Jeep Hardtop Lift Using Racor Heavy Storage Lift
04-27-2015, 04:36 AM
#11
JK Newbie
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Fairview, Tx.
Posts: 21
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After reading for months and months about diy hardtop lifts as well as the break my wallet hardtop lifts from Quadratec or 4WD...... I finally decided to go with using the Racor Heavy Lift PHL-1R. Buying the product was the first challenge I ran into. I'm not sure if the product is being phased out but I tried to buy it several times off of ebay and Amazon only to have my order canceled. Needless to say, I finally found one for sale and when it arrived, it was missing a part. Racor was very helpful however and was able to ship me the missing part within 5 business days. I installed today and the installation took around 4 hours due to some of the modifications I had to make. The replacement pulley arm they sent me was different than the other 3 so I had to modify that to make it fit. I also had to purchase some 2x4's from Lowe's because I had to span my ceiling joists. The instructions for the lift are garbage but it is easy enough to figure out with some trial and error. Overall I am happy with the lift. I would recommend trying this over fabricating your own and definitely over dropping $400 on one from a website. Overall I have about $180 into the build. I've seen some diy lifts for much cheaper than that, but I do not have the tools or fabricating skills to try that route. I would say for a beginner to intermediate level, this project was good.
Attachment 606972
Attachment 606972
05-07-2015, 05:21 PM
#12
JK Enthusiast
Amazon FINALLY had these in stock!! $129.99.. Free 2 day shipping with prime. Should have it by Saturday, installed by Sunday.. Can't wait. Been far too long since I've gone full topless
07-22-2015, 10:41 AM
#13
JK Enthusiast
How did the install go? Any pics? Looking to pull the trigger on this. Is everyone using the good old orange ratchet straps (how many are you using) or is there something better? And can anyone tell me if the top can be lifted with the rear window closed? I keep seeing the pics with the window open. Trying to minimize the space this thing takes up.
07-25-2015, 12:46 PM
#14
JK Enthusiast
Two home depot orange straps (400lbs) did the trick. Install went pretty well.. Was easy since my studs are exposed and are actually 48" on center. I have a 2 door, so I also am using this thing for my doors and freedom panels. I think the full weight is 260lbs and the Racor is rated for 250.. close enough.
You'll notice the rear of my top sagging... but that's just my bad. I think some people are using straps to keep their window shut, but I actually preferred it open (more room for me to access the crap behind the top.
You'll notice the rear of my top sagging... but that's just my bad. I think some people are using straps to keep their window shut, but I actually preferred it open (more room for me to access the crap behind the top.
