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I purchased a multiple pulley, rope hoist (rated at 1000 lbs.) from Harbor Freight for this very purpose. Cost: $6.95. Add a few bucks for shipping if there is no Harbor Freight store nearby.
I did add some chain and misc. common hardware to take the weight of the hardtop after it is hoisted to the garage roof rafters. Perhaps another $10.00. I would not trust this hoist alone, or any rope hoist, to take the weight of the hardtop (my guess - 200 lbs.) for prolonged periods.
First time use: back into garage, a few squirts of spray paint on concrete floor to mark position of Jeep tires, then hoist hardtop to rafters, secure hoist rope, and then secure with backup chain safety hardware.
(Note: A prior serving of grog and a rousing rendition of the sailor shanty "Haul Away, Joe" sung at maximum volume while hoisting the hardtop makes the work go easy and usually proves entertaining to family and neighbors.)
When it is time to replace the top onto the Jeep, back into garage, putting Jeep tires on previously paint-marked positions, then lower away.
I use an "X" of web strapping under and over the top to which to attach the hoist hook. The tricky part is to locate the balance point of the hook on those web straps so as to keep the top level while hoisting. If the hoist hook lift point needs fore or aft adjustment, this will become apparent as soon as one begins to hoist.
Works for the frugal Inspector-G.
PS: Remember to remove the nuts and bolts and screws that secure hardtop to Jeep before hoisting. Neglecting that step will also prove entertaining to family and neighbors.
:-D
edited by: Inspector-Gadget, Jul 14, 2003 - 12:41 PM[addsig]
[addsig]
