The 2x4 Hard Top hoist!...on the cheap!

Well - needed to get a lift and I had some parts and spare wood lying around (2)2x4's and (1)2x8...so I came up with a hoist for pretty cheap. I only had to buy a few things like the break winch from Harbor Freight ($24) and some hardware from Lowes (prob about $30 or so). Used bicycle hooks to lift the top, a framing t-connector and patch plate for the 2x4's, 3/8" bolts and nuts, 3 1/2"x5/16 and 2"x3/8" lag screws, 1 1/4" and 3" drywall screws, some neoprene cushions attached with zip ties and a slotted rail to hang it all off of. Aside from the 2000lb break winch being SLOW to lift and lower the top - it all is pretty sturdy and works well. Not too bad for being under $55.











This drop stud frame is only there so that when I hoist up just the t-frame - it forces it to level out against the bottom of it...otherwise, it wants to hang almost vertical. When the hard top is attached though, the pivot point is balanced so the whole shibang hangs level under load.

Nice set up.

I'm all about do it yourself! Nice job.

very cool set up.

nice work Tony.

You've seen mine haven't you? The winch is a 1000lb electric from Harbor Freight, for around $60. Something to consider for a future upgrade to your setup.

Man, I really want one of those, and I don't even have a hard top! Nice work.

Very, very nice.

I could NEVER do anything like that.

skoalman wrote:

Very, very nice.

I could NEVER do anything like that.

yeah, what he said!

Yeah, it'd be like Eddie Griffin from the opening of "Armageddon"......somebody call 911!!!

Looks good

Ya know....if you ever get fired at work, you can have a future in making Jeep top lifts.........or marital aids......

skoalman wrote:

...you can have a future in making Jeep top lifts.........or marital aids......

... quess that's where this avatar comes in --->

if possible could you please post a pic of it picking up the hardtop also. I would like to see the whole thing in action but the setup you have is very nice I might add I think this is on my things to do list.

nice!!! mind if i "borrow" some of your ingenuity?!?