LF: Hardtop storage ideas

[RdSnake]

I own several cars with hardtops. I am looking for neat storage ideas for them other than hardtop caddies. What I am really interested in is some sort of storage cabinet that I can add that will go on the exterior wall of the house. TIA!

 

[MarlynOC]

Bicycle hooks from the ceiling.

 

[CraigStu]

x2 on bicycle hooks

 

[ScottsGT]

I saw where someone stored their Jeep hard top on the side of I-77 on the way home from work yesterday. Poor thing was smashed all over the place.

Like others mentioned, hooks or a ledge to sit them on, and build a simple frame around them and cover with siding that matches your house. Just make it wide enough for two people to stand beside the hardtop and lift it out. Have a roll up door on the outside of the structure to access the top.

Another idea would be a wood structure that is on casters, but structure locks in place on the side of the house. Structure holds the hard top, roll into place behind car, and flip hard top down and out and install on car. Roll structure back up to the side of the house empty and lock back into place. Have the exterior covered with matching house siding.

A few pics of hardtops and house and surrounding ground would be helpful to come up with ideas.

 

[chrismenke]

I only have the one to contend with, but the hoist to the ceiling is my go to. Lowers nicely back onto the car each winter with a push of a button.

Something like this:

 

[SGKent]

for my CJ7 fiberglass top (heavy with the three bronzed glass windows and sunroof) I used a hanger from the rafters where a 2x8 went across about 6 rafters then a big hook with washers and nut on the backside hung from that. Then a block and tackle with a tie off. Once it was off the jeep I lowered it onto a plywood platform with trim on the sides so it could not slide off. There were casters under the plywood to roll it anywhere I wanted. I stored it on the side of the house and frankly the dogs loved to pretend they were traveling - using it as a dog house. No harm ever done but I did not have any puppies. They chew. Anyway, the main issue I see with storing it on shelves is lifting it. You might be able to make a removable shelf of say 3/4 plywood that sits on 2x4 runners. Lift the top with a block and tackle mounted above it, then slide the shelf under it and lower it to the shelf. You'd want a separate bay for each top. With the value of the tops I would not leave them hanging from a rope that could rot with UV or swing in a strong wind. My 2 cents worth.

 

[Cougar67]

I have my 4Runner top on four Harbor Freight dollies. I was going to make a ceiling hoist but the idea of 190 lbs. hovering over my head 13.5 feet doesn't really sound like a great idea.

My other idea is to make a 4 legged gantry from 2x4's. Put it on wheels and have removable shelves so other things can be stored. I have an electric hoist I can mount at the top. Like this but bigger for the longer top

 

[NUTTSGT]

I own several cars with hardtops. I am looking for neat storage ideas for them other than hardtop caddies. What I am really interested in is some sort of storage cabinet that I can add that will go on the exterior wall of the house. TIA!

Something like the semi-trailers used to bring fiberglass caps/tonneau covers for delivery ?

 

[SGKent]

I have my 4Runner top on four Harbor Freight dollies. I was going to make a ceiling hoist but the idea of 190 lbs. hovering over my head 13.5 feet doesn't really sound like a great idea.

My other idea is to make a 4 legged gantry from 2x4's. Put it on wheels and have removable shelves so other things can be stored. I have an electric hoist I can mount at the top. Like this but bigger for the longer top

Something like that would be a good idea. Add a 2x4 rail on each inside and one on the back to tie the sides together. Have one for the front once the car drives out that locks the front legs together - maybe a cable or 2x4 with gate latches that hold it - even a stud one can screw a pair of butterfly nuts on. Slide a plywood sheet onto the rails and lower the top onto the plywood to store safely. Want to put it back on? Hoist up, pull the plywood shelf, undo the front cross brace and push around the car. Lower, bolt down top and presto.