"Homemade" hard top lift tips!

[Bronkers]

I think that is what I’m going to do. I don’t need to take it off and on every day. Here in Arizona it will be off for a few months in the spring and then a few months in the fall. Otherwise it’s either too hot or too cold. Relatively speaking of course.

And you’re doing this by yourself each time?

Yes, go back 3 posts in the thread for details

Sponsored

 

[ZipZit]

My JL set up from another thread. Takes 15/20 minutes on or off. Manual pull is easy - one arm for each line - and sits flush against the ceiling. Strap is just safety insurance after it's lifted and tied off....

Sean, I like what you've done here, but those photos seem to be for a Wrangler JL series (based on the gas filler door). I like the four lifting loops with the plastic elbow as a stop, but not sure how that will translate to the Bronco. I'm assuming you gently lift the Wrangler top an inch or two (scrap padded 2x4 to create a gap?) and then carefully feed the lifting loops one side at a time? Or is there an alternate method?

Do you have your new Bronco? Is there any location for which the lifting loops would work?

Thanks for sharing what you've done here.

And a general question here. What does the top weigh? Wrangler top? Bronco Top?

 

[djp]

yikes $200 !

 

[Lazerus]

Sean, I like what you've done here, but those photos seem to be for a Wrangler JL series (based on the gas filler door). I like the four lifting loops with the plastic elbow as a stop, but not sure how that will translate to the Bronco. I'm assuming you gently lift the Wrangler top an inch or two (scrap padded 2x4 to create a gap?) and then carefully feed the lifting loops one side at a time? Or is there an alternate method?

Do you have your new Bronco? Is there any location for which the lifting loops would work?

Thanks for sharing what you've done here.

And a general question here. What does the top weigh? Wrangler top? Bronco Top?

The Bronco top has holes for the torx bolts just like the Wrangler.
I simply lift the corners with one hand and feed the line through.
The 2 door JL top weighs 90ish lbs. I believe the Bronco top is about 85.
That set up should translate directly over to the Bronco.

 

[ZipZit]

yikes $200 !

Yeah, that was my first reaction too. But its Harken pulleys and snatch blocks, including a 6:1 with easy lock mechanism. Expensive, but what is the value of a dropped roof? (Scratches and damage to vehicle, broken corner / glass on the top, etc... ) In the scheme of life, that probably isn't a crazy expensive setup.

 

[djp]

But how can you compare that to quality Harbor Freight j/k
thx guys! good points

 

[cmcbronco]

Yeah, that was my first reaction too. But its Harken pulleys and snatch blocks, including a 6:1 with easy lock mechanism. Expensive, but what is the value of a dropped roof? (Scratches and damage to vehicle, broken corner / glass on the top, etc... ) In the scheme of life, that probably isn't a crazy expensive setup.

Nice lift but my setup is about $100 and all I have to do is push a button lol. I have a safety catch that I hook through to ensure the top will not fall if for some reason the lift were to give out.

 

[Arrowbear Rider]

Well said. Just after reading these posts I checked out Amazon and the first seller - sold out.

I believe it, I want to buy one now, but I want to wait at least until I get a build date.

My collection of Bronco stuff is starting to look like I have a problem already, I don't need to be spending on this just yet, but by my luck, they will be over $100 by that time.

 

[Debs]

This was the hoist I built for my '94 Bronco back in 2011. Harbor Freight 12V winch with cables and pulleys attached to 2x4's. After I sold the Bronco it became a storage platform and now is used to hang bicycles from until I can get my stuff rearranged in my new garage. Then it becomes a Bronco top hoist again!

 

[Arrowbear Rider]

No what I mean is with all the "Bronco" stuff I've accumulated, it looks like a shrine in my living room.

I've bought a couple of beanies (2 of the same one with the original tags displayed & one to wear) and one other item from a thrift store, everything else were freebies from Ford or events, Off Rodeo, test drive, auto shows etc.

So, to my roommate and friends it looks like an obsession... As in "do you have a problem"?

I need to take a photo with some notes and start a thread.

 

[JMBGlass]

Is there a cable Lock or any safety measures to keep the Top from crashing down?

Sponsored