How to store a full size bronco top up high?

[mustange70]

Like the title says, looking for some ideas on storing my bronco top for the summer in my tiny garage.

I have a vaulted ceiling in the garage, and would like to store it up high out of the way, because of the lack of space I have. But I have no idea on the best way to do this.

I was thinking of anchoring 2 2x4's across the ceiling joists for the length of the bronco top and the same width, then anchor some eyelets (one for each of the 4 corners of the bronco top) through the 2x4 & joist, then have matching 2x4's with eyelets under the bronco top, then using rope (or cable) tied to the eyelets on the bronco top run them to the eyelets on the ceiling & hoist it up to the garage roof. Make sense? The bronco top weighs no more then 200lbs (I can lift/move it around myself, so its no heavier than that).

Putting it on the side walls is out of the question, as I do not have the room to put it there.

You can see the bronco top in the one picture, and the rest of my garage and what I have to work with.

SO what does everyone think? Or are there better ideas (cheap ways)?

 

[jrb2]

I stored a pick-up topper in a similar fashion and it worked well. I made a framework out of 1 in square tubing that I could slide under the topper and lift it directly off of the truck. I have owned several Broncos and I'm sure your idea will work.

 

[mustange70]

Yeah same thing as a truck topper, just a little bit lighter due to small size and no back/front windows.

What did you use to secure it to the ceiling, same thing? You wouldn't happen to have some pictures would you?

Thanks.

 

[sublimate]

For my Scout top I would just run a ratcheting stap under it and ratchet it up off and let it hang from that.

For anchoring to your ceiling I'd probably use the same type of pre-drilled metal angle that your garage door opener/track/rails use.

 

[mustange70]

Found this link:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=48015

And the couple pictures.

Ratchet straps it is. I'll use the 2x4's and eyelets, as I already have them. Looks not to bad, just need to find the best spot in on the ceiling to put the top and get to working on it. Its way to nice out to be driving my 4 door bronco with the top on.

 

[R6 Racer]

I have stored many things like that over the years.
Here are a few pic of the basic system I use.





Every Christmas that roof rack in the pics was hung up there full of all the kids presents. There were a few years that I needed some hep to hoist it up due to the weight.

Your Bronco top should work without issue.
(***** IF its installed right*****)

Steve

 

[mustange70]

Cool, I think I'll be getting started on this pretty quick.

 

[cgrutt]

I used to live in a one-bedroom townhouse with a small garage and stored a canoe like that. It worked fine. For the Bronco top, I'd recommend running two 2x4's as you mentioned and support it from each side. Place it where you can just back it in, lift it off and pull out if you can. It will make it easier to reinstall.

 

[mustange70]

That's the plan, have it so I just back in and lift it off. Because of my ceiling height, the height of the bronco, location of the garage door opener center track, I may have to get a bit creative to get the room I want, I want it as high up as possible, which means it will be right next to the opener at the back wall right above the garage door. Will make it a bit of PITA, but I need the room at the front of the garage for other things.

 

[casmurbax]

http://www.hoister.com/

 

[Cyberbear]

Had a friend who did something similar for his camper shell. He used a couple of boat winches and a few pulleys that lifted the unit well out of the way when not in use. It allowed him to remove and install the shell by himself.

 

[rockcrawler]

This is what I use for my Jeep top. It uses an electric hoist and a steel frame. Very easy to use.

http://www.quadratec.com/products/12020_1101_07.htm

 

[tstaude]

You may also consider offsetting your garage door opener. I did it with my old 16 x 7 and never had a problem, you would be taking advantage of otherwise dead space.

 

[jomobco]

From a Jeep owner: Back it in (so once the top is up you can pull your front end under it). Secure 4 hooks (or even better loops) to the ceiling. Ratchet top off of truck. Pull out. Turn around. Park.

Be careful not to pinch the top inwards so as to deform it.

 

[bdbecker]

My 2 cents... use a self-braking boat winch to raise and lower the top. That way, should you lose your grip, the whole works doesn't come crashing to the floor.

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200331203_200331203