That looks really useful for multiple purposes - how much clearance does it need? It looks like it might be even a little less than block and tackle.Another DYI solution. This is a new hoist I found on Amazon which is remote control and cheap. They also had a 20% off coupon so it was $168. Straps work well but I’ll probably order a new one the exact size soon to make it even easier.
Similar - I had these made at customtiedowns.com and will bolt them to a square cage made of HVAC unistrut. Using a Harbor Freight hoist (need to extend the wired remote) and then if all goes well a threaded rod support shelf to go under it and take the "storage weight" off the top (not sure I trust all the top issues to not get exacerbated by storing it suspended fully) and with the 2x3 supports holding the clamshell, I can place the front and mid panel on them (maybe a mesh cargo net in between them) . I figure this approach gives me maximum clearance since the pick point will be pretty much straight up and down and next to no lost angle of long straps etc.I'm currently working on a 4 point system w/ electric winch using these:
I had a similar idea but I have cabinets on my back wall and cabinets or shelves on all the other walls which pushed me to ceiling storage.
I got home early today so decided to play around with some unistrut for more support instead of just having tie downs wrapped under and against the top.
The top is completely sitting on the unistrut with some 1/8” thick rubber pieces between the top and metal. Can pop them off in seconds and then lower the top with the hoist.
I was trying to use less space.
What do you mean threaded rod support?Similar - I had these made at customtiedowns.com and will bolt them to a square cage made of HVAC unistrut. Using a Harbor Freight hoist (need to extend the wired remote) and then if all goes well a threaded rod support shelf to go under it and take the "storage weight" off the top (not sure I trust all the top issues to not get exacerbated by storing it suspended fully) and with the 2x3 supports holding the clamshell, I can place the front and mid panel on them (maybe a mesh cargo net in between them) . I figure this approach gives me maximum clearance since the pick point will be pretty much straight up and down and next to no lost angle of long straps etc.
After the top is hoisted - I don't want the weight of the top and the panels suspended from the "roof rack" points on the roof. So - I will be bolting additional pieces of unistrut to the garage ceiling along the sides of the clamshell. Then I will attach 3/8 or 1/2" threaded rod (no different than is done for HVAC support brackets) I will use 2x3's from left to right to create a floating shelf that the clamshell can "rest" on - not going to detach it from the hoist - just take the weight off slightly. See rough sketch.
I wonder the same thing.
Ah, yes, that makes sense - I'm going to use a shelf on the back quarter and don't have a problem suspending the front by the tabs -After the top is hoisted - I don't want the weight of the top and the panels suspended from the "roof rack" points on the roof. So - I will be bolting additional pieces of unistrut to the garage ceiling along the sides of the clamshell. Then I will attach 3/8 or 1/2" threaded rod (no different than is done for HVAC support brackets) I will use 2x3's from left to right to create a floating shelf that the clamshell can "rest" on - not going to detach it from the hoist - just take the weight off slightly. See rough sketch.
Think of it something like this - but only a single layer - supporting the bottom of the clamshell that can then support the weight of the panels (maybe need some sort of cargo net or plywood "floor")
Yea for me that was the way to go been working great although now I have the soft top on Till Fall.
Are you going to store it like that. I had one for my Jeep that I just left up on the ceiling (14ft) which mad it nice. People seem to think the Bronco top won't last with it stored with hooks like that. What is your opinion on it?Another DYI solution. This is a new hoist I found on Amazon which is remote control and cheap. They also had a 20% off coupon so it was $168. Straps work well but I’ll probably order a new one the exact size soon to make it even easier.
I do. I don’t know why I would have any reason to worry. But I don’t trust the roof engineers. Short term dynamic loads is one thing. But even if I trusted them I doubt they would have tested for long term constant loads. Thermoplastics creep. Especially in tension. Ill be resting it on Something
