Removing Hard Top and Storage

[PaulN]

How have you guys taken your hardtop off and how have you stored it. Ive though about somehow making a rig to hold the hard top on the roof of the garage and having pulleys and drive out from underneath it. What have you guys done?

Paul

 

[xcntrk]

Great idea!
http://classicbroncos.com/forums/showthread.php?t=211981

 

[Ol'Blue]

Hard top hoist

Hey Paul, there have been a lot of post on this topic. You can use the search function to find them but here is one I liked.

http://classicbroncos.com/forums/showthread.php?t=211981&highlight=hard+top+storage

I just suspended mine using heavy duty tie downs, eye hooks, angle iron and three buddys and a 12 pack.

Maybe next summer I will figure out winch system.

 

[Ol'Blue]

ahhh, xcntrk beat me to it. I dig the hoist system xcntrk.

 

[xcntrk]

I remember another thread on the subject. 3 or 4 pages of similar winch/hoist systems and fellow owners storing from the ceiling.

 

[DFWBroncoNewbie]

I did the heavy duty tie downs too, works great.

 

[PaulN]

how heavy is the hard top....im not sure if i can put it against the roof of the garage...how else have you done it?

 

[Ol'Blue]

how heavy is the hard top....im not sure if i can put it against the roof of the garage...how else have you done it?

If I remember correctly, about 225 lbs. Each one of the eye bolts and tie downs I used were rated at 300# each with a total of 9, so I figured I was good. Not sure what your ceiling situation is, but you could distribute the load over several of your beams using angle iron or 2x4s.

 

[sprdv1]

how heavy is the hard top....im not sure if i can put it against the roof of the garage...how else have you done it?

you can if you tie off to the studs..

 

[BRONCONY]

I did the heavy duty tie downs too, works great.

I've seen this but really want to know who the lower it equally.

 

[spap]

I use sail boat roller locking cleats. 4 cleats (1/2 inch rope) bolted to the ceiling of the garage. Works great because you can put the top on and take it off by yourself .

 

[CopperRanger]

I don't have the height to hang my top from the rafters so I built a platform on a 12 degree angle, the same as the back of the top. Then I had to cut a hole in the top of it so the liftgate handle would fit through it. I covered it with some carpet so the top wouldn't get scratched. Last I put one ratchet strap around it to secure it to the wall. If you have the floor space this works out well.

 

[matt w]

Hey Paul, there have been a lot of post on this topic. You can use the search function to find them but here is one I liked.

http://classicbroncos.com/forums/showthread.php?t=211981&highlight=hard+top+storage

I just suspended mine using heavy duty tie downs, eye hooks, angle iron and three buddys and a 12 pack.

Maybe next summer I will figure out winch system.

I do this "except" I only use a 2x4 at the windshield section. As far as the back I just slide the motorcycle strap under the rear section AND it holds the rear portion together instead of it slipping apart.

I pretty much do it with the help of my wife or daughter as far as slipping the strap and 2 x 4 under the front...the only reason I let them help more as far as raising it of the bed is so they feel like they are REALLY helping me! heh heh! HAAAAAA! ;D please don't tell them!!

 

[Ol'Blue]

Here is another string with some good ideas.

http://classicbroncos.com/forums/showthread.php?t=181310&highlight=hard+top+hoist

Also, make sure you search tips on removing the top if you haven't already. There are some good ideas to help from scratching your rig and braking your back.

 

[Bronco Billy 75]

unloosen everything and have 4 friends help lift it off. set some blocks to keep back posts off the ground. Thats what I do. just my 2 .

 

[Farrell Martin]

I bought a set up from Lange Originals that is made for the Bronco. It made it a one man job, but still took some wrestling to get it off.

- F

 

[BRONCOchild]

I don't have the height to hang my top from the rafters so I built a platform on a 12 degree angle, the same as the back of the top. Then I had to cut a hole in the top of it so the liftgate handle would fit through it. I covered it with some carpet so the top wouldn't get scratched. Last I put one ratchet strap around it to secure it to the wall. If you have the floor space this works out well.

Your pic has inspired me. I don't have a tall, long or spacious garage. I'm going to create a huge dolly like contraption. That way, I can just tuck the top tightly against the wall and still have room for "Bertha" and all my wife's crap.

This is just a rough draft of my idea. In no way am I an expert craftsman, but I can manage to measure and cut some 2x4s.

 

[englewoodcowboy]

I will add important advice on the top supports in the 2 rear corners. I have found it easiest to pull the tail lights and remove the bars. They will drop down and you can pull them out through the tail light opening. The bars are what your lift gate supports bolt to as well. If you try to lift the top off with them attached you will damage the bed rails at the rear steak pockets...

 

[blubuckaroo]

I installed one of these Racor storage lifts to store my kayaks and fishing gear. It comes with a crank but also an adapter for your cordless drill. I've seen a number of Jeep tops lifted and stored under them. I'll bet it would work for a Bronco top too. If the weight was too close for your comfort, you could eliminate the steel storage grid for some weight reduction. It's rated at 250 lbs and is pretty sturdy. I even tested it by running myself up and down with my Dewalt drill.;D
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Racor-HeavyLift-Storage-Platform-PHL-1R/100464807

 

[CopperRanger]

Your pic has inspired me. I don't have a tall, long or spacious garage. I'm going to create a huge dolly like contraption. That way, I can just tuck the top tightly against the wall and still have room for "Bertha" and all my wife's crap.

This is just a rough draft of my idea. In no way am I an expert craftsman, but I can manage to measure and cut some 2x4s.

Nice, post some pictures when you get it done. By the way, I got one of those metal sheds to put my wifes crap in.