How are you guys storing your hard tops?

[Scott1911]

I hung this from the ceiling

Harbor Freight Hand Hoist

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[The Beaz]

Bought the parts today. Planning to use a manual 3:1 ratio crank, with its chain connected to a dowel that hosts 4 cables which will go up the wall, across the ceiling and down to the 4 corners of the top via pulleys. I see a lot of pictures of people just opening the back window & running straps along the underside of the top. I'm probably overthinking it, but I'm worried about eventually wearing/damaging the weather stripping of the back glass. My plan is to use the 4' 1x4s in the picture as sleds which the top will sit on (utilizing the existing bolt holes on the MIC), and utilizing eye bolts inserted on the planks as carabiner connection points for the cables from the roof.


I'm starting construction tomorrow, I'll update with the finished project. Wish me luck!

" I'm worried about eventually wearing/damaging the weather stripping of the back glass"

yes, and the front too, I'm planning to put some corner guards at each strap to address this. I think the straps through the top front to back is a bit better than underneath, unless you do as you plan, to use a stretcher underneath.

 

[Tychapman]

yes, and the front too, I'm planning to put some corner guards at each strap to address this.

Could you share a bit more detail or a pic of the corner guards you have in mind? My ego is not above trashing that part of my plan if yours makes more sense!

 

[The Beaz]

Could you share a bit more detail or a pic of the corner guards you have in mind? My ego is not above trashing that part of my plan if yours makes more sense!

Sure...I have a few of these guards, and will cut them to fit at the strap locations

 

[The Beaz]

Could you share a bit more detail or a pic of the corner guards you have in mind? My ego is not above trashing that part of my plan if yours makes more sense!

A few up close shots of the straps, the straps at the glass are a bit better at not mucking with the seal. I've tried different positions at the front, will likely move them to the flat section instead of tucked beside the bracket

 

[Koz44]

My ceiling is only at 7'-9 1/2", here's a shot with the bronco underneath. It'll be a bit tight for driving & maneuvering under to put the top back on (will be a bit better with non-sas), but storing is no problem.

Your Bronco looks great!

How was the Bestop install?

 

[Chairs]

I have a hoist and pulley system for my old Wrangler Unlimited top, made specifically for it. Worked great. Some of the pics I’m seeing in this thread are going to warp the tops.

Can you share more info about your solution? Or describe the fault that will cause the warping, or the design aspect that prevents it?

 

[The Beaz]

Your Bronco looks great!

How was the Bestop install?

Thanks! It's been a great ride so far! The top install was easy, about an hour, the most difficult part was the rear brackets, at about minute 11 in the vid. They hadn't released the install video when I did mine,



My panels did not pull back as easy as they show, I could barley get my hand in, and no way had room for a ratchet and extender. You don't want to drop anything behind that panel, it may never be able to be retrieved.

 

[TXArea51]

A few up close shots of the straps, the straps at the glass are a bit better at not mucking with the seal. I've tried different positions at the front, will likely move them to the flat section instead of tucked beside the bracket

I have my straps going from front to back not on the sides like you have.

 

[PavementQueen]

I still have these from my JK with the racor lift, but does anyone know if anyone already makes these brackets for the bronco, or do I need to manufacture them myself?

https://topsyproducts.com/collections/hard-top-hoist-products/products/hinge-hoist-bracket

 

[TXArea51]

Harken Hoist

 

[Kcmiller]

Harken Hoist

Noticed you didn''t install the 2x6 boards to the garage ceiling - I guess that's not required?

 

[Brock9281]

This is why I got the softtop

 

[patch1103]

https://langeoriginals.com/collections/jl-pre-order-parts/products/hoist-a-top-crank-jl-2018
i have this currently for my JL.. hoping to find some type of adaptation like this that I can use when my Bronco arrives.. works great.. stores above my hood out of the way and is secure.. But i havent seen anything yet. originally bought this for my JK, then had to buy some adaptations for it to fit my JL. (TOPSY products made some great additions) but they dont have anything for Bronco yet..
I suspect i can fabricate some kind or rope/strap system out of the current setup.. but prefer the J Hooks that it uses for security

Harken Hoister is a basic setup that uses ropes it looks like to go under the top.. i'd rather not go that route..

I use the Harken Hoister for my JK top and it works great. Of course, I only need to lift it up a couple of inches, which is all the clearance I have in my garage due to the ceiling height. I haven’t tried with my Bronco yet but I’m skeptical that I’ll have enough clearance since my SAS WT is taller.

 

[TXArea51]

Noticed you didn''t install the 2x6 boards to the garage ceiling - I guess that's not required?

I found the rafter boards with a stud finder. I’ve had this set up before with my jeep and didn’t have any issues.

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