Taking her top off

[MT2thDOC]

I'm going to be taking off the hardtop on my 2001 Cab this weekend. My first time...any stupid "noob" mistakes I should watch out not to make? Thanks in advance!

[FPB111]

Level ground. Top weighs 73lbs make sure that you both have a good grip. Rear up first, slide the front tabs out. Move it over the back of the car. Don't drop it.
Build one of these:
Rennlist thread with multiple homemade hoists Hardtop Hoist Help - Rennlist Discussion Forums
This is the top hoist that I made for less than $150 to allow me to mount\remove my top by myself.

1. 52" x 3/4 DIA steel pipe
2. Two 45 Deg fittings
3. Two 4" nipples
4. Two 3/4" caps
5. Two 1/4" eye bolts
6. 1 length ea of 3/4" and 1/2"pipe insulation
7. 10' of lightweight welded link chain
8. 6 pcs threaded chain joining links mine are ~5/16"dia (it was a 6 pack card)
9. Two 2 1/2" x 5/16 welded chrome rings
10. if you don't have any buy some 10-12" plastic wire ties while you are there
11. Two sets of bike rack straps - fabric straps with flat vinyl hooks for trunk lid ( Sears or local bike store) $15
12. Harbor Freight 440 lb. electric winch ($89 on sale in store)
1-10 Cost less than $35 total at Home Depot
Electric Hoist Winch w/ Remote - 110V, 440 Lb. Capacity
Strapworks.com
Flat Hook Straps w/ 1 inch Heavyweight Polypropylene Webbing
Sears
PackRight from Sears.com

1. Screw the pipe bits together to form a "\______/"
2. Drill holes in the pipe cap for the eye bolts. put them together and mount the caps.
3. Cover the pipe assy with the 3/4" foam pipe insulation all of the way to 1/2" past each end. Use wire ties to hold it together.
4. Figure the right length of chain to reach from the center of the top to the eye bolt on one side cut two pieces(leave it a couple links long (or buy another card of *8 above). there will be some left over
5. Using #8 hook the chains to the ring slide the 1/2" pipe foam over the chains put another #8 on the ends
6. Run the straps through one end of a 10" length of chain and tie them off. (Mine had adjustable buckles) put a #8 through the other end to tie to the 2nd ring, cover the chain with 1/2" foam

7. Hang your HF winch; I doubled the lift wire with the extra sheave to slow the lift speed

8. Hook your lifting rings with the straps, chain and padded pipe attached to the winch

9. Put the car under your lift unhook one end of the padded pipe, pass it through the car under the top hook it up and up up and away….

Now you have an electric hoist that allows you to easily mount and remove your top by yourself for about $140

Note: I had some open cell roll bar foam that I used for extra padding under the top edges. Also this year I shortened my chain and added short “training” leashes for 200+ pound dogs. The hooks make it easier to attach to the eyebolts. That is why I have the nylon strap through as a backup.

[MT2thDOC]

FPB111-thanks! great info, heading to the hardware store tonight!

[FPB111]

Pic of the straps on the metal of the top.