I'm looking for ideas on how to easily remove and store the hardtop on our 01 TJ. I've see the hoists, but I am not sure how well that would work as I have a very tall vaulted roof in garage....about 19' to peak and 12' sidewalls. I've also seen the storage carts where the top is tilted sideways, but I'm curious how hard that is to do. The top is aftermarket and fairly heavy, I'm sure they all are but how do you guys tilt them without breaking the back glass? It's my 17y/o daughter's jeep and unless I constantly call in a friend, it's her and my wife and I taking it off and putting it back on. I don't trust them to not drop it if tilting it. I've also seen a U-shaped wood built cart that sits the same height as the jeep. They rolled it up to back of jeep, then just slide it off and strap it down. That's what I'm leaning towards, but want to cover my options first as I fear that'll eat up large amount of floor space top on or off!!!
Hard top storage
- Thread starter grabeb
- Start date
I'm able to back in to my backyard so I made this. No help needed to put on or remove takes maybe 5 mins.
Now you are just bragging!
I lost that above space with the finished ceiling, but it makes it nice for climate control.Utilize that peak area for a hoist. Once it’s up there you will forget you have it.
i’d rig up a hoist some way or another. i bought a lange power hoist and it was the best $240 spent. my only problem is with limited space i have to pull out the boat to get jeep inside to remove hard top. park boat back inside after i’m done and lower hard top onto rear of boat. couple extra steps for hard top removal but well worth it.
WestCoastDan
TJ Addict
I'm a bit jealous of all that space.
That said, we muscle our top off manually and store it on a rack that I built.
I'm about to sell this thing though, as we rarely put it back on... it's been at least 2 years now.
(Not to mention that we'll need that space & rack for the JKU top soon!)
That said, we muscle our top off manually and store it on a rack that I built.
I'm about to sell this thing though, as we rarely put it back on... it's been at least 2 years now.
(Not to mention that we'll need that space & rack for the JKU top soon!)
HA!!! It was purpose built that high!! Guess now I have to show the other side.Now you are just bragging!
Utilize that peak area for a hoist. Once it’s up there you will forget you have it.
I am/have considered a hoist to raise it up. Maybe that is the answer but the lift blocks the lights on the other side. If I hoist it up, it obviously has to be 100% secure!!!
Here's another view. This would be the bragging!!! 
Very nice work space. Similar to mine just without the 13’ ceiling and 10’ high door. Mine was built by PO for an RV type storage.
If you could wrangle it just right, make a hoist and swing it into position on the shelf for secure storage.
I got one of these. it was about $150. Use ratchet straps. Looks like they don't have any right now but there is probably something similar by another brand. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0009I8AO6/?tag=wranglerorg-20
My issue with something like that is the angle of the ceiling line, but If I could make work, would be a great way to get stuff up to the loft!
Last edited:
I'm very pleased so far. Still trying to wrap up the siding for my final inspection, but it's been great so far. Overhead door is 8' not 10'.... maybe you were saying yours was 10? It is great swinging long lumber around and not worrying about hitting the ceiling. I'm also loving the lift!
I might have to try to copy that build if it isn't too hard to get on there. She likely won't go without too long, because of rain and such, but would be nice for her to be able to take the top off for periods of time!
WestCoastDan
TJ Addict
The hardest part is dealing with the rear window and the spare tire.
My 'cart' needs the window to be closed and the struts want it to be open.
I drilled a couple of holes in the lip of the aluminum window trim so that i could secure a bungee to it that helps keep the window closed.
My 'cart' needs the window to be closed and the struts want it to be open.
I drilled a couple of holes in the lip of the aluminum window trim so that i could secure a bungee to it that helps keep the window closed.
Similar threads
