Hardtop hoist/storage write-up
#401
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Originally Posted by slinky
This has become "this weeks" project for me. While I know there will be added weight to the actual frame itself doing it this way, but I'm thinking about just using threaded black pipe some t-fittings to make the frame. Any reason why this wouldn't work?
#402
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Any reason for this other than simplicity? I remember seeing a photo either in this thread or another DIY one where the nylon strap cracked the fiberglass in a corner.
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Originally Posted by slinky
Any reason for this other than simplicity? I remember seeing a photo either in this thread or another DIY one where the nylon strap cracked the fiberglass in a corner.
Two advantages for me is I can lift it higher and it is more stable. It isn't going to rotate at all like it can with the single rope.
#404
Can I ask how you're powering the hoist here? I'd like to have mine on a track as well so I can move it but I don't see your power source.
#405
My straps run just under the roof. They meet in the center in the back and come out each door opening. I was using the straps with the t-frame initially instead of the metal hooks.
Two advantages for me is I can lift it higher and it is more stable. It isn't going to rotate at all like it can with the single rope.
Two advantages for me is I can lift it higher and it is more stable. It isn't going to rotate at all like it can with the single rope.
#406
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Originally Posted by cfendya
Do you have a photo of how you do this? I'm interested in the strap method as well over t-frame.
Here are some pictures.
The first one is a side view showing the top in the stored position.
Here you can see the straps tied into position. When I am lifting the top the strap is fastened to the hook instead of the hook being fastened to the shelf eyebolt.
here is a picture showing the rear of the top. Both straps meet in the center. It would probably work just as well to use four separate ropes instead of three like I have. I started with the t-bar, using the straps to fasten the top to the t-bar so I already had the V shape in my mind when I converted over.
Here is a closer picture Sowing a good view of the straps inside the top.
(Sorry about the poor quality photos, should have cleaned my lens first.)
Let me know if you have any other questions or if the is some detail you want a picture of.
Last edited by bstpierre; 07-27-2012 at 10:43 PM.
#407
Thanks for all the great pictures and detailed explanation bstpierre. This is exactly how I was thinking of doing with the straps. I have a very high ceiling in my garage so I am going to be using a power hoist I picked up yesterday from Harbor Freight. It would've cost me almost the same had I purchased the hand winch plus extra cable and misc items as it did for this power hoist. For a little bit more I get a whole lot of convenience not having to mess with running cables and what not
I'll take some pics once I'm finished with it. Again, appreciate all the detail you provided as well as all the other members input on this subject here.
I'll take some pics once I'm finished with it. Again, appreciate all the detail you provided as well as all the other members input on this subject here.