Max.Powerzz
Cruisers and Art!
Very slick. Any tips for when your roof doesn't want to break free and lift off?
FJ40 Hardtop Lift Storage System
- Thread starter 75PIG
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Chamba
Too short. Too long. Just right: the 43
Max.Powerzz said:
Stand inside your rig and gently push directly up on the metal parts of the roof above the ambulance doors/lift gate and the front doors. I use my hips and push using my calf muscles. For the rear you can also stand on the rear sill and lift the top with your arms. Likewise the front doors; stand on the door sill and lift right in front of the B pillar.
1911
chupacabra
I sometimes have to give mine a short, sharp shove from under the door opening, close to the B pillar.
I take my hardtop on and off by myself using this system. Works great! Still a pain in the butt with all the bolts and weatherstripping, but you can easily do it yourself if you take your time.
I loosen the top by standing inside and using my legs to lift up the top. After that I simply crank the handle on the lift and it comes right off. Putting back on is harder to me as everything has to line up properly.
I loosen the top by standing inside and using my legs to lift up the top. After that I simply crank the handle on the lift and it comes right off. Putting back on is harder to me as everything has to line up properly.
If your having an issue with breaking loose the weatherstripping I'd suggest using a coat of spray Sil-Glyde before installing the top . It's available at Napa or Car Quest and comes in either a paste tube or spray can . A nice coat on those seals will prevent sticking forever . It's also great for door/trunk seals and I use it a lot on certain gaskets for whatever side I don't want to stick - like thermostat housings .
Sarge
Sarge
1911
chupacabra
I need to get some Sil-Glyde; keep hearing good things about it.
A bigger problem for me is getting the big V-shaped main weatherstripping for the hard top to stay on / stay straight when I'm lowering the top on to the tub, mostly in the rear corners. The best thing I have used so far to help is baby powder, but maybe Sil-Glyde is the ticket for that too.
A bigger problem for me is getting the big V-shaped main weatherstripping for the hard top to stay on / stay straight when I'm lowering the top on to the tub, mostly in the rear corners. The best thing I have used so far to help is baby powder, but maybe Sil-Glyde is the ticket for that too.
You need to use weatherstripping adhesive and glue that strip on tight to the top . Once it's glued in place coat the body side with Syl-Glyde and it shouldn't be a problem again . I love that stuff - it works far better than anything I've found .
Sarge
Sarge
I have the strip that the bolts go through glued to my hardtop, the stripping that goes on the lip of the tub isn't. That part at the back corners also gives me issues when lowering the top down.
Max.Powerzz
Cruisers and Art!
Thanks for the tip. This top hasn't been off in probably 15 years and does not want to budge! It seems to be rusted together in the rear corner.
75PIG-
What kind of brackets did you find at lowest that are that perfect? If you don't have a link perhaps a description? Thanks
What kind of brackets did you find at lowest that are that perfect? If you don't have a link perhaps a description? Thanks
ccasteel
SILVER Star
I used Rubbermaid "FastTracks." Same idea, with a slightly different shape. You can see a pic in the first post of the link below.
https://forum.ih8mud.com/40-55-series-tech/602254-hard-top-lift.html
1911
chupacabra
I used rubber-covered bicycle hooks, found in the storage/shelving dept. of Lowes for mine.
Appears really well designed! thank you for posting. Can you add a picture of the bracket from the underside please? I don't think lowes or Home Depot sell the one you are using currently. thanks
teleskier
SILVER Star
These hoists are really nice for the money. They come with a mesh panel 4x4ft if you want to put other things up. You can attach it to a big drill to turn it up there too.
2fpower
SILVER Star
I got mine from amazon.com free delivery!
Excelent system... Someone needs to a cost effective system for those of us who have an 8' ceiling or lower. I'd take my roof off a lot more frequently if i could hoist it off.
The slickest I've seen for storage, for low garages, was a dolly that stored it vertically on the end. Next would be a hoist that would lift it off in the driveway and then lower it down onto the dolly to roll it into the garage... or a hoist like that to get it off and then lower it onto a dolly to roll it out of the away.
The slickest I've seen for storage, for low garages, was a dolly that stored it vertically on the end. Next would be a hoist that would lift it off in the driveway and then lower it down onto the dolly to roll it into the garage... or a hoist like that to get it off and then lower it onto a dolly to roll it out of the away.
I ordered mine yesterday. It will save my wifes back from having to help lift it off.
She was all for it when I showed her the pic.
She was all for it when I showed her the pic.
ginmtb
'74 FJ40 - my first!
I use this system with my 8' ceiling. I just have to park it with my hood under the hoisted top (since I have my soft top on). I can still open my hood too with this setup.
Thanks for the share details pictures of it. But I'm using Hardtop Storage Harken. This is a good hardtop hoist ever I had. I love it. There are lots of hoist available in the market. But I love this one.
- Thread starter
- #40
For those of you that were envious of "all the space" in my garage back in 2013. Years later, here is an update of the projects including the 1972 FJ40, 1975 FJ55, and 1972 VW Karmann Ghia.
I added FJ40 "Roller Skates" to allow one person to move the FJ40 to line up the top when putting it back on. I originally invested in the cheap ones at Harbor Freight. They would flex under the weight of the FJ40 even though rated for the pounds at 1500 lbs per wheel. That would flex the plate causing a binding of the wheels and not wanting to move. Will use "cheap HF" skates for lighter Karmann Ghia. Notice improvement in design with flat spot on these skates whereas HF were "V'ed" causing the flex in the metal. I do not know manufacturer as these new ones as they were given to me from a friend.
Also, notice the swimming pool was replaced with a float boat for those of you who noticed the pool. By the way, I used the pool to flush the FJ80 radiator and motor while doing the preventative maintenance on the FJ80 years ago. It was a great way to catch the water.
I added FJ40 "Roller Skates" to allow one person to move the FJ40 to line up the top when putting it back on. I originally invested in the cheap ones at Harbor Freight. They would flex under the weight of the FJ40 even though rated for the pounds at 1500 lbs per wheel. That would flex the plate causing a binding of the wheels and not wanting to move. Will use "cheap HF" skates for lighter Karmann Ghia. Notice improvement in design with flat spot on these skates whereas HF were "V'ed" causing the flex in the metal. I do not know manufacturer as these new ones as they were given to me from a friend.
Also, notice the swimming pool was replaced with a float boat for those of you who noticed the pool. By the way, I used the pool to flush the FJ80 radiator and motor while doing the preventative maintenance on the FJ80 years ago. It was a great way to catch the water.
