hard top removal and storage question?

Question...

when removing the hard top (Cj6, but should be the same idea as any steel top), do people normally take the panels apart too?

i noticed the panels are connected tot he top by nut and bolts.....do you guys typically remove it all at once and leave it as is?......take it all apart at once then take panels off for storage?...

or what?


i'm going to be pulling mine off shortly to clean up some rust and was wondering what the best course of action would be...panels on, or panels apart


thanks!

 

I pulled a cj6 top recently and took the panels apart - partly because it seems to take up less storage space that way (and was easier to get it off the rusted out tub).
Also, it might be easier to deal with the rust with the panels apart (easier to handle) - which is also on my projects to do list.

 

thanks!

i wasnt sure what the concensus on this was....

im setting up a hoisting system in my garage, so i will probably lift the whole thing off as a whole and then take it apart to fix it panel-by-panel

thanks
Greg

 

I revoved mine i pieces. Removed the doors, lift gate.
The side have to come off in one piece because of a bolt hidden at the seem of the filler panel down low.
Used a 2X4 to hold up roof as it was removed last.
Also don't forget the screws inside at the front at each corner, hooking the roof the the door channels on each side of windsheild.

Hope this helps

Andrew

 

I used to just have a friend help me lift it off in the spring in one piece and set it on patio. Then I had a little garage for my push lawn mower to park in.

 

For restoration/repainting, definitely take it all apart. But after it's restored and you want to take the top off for summer driving, I'd leave it all together and either have a friend help lift it off or rig up a winch/hoist thing to lift it off. You might even be able to figure out a way to store it hanging from the garage ceiling somehow, if you have the room.

Ideally, for my halfcab, I plan to buy a small cheapo Harbor Freight electric winch and rig it up in a back corner of the shop to pull the cab. I'd use the winch with a pulley on the ceiling to raise it up, and have small four chains on the ceiling to hang the cab with.

I personally would avoid using rope and pulleys (block and tackle), just my preference. No reason that wouldn't work too though.

 

excellent advice all....thanks

im setting up a rig using Unistrut (google it if you dont know what it is) and some 600lb-rated trollies that ride on the Unistrut.....i'll have a hoisting system so i can lift the top, then roll it back on the unistrut track and lower it onto a rolling hard top carrier so i can transfer it to whatever part of my garage/shop i need. the whole system should be good for about a 1200 lb lift with a large margin of safety...so i may even use it to lift the tub off the frame when i get that far.

it makes sense to me


i'm ordering parts for the rail next week

 

There is a company that makes hoists already to go for newer wranglers and unlimiteds, and I don't see why these couldn't be used on an older cj as well, with maybe just a little bit of adjusting the balance point. All the figuring is already done you just have to mount it.

http://www.knowwhere2jeep.com/catal...sid=3a3d5d7c2f4a43f1e6bc7b2d0de6e110&x=20&y=9

 

yea i've seen those, but they wouldnt work on a rail system.....since the lifting motor is on the wall, if the pullies were on rolers like i want, the motor on the wall would pull the pullies and just end up dragging the roof....

i'll post pics of the contraption.....it will be cool....

just need to lock down a supplier that carries 20ft lengths!

 

Coming from a guy who did not take one apart when he moved it - take it apart.

 

I took my top apart for storage also, amazing how little space it takes up when you pull it all apart. I sometime wish my new fiberglass top came apart that easy but at least it doesn't rust. It's still very heavy though.