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Jeeps are great vehicles for off-road adventures, but one of the biggest challenges for Jeep owners is how to remove and store the hardtop safely and easily. This is where a homemade Jeep top hoist comes in handy. In this article, we will show you how to make your own Jeep top hoist using simple tools and materials that you can find at your local hardware store. Follow our step-by-step guide to create a DIY Jeep top hoist that will save you time, money, and effort.
Why You Need a Jeep Top Hoist
If you own a Jeep, you know that removing the hardtop can be a daunting task. The hardtop is heavy, awkwardly shaped, and can be difficult to handle, especially if you are doing it alone. Using a Jeep top hoist makes the process much easier and safer. A Jeep top hoist allows you to lift the hardtop off your Jeep and store it in a safe place without damaging it. It also frees up valuable garage space and protects your hardtop from scratches and dents.
Materials You Will Need
To make your own Jeep top hoist, you will need the following materials:
- Two 2×4 boards (8 feet long)
- Two eye bolts (5/16 inch)
- Two pulleys (2 inches)
- Two ratchet straps (1 inch wide)
- Two S-hooks (3/8 inch)
- Four lag screws (3 inches)
- Four washers (3/8 inch)
- Four nuts (3/8 inch)
- Two pieces of rope (50 feet long)
- Drill and drill bits
- Wrench
- Saw
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these steps to create your own Jeep top hoist:
Step 1: Cut the Boards
Use a saw to cut the two 2×4 boards into four pieces: two pieces that are 6 feet long and two pieces that are 2 feet long. These will be the legs and crossbars of the hoist.
Step 2: Drill Holes in the Crossbars
Use a drill to make two holes in each of the 6-foot-long crossbars. The holes should be 2 inches from each end and 2 inches from the top edge of the board. These holes will be used to attach the eye bolts.
Step 3: Attach the Eye Bolts
Insert the eye bolts into the holes in the crossbars and secure them with washers and nuts on both sides of the board. Tighten the nuts with a wrench to ensure that the eye bolts are firmly attached.
Step 4: Attach the Pulleys
Attach the pulleys to the top of each leg using the lag screws. The pulleys should be placed about 2 inches from the top of the leg and 2 inches from the outside edge of the leg. Use washers and nuts to secure the pulleys in place.
Step 5: Connect the Crossbars to the Legs
Attach the 6-foot-long crossbars to the legs using the S-hooks. The crossbars should be placed about 1 foot from the top of the legs. Use the S-hooks to connect the eye bolts to the pulleys.
Step 6: Tie the Ropes to the Hardtop
Tie one end of each rope to the front of the hardtop and the other end to the back of the hardtop. The ropes should be tied to the hardtop about 2 feet from the edge and about 1 foot from the top of the hardtop.
Step 7: Attach the Ratchet Straps
Attach one end of each ratchet strap to the eye bolts on the crossbars and the other end to the S-hooks on the ropes. Use the ratchet straps to tighten the ropes and lift the hardtop off the Jeep.
Safety Tips
When using your homemade Jeep top hoist, make sure to follow these safety tips:
- Always wear gloves and eye protection when handling the hardtop.
- Make sure the hoist is securely anchored to the ceiling or wall.
- Never exceed the weight limit of the hoist.
- Always use ratchet straps to secure the hardtop to the hoist.
- Never leave the hardtop hanging unattended.
Conclusion
A homemade Jeep top hoist is a great investment for any Jeep owner. It allows you to remove and store your hardtop safely and easily, freeing up valuable garage space and protecting your hardtop from damage. By following our step-by-step guide, you can create your own Jeep top hoist using simple tools and materials that you can find at your local hardware store. Remember to follow all safety precautions when using your hoist to ensure a safe and successful removal of your hardtop.