If you’re a proud owner of a Jeep, you know how important it is to remove the hard top during the summer months. Not only does it give you a better driving experience, but it also allows you to enjoy the outdoors without any hindrance. However, removing the hard top can be a tedious task, especially if you’re doing it alone. That’s where a hard top hoist comes in handy. A hard top hoist is a device that allows you to lift and store your Jeep’s hard top with ease. In this article, we’ll show you how to build a simple yet effective DIY hard top hoist for your Jeep.
Materials Required
Before we get started, let’s take a look at the materials required to build a DIY hard top hoist:
- Two 2x4x8 boards
- Two 2x6x8 boards
- Two 1/2 inch threaded rods, 6 feet long
- Four 1/2 inch nuts
- Four 1/2 inch washers
- Two 1/2 inch pipe flanges
- Two 2 inch pulleys
- One 1/4 inch steel cable, 25 feet long
- Two cable clamps
- Two eye bolts
- One electric drill
- One saw
- One wrench
Step-by-Step Guide
Now that you have all the required materials, let’s get started with the step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Cut the Boards
Using the saw, cut the 2x4x8 boards into four 4-foot lengths and four 2-foot lengths. Cut the 2x6x8 boards into two 6-foot lengths and two 2-foot lengths.
Step 2: Assemble the Frame
Take two of the 4-foot 2x4s and two of the 2-foot 2x4s and assemble them into a rectangular frame. Repeat this step with the remaining four boards to make a second frame.
Step 3: Install the Pipe Flanges
Attach the pipe flanges to the 6-foot 2x6s using the nuts and washers. These will serve as the base of the hoist.
Step 4: Install the Threaded Rods
Thread the two 6-foot long threaded rods into the pipe flanges. Use the wrench to tighten them securely.
Step 5: Install the Pulleys
Attach the two pulleys to the tops of the frames using the eye bolts. Make sure they are securely fastened.
Step 6: Attach the Cable
Thread the steel cable through the pulleys and attach the cable clamps to both ends of the cable. Make sure the cable is taut.
Step 7: Install the Hoist
Lift the hard top onto the hoist and attach it to the cable using the hooks provided with the hard top. Turn the crank to lift the hard top off the Jeep.
Conclusion
Building a DIY hard top hoist is a simple and cost-effective solution for storing your Jeep’s hard top during the summer months. With just a few materials and some basic tools, you can create a hoist that will make removing and storing your hard top a breeze. Follow our step-by-step guide, and you’ll be enjoying the open air in no time.