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Hey, everyone - I haven't forgotten that I've promised to post more info on the design. With a 6-week old at home, time has been at a prevmium, not to mention that it's freezing outside, and my garage is detached. I've wanted to go out and take some measurements - maybe it'll warm up in the next few days.
Here's what I use! It's called a Harken Hoister and you can get it from West Marine. The model I have is rated at 90 Lbs. and lists for $109.99 (I got it for $99.99). They also make one rated for 60 Lbs for $89.99. (I got the 90 Lb model because they had it in the store and gave me $10 off). It works really good for 1 person removal and installation. It has a block that reduces the lift force (I can't remember the ratio) and also has a brake in case your hand slips off the rope. Its not designed to be a hardtop hoist, but it does the job without modification.
Caution!! This scheme looks good, but there is a flaw. I built a similar hoist with hooks that engaged the bottom of the window in exactly the way shown in the original post. All went well for a couple of years, but then the window pulled off (it's just glued to the metal) and the whole top fell from the garage ceiling to the floor. Total wreck. Fortunately my car wasn't under it.
I strongly recommend that any hoist should lift the rear by the points that supported the top for shipping.
Caution!! This scheme looks good, but there is a flaw. I built a similar hoist with hooks that engaged the bottom of the window in exactly the way shown in the original post. All went well for a couple of years, but then the window pulled off (it's just glued to the metal) and the whole top fell from the garage ceiling to the floor. Total wreck. Fortunately my car wasn't under it.
I strongly recommend that any hoist should lift the rear by the points that supported the top for shipping.
I'll look at doing a mod for just that. Who knew the molding wasn't attached very well? Thanks for the tip - it's been 5 years and so far, so good. I think I know how I'll do it - I'll post in a couple weeks if it works out.
I added some support ropes that should be sufficient to hold the entire weight, and lowered the crank a couple turns until most of the weight was off of the hooks. I'll redesign it for a more permanent solution this summer. Thanks again for the tip.
I have a question about the J hooks used to attach the hardtop to the ropes/straps. It seems that the J hooks wouldn't be that secure. The part of the J hook the supports the top looks like it's only about a half an inch deep and the angle does not look that secure either. I definitely want to make sure I'm not compressing the rubber seal at all, but using the J hooks alone will probably leave me worrying about a very costly mishap. If you've used the J hooks for a while please let me know your experience with them.
They are way too stiff to bend over time. I suppose if you're in an earthquake zone, they may not hold, but as long as the top isn't swinging (!) they're not going to release anything. I'll go get some pic of how I'm hanging it now - I decided not to have the hooks holding it by the rear window glass - there was a report of that coming unglued after some years. Back in a bit.....
