If you are an experienced Jeep owner, then perhaps you understand what a Jeep hardtop hoist DIY is. Depending on the weather or a specific function, you must have been in a situation where you needed to fix your Jeep’s hardtop.
I can almost bet: You did it well! Thumbs up. However, if you are a first-timer, this might pose a challenge to you. Should you get a mechanic to fix this for you? Absolutely not.
Whereas there are tasks that would compel you to seek expert services of a professional, this is one exception that you can handle perfectly well on your own.
The concept of DIY or “do it yourself” is rather straightforward. Nevertheless, it’s an easy one to confuse. As much as it implies handling tasks on your own, it doesn’t mean you completely lockout experts.
Keep reading to learn more about this interesting subject.
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What Is Jeep Hardtop Hoist?
Picture the start of summer. All your friends and family are making plans for how to spend their summer vacation. Some are thinking of going to the sun bask by the beach. Moreover, your cousins are going camping.
However, from your end, you haven’t settled on the best summer adventure. Suddenly, a thought crosses your mind. “How about a road trip?” You ask yourself. It sounds perfect. Right? But there’s just one more problem.
How will you enjoy driving under the summer sun when your Jeep’s hardtop is still on? You then make a few searches online where you learn that you can remove the hardtop of your Jeep so that you enjoy the cool breeze under the sun.
Moreover, you’ll need a special tool to accomplish this. You finally hit your last search where you get the solution to this problem– it’s a Jeep hardtop hoist. Whoa! Your perfect summer experience is just one step away.
So, how do you remove the hardtop on time without having to look for a mechanic? The solution lies below. Keep reading.
Jeep Hardtop Hoist DIY
DIY or do it yourself implies that this is one task you can do by yourself because you don’t have to hire an expert. However, you need to have basic knowledge when going about this. Besides, there are multiple sources for getting information.
You can try online. After all, Google is your friend! It might also be the time to contact your uncle who is a mechanic or is running a motor vehicle spare parts store. He’s got some expert tips for you.
The good thing with knowledge: Once you have it, you become unstoppable. Now you can effortlessly lift your Jeep’s hardtop.
“It’s gonna be fun!” You tell yourself. But wait a moment. Do you think you have enough information about a Jeep’s hardtop hoist?
Worry not for I have done extensive research for you. You will discover what tools are suitable for you, how to install the device and more expert tips.
I got your back. So, let’s jump in and unravel what’s in the box.
How Much Does a Jeep Hardtop Weigh
Several factors come into play when referring to the weight of a hardtop. This to say, not all hardtops have the same weight. However, an ideal hardtop weighs between 125 and 150 pounds.
Moreover, this weight depends on factors such as;
- The model type,
- Manufacture material, and
- Attachment to a glass window or wipers.
From the look of this, you’ll need the assistance of another person to lift the hardtop. However, you can make your work easy with the aid of a tool. This is where a hoist comes in.
For one, you’ll take less time to lift the hardtop and for two, it will be more efficient for you. Besides, using a hoist makes you more professional and you don’t risk causing damage to your Jeep.
How to Remove a Jeep Hardtop
By now you can tell how much your Jeep’s hardtop weighs. Also, if you can’t get the exact weight, you can still use the range of 125 to 150 pounds.
With that settled, it’s time to remove the hardtop. You should follow these steps to effectively lift the hardtop without seeking help from a mechanic.
Wait! Before you continue with removing the hardtop, you need to take some caution.
- Firstly, make sure to check your user manual for instructions of the order to follow when removing each component of the hardtop–especially if it has multiple parts.
- Secondly, you should keep safe all the bolts in a labeled container for you’ll need them at a later time.
- Lastly, disconnect every electrical component attached to the hardtop.
Now you’re set to go.
When you’re done removing the bolts and any other attachments, it’s time to lift the hardtop. This, you can either do manually or with the assistance of a tool–hoist. For this guide, we’re going the hoistway.
- Gently lift the hardtop.
- While it’s high on air, you want to carefully pull it backward.
- Make sure you’re pulling it away from the Jeep.
Also, be careful as you might cause damage to the hardtop, your Jeep or even injure yourself.
This process is less strenuous, saves on time, and enjoyable when you rely on a hardtop hoist tool. In the next section, I will show you how to invest and install a Jeep hardtop hoist tool in your garage.
How to Install a Jeep Hardtop Hoist
First, you need to be aware of a few brands of hardtop hoist tools in the market. You need this for your preference and making an informed decision of picking the most suitable tool for you. Below are some tools for your consideration.
#1. Tools Required
Harken Jeep Hardtop Garage Storage Hoist
This tool is made to handle hardtops weighing up to 145 pounds. Moreover, you can also use it as storage for your hardtop when not using it. Its key features are; a hoist of four points and a system of the pulley.
You should note that the pulley system is primarily for helping in lifting a hardtop from its four corners while having a central focus point.
Furthermore, with the pulley system in place, you can effortlessly lift the hardtop without the assistance of another person.
One unique selling proposition of the pulley is its system of braking. The brakes will enable you to have control of the entire process thereby increasing your efficiency.
Also, the hoist is safe to use as it has a firm grip on the hardtop. Therefore, your hardtop will be safe from falling onto the surface.
If it falls, you might be forced to incur some expenditure costs by acquiring a spare part.
Besides, the tool comprises a system of six bolts which comes as a bonus– free of charge. Having the bolts in a place will help you to effectively lift your hardtop with less strain.
Below are some of its pros;
- It’s easy to install.
- Enhances safety by preventing your hardtop from falling.
- It’s compatible with majority Jeep models.
- It has six bolts that you can easily remove.
- It can lift relatively heavy hardtops.
Goplus Lift Electric Hoist
This hardtop hoist is suitable for relatively heavy hardtops. If you’re doing anything 440 pounds to 1320 pounds, then this electric hardtop hoist is just what you need.
The hoist is strong and made of steel cables that are not susceptible to twisting and made of carbon. Also, the cable is braided, 39 feet in length, and ⅛ in diameter.
The steel material used to make it sets it apart as one of the most durable hardtop hoists in the market.
Besides, it features a steel shell that is rugged and clamps for hanging. These features contribute to making it a strong hoist that can handle heavy weights.
Also, the hoist has two hooks in its pulley system that enables it to pull two sides of a hardtop simultaneously. While lifting at a speed of 26 feet in every minute, it can raise up to 220 pounds.
Its motor system– made of super quality cooper– is strong enough to power the lifting of heavy hardtops. Besides, it saves energy by consuming electricity that is just enough for it to function.
One amazing feature of this hoist is that it’s fully automated. You now have two sets of hardtop hoist to choose from. You can opt for the mechanical one or the one electrical one.
#2. Steps Involved In Installing a Jeep Hardtop Hoist
Before beginning the installation process, you should assemble the following tools.
- Drill,
- Drill bits of 4mm, 5.5mm, and 8mm,
- A plumb line,
- A pencil,
- A stud finder,
- A step ladder,
- Safety glasses,
- A tape measure, and
- A wrench
Also, confirm that your hardtop hoist kit has the following components; one welded screw eye, four pigtail screws, a shackle, four pulleys, two webbing straps, a hoisting rope, lag bolts, washers, organizer pulleys, and organizer plates.
P.S. This installation guide is for Harken Jeep hardtop garage storage hoist.
Now follow these steps to install your hoister.
Step 1: Determine which direction you’d want the rafters to face. This can either be sideways or front to back.
Step 2: Assemble the rafters according to your preference– either running sideways or front to back. You will also have to assemble all the parts of the hardtop hoister tool.
Step 3: Next, you will need to determine the best location for the hoister. This is determined by your rafters’ direction as you had set previously.
Step 4: Drive your Jeep into the garage with the hoister on top of the Jeep’s rack. When rightly positioned, you should measure the length of the hoister. Also, remember to place the hoister such that it does not block entry into and out of the garage.
Step 5: Determine where to place the mounting boards. These boards are meant to place the hoister above the Jeep.
Step 6: Drill points on the ceiling for rafter attachments and place the mounting boards on them.
Step 7: Determine where you want to place the pigtail lag screws on the mounting board.
Step 8: Now drive holes on the mounting boards and install the pigtail screws.
Step 9: Fix riser board on the mounting board, drill holes on it and put in rope organizers.
Step 10: Bring together all parts of the hoister system
- On the front wall, place the welded screw eye.
- Next, fix the pulley system.
- Attach the ropes on to the pulleys.
- Connect your straps to the ropes.
- Adjust the pulleys.
Your Jeep hardtop hoist should be ready for use at this stage. You can test it out and see how it works. Also, you can make adjustments upon testing.
#3. Benefits of a Jeep Hardtop Hoist DIY
You should consider hoisting your hardtop by yourself as an amazing opportunity. For one, you will save the time of looking for a mechanic. For two, you’ll save a few bucks when you do it yourself.
Also, you will acquire great skills at the end of the learning process and trial. Upon doing it on several occasions, you will become an expert. You can also begin to show other people how to go about it.
#4. Cost of a Jeep Hardtop Hoist
Costs vary with the type of model and the manufacturing material and mode of operation– either electric or manual. However, the price for a good hoister starts from $ 145.99.
#5. Tips to Remember
Do’s
- Research on basic knowledge of how to go about hoisting your hardtop.
- Consult your buyer’s guide for detail instructions.
- Maintain safety by wearing protective gear like glasses.
- Assemble all the requirements such as the required tools. Also, ensure you use the right tool for the right task.
- Proceed with caution to prevent possible damage to the Jeep and injury.
Don’ts
Don’t be in a rush, take your time and properly research, acquire the right hoister and install the equipment in your garage.
Final Thoughts
Hoisting your Jeep’s hardtop can be a daunting task. However, with a little research and the right tools, you are set to experience the best summer vacation.
The good news is: you can do the hoisting by yourself without the assistance of a mechanic. Moreover, you will save on time and money that you would have paid a mechanic.
Acquiring a hoister for your Jeep hardtop hoist DIY should be a major investment plan. If you’re yet to acquire one, hasten your steps and get it installed in your garage. The cool breeze and warm sun are good for you. Cheers!
