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Jeep owners know that the hardtop can be a real pain to remove and store, especially if you don’t have a lot of space in your garage. That’s where a hardtop hoist comes in handy. While there are many commercial options available, a DIY hoist is an affordable and practical solution that you can build yourself. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps of making a Jeep hardtop hoist, from the materials you’ll need to the assembly process.
Materials Needed
Before you get started, you’ll need to gather a few materials. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Two 2x4x8 boards
- Four 3/8-inch eye bolts
- Two 1/2-inch hooks
- Two ratchet straps
- Four pulleys
- Two 25-foot lengths of rope
You’ll also need some basic tools, including a drill, a saw, a wrench, and a tape measure.
Building the Hoist Frame
The first step is to build the hoist frame. Cut the two 2x4x8 boards into four pieces, each measuring 4 feet long. Then, lay two of the boards parallel to each other and attach the other two boards at a 90-degree angle to create a rectangle. Use screws to secure the joints.
Installing the Eye Bolts
Next, install the eye bolts on the top of the frame. You’ll need two eye bolts on each side, spaced evenly apart. Use a drill to create pilot holes, then screw in the eye bolts using a wrench.
Attaching the Hooks
Attach the hooks to the ceiling of your garage using screws and a drill. You’ll need to position them so that they line up with the eye bolts on the hoist frame.
Mounting the Pulleys
Mount the pulleys on the ceiling above the hooks. You’ll need two pulleys for each side of the hoist frame. Make sure they’re positioned so that the ropes will pass through them smoothly.
Attaching the Ratchet Straps
Attach the ratchet straps to the bottom of the hoist frame using screws and a drill. You’ll need to position them so that they line up with the hooks on the ceiling.
Looping the Ropes
Loop the ropes through the eye bolts on the hoist frame and the pulleys on the ceiling. Tie a knot at the end of each rope to prevent it from slipping through the pulley.
Attaching the Hardtop
Now you’re ready to attach the hardtop. Position your Jeep under the hoist frame and use the ratchet straps to secure the frame to the hardtop. Make sure it’s centered and balanced before you start hoisting.
Hoisting the Hardtop
Finally, it’s time to hoist the hardtop. Use the ropes to pull the hoist frame up to the ceiling, using the pulleys to guide the ropes. Once it’s at the desired height, tie off the ropes to the hooks on the ceiling. You can now safely store your hardtop until you’re ready to put it back on your Jeep.
Conclusion
Building a DIY Jeep hardtop hoist is a great way to save money and make your life easier. With just a few materials and some basic tools, you can create a hoist that will allow you to safely and easily remove and store your hardtop. Follow the steps in this guide and you’ll be enjoying the open air in no time!