubing standing up tall enough to clear top. One side is welded to another peice of 1x2 on edge running across the top. The other end of the long peice is slotted for a long bolt to drop through. The other short piece standing up is capped with a nut welded inside. This is so I can adjust it to clamp it on. confused yet;D

I would say I'm a little confused, but very interested!;D Would you happen to have a picture of this set up? It kinda sounds like what I am looking to do.

 

[dan73]

I'll try to get some pictures.

 

[Bator]

Thanx Dan73! That would be great!

 

[trailpsycho]

I used the Yakima/Thule style rain gutter feet and bars to lift mine...no problem. Once it was up, I then used 2X4s under the bed-rails--like most folks have--with ratchet straps.

I know I described this set-up in at least two other threads over the last 3 yrs. Good luck.