Speedy_RCW
Hooked
Been working on a hoist to pull and store my JKU hardtop. Wanted it to be something easy to run solo and also not take up too much room. I have a standard 9' ceiling in my garage so I also wanted to get it as high up as I could. I'm a short fucker but still wanted it up so it could be walked under. Here's what I have going so far.
I built the frame out of 1-1/2" .095 wall square tubing. I put tabs on the ends so the D-rings couldn't slide off.



I initially made this T-strap but found that if the straps weren't exactly the correct length the top wouldn't hoist level without a lot of manipulation of the frame. I ended up just using a single ratchet strap instead.



These are the D-rings I used. They are way overkill but it's what I already had laying around.

I mounted an electric hoist with pendant in the attic and used a 4" ABS fitting to run the cable through the ceiling to make it look cleaner. I double lined the hoist so it would lift the top slower thus smoother and more controlled. I had to space it up in the attic so I used 4x4's beneath the unistrut. I went across 4 ceiling joists even though the top is light I may want to use the hoist for other purposes as well.

Here is my test run to find the CG so I could weld on the lifting point. Rags were temporary padding.
https://youtu.be/HYZtU6s3j_8
Instead of welding the lifting point on, I opted to build a bolted connection. Figured that was best in case I didn't get the position correct or ever wanted to lift the top with glass both closed and open requiring me to adjust the lifting point.

Painted everything up and added pipe insulation for padding. Dunno if I like the padding but it'll work for now.


This is how it will sit when not in use.

I've only used it to put the jeep top back on since we had rain on the horizon so I don't have a full top removal video or pics. We're traveling now but once I get back I have to mount eye-bolts in the ceiling joists and I'll use jack chain to hold the top up. I want a little more safety that relying on the hoist brake to hold the top suspended. Especially since I'll basically be parking the jeep underneath it.
I also need to install an outlet in the attic for the power connection. For now I have the cord dropped out the same hole as the wire rope and just plug it in to an extension cord.
Sent from my iPhone using WAYALIFE mobile app
I built the frame out of 1-1/2" .095 wall square tubing. I put tabs on the ends so the D-rings couldn't slide off.



I initially made this T-strap but found that if the straps weren't exactly the correct length the top wouldn't hoist level without a lot of manipulation of the frame. I ended up just using a single ratchet strap instead.



These are the D-rings I used. They are way overkill but it's what I already had laying around.

I mounted an electric hoist with pendant in the attic and used a 4" ABS fitting to run the cable through the ceiling to make it look cleaner. I double lined the hoist so it would lift the top slower thus smoother and more controlled. I had to space it up in the attic so I used 4x4's beneath the unistrut. I went across 4 ceiling joists even though the top is light I may want to use the hoist for other purposes as well.

Here is my test run to find the CG so I could weld on the lifting point. Rags were temporary padding.
https://youtu.be/HYZtU6s3j_8
Instead of welding the lifting point on, I opted to build a bolted connection. Figured that was best in case I didn't get the position correct or ever wanted to lift the top with glass both closed and open requiring me to adjust the lifting point.

Painted everything up and added pipe insulation for padding. Dunno if I like the padding but it'll work for now.


This is how it will sit when not in use.

I've only used it to put the jeep top back on since we had rain on the horizon so I don't have a full top removal video or pics. We're traveling now but once I get back I have to mount eye-bolts in the ceiling joists and I'll use jack chain to hold the top up. I want a little more safety that relying on the hoist brake to hold the top suspended. Especially since I'll basically be parking the jeep underneath it.
I also need to install an outlet in the attic for the power connection. For now I have the cord dropped out the same hole as the wire rope and just plug it in to an extension cord.
Sent from my iPhone using WAYALIFE mobile app
Last edited: