Garage Smart Hard Top Lift

Xpathf1nderX

Still looking for a hardtop lift/storage method, and looking at this Garage Smart Hard Top lift (used for j**ps, I know). Trying to save a bad back, but still enjoy taking the hardtop off and storing it.

I dont see why this wouldnt work for the bronco (2 door specifically).
Garage Smart Hardtop Lift
View attachment 29867

1: Why wouldnt this work for the bronco?
2: Has anyone used this on another vehicle before?

#hardtoplift
#garagesmart

Since the Bronco hard top has multiple pieces (unlike the Jeep hard top which only has the front section separate), this may require some minor modifications (like an extra strap or support) to work with the Bronco.

I have 2 Jeeps, each with hard & soft tops and I swap them 2x/yr for the “seasons” and I don’t see any reason this wouldn’t work with my Bronco.

BTW - if you are handy and like to tinker, there are several solutions already vetted to make your own hard top hoist thanks to the Jeep community/forums.

Here is some inspiration:

I have a small detached garage without a ceiling. The only room in the garage big enough to store a hardtop was over the door. I extended the door tracks into the garage and put 2 small chain links on the balance cables. To be able to disconnect easily. I built an H out of versa bar , cables pulleys all from Home Depot and a hand crank winch from harbor freight. I open the door and hold it open with a screwdriver in the track , pop the cables off and push the door to the back of the garage. Hang the hardtop and hoist it up above the door level and reconnect the door springs and that's where it stays until the weather gets cold. Rinse repeat.

Smarter Home now has their Bronco kit available for both 4-door and 2-door. For the Four-door, you need to buy separately a bag to contain the roof and the large section over the passengers. For the front door pieces on the 4 door and 2 door they have a pouch that they fit in underneath the roof.
https://www.mysmarterhome.com/products/hard-top-lifter?variant=42640266756342

Anybody have any economical options?

I used 4 suction cups and motorcycle ratchet straps. I didnt want the strap to lift against the door/window seals or the side rail seals as I have done that before on my 77 and it warped the seals and caused leaks.

I bought 4 of these industrial suction cups and lifted it via the glass, with safety rope under neath. Will see how it does this summer...my only realy concern is pulling the mastic on the glass seals, but will see.

I lift it corner by corner and "walk" it up to clear. Took about 5 minutes and is easy on the back (which mine is bad).

Xpathf1nderX

I used 4 suction cups and motorcycle ratchet straps. I didnt want the strap to lift against the door/window seals or the side rail seals as I have done that before on my 77 and it warped the seals and caused leaks.

I bought 4 of these industrial suction cups and lifted it via the glass, with safety rope under neath. Will see how it does this summer...my only realy concern is pulling the mastic on the glass seals, but will see.

I lift it corner by corner and "walk" it up to clear. Took about 5 minutes and is easy on the back (which mine is bad).

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I'm sure you would be fine but I couldn't sleep at night wondering if the next time I go out into the garage the top would be laying in pieces on the floor. I just don't think I could trust those suction cups.
Good luck and keep us updated on how they are working.

Deano Bronc

I'm sure you would be fine but I couldn't sleep at night wondering if the next time I go out into the garage the top would be laying in pieces on the floor. I just don't think I could trust those suction cups.
Good luck and keep us updated on how they are working.

I tried it with 10# wieghts on the shop window for about 2 months now...held fine. But I agree, I dont trust them to leave it, I have safety rope tied to the straps and under it as a safety. The cups were really helpful to lift it. The 2dr has the roll cage to the swinggate, so cant lift it and place something under it as the cage traps what ever is used.

Garage Smart has one for the Bronco now. You just have to select Bronco form the drop down menu.
https://garagesmart.com/collections/all/products/hard-top-lifter?variant=39620713775175

Xpathf1nderX

I tried it with 10# wieghts on the shop window for about 2 months now...held fine. But I agree, I dont trust them to leave it, I have safety rope tied to the straps and under it as a safety. The cups were really helpful to lift it. The 2dr has the roll cage to the swinggate, so cant lift it and place something under it as the cage traps what ever is used.

Ahhh, gotcha. It was hard to tell if there were any other straps there just in case or not. Great way to lift it.

I’ve been considering this one, which is a different concept from attaching to ceiling..

https://topliftpros.com/pages/bronco

I will be using a couple of bike/Kayak hoists fairly cheap and can hold 100lbs each.

How do you think this option would work with the Modular hard top?

Maggiep13

How do you think this option would work with the Modular hard top?

I wouldn't know why it wouldn't but I assume the Modular top will be a bit heavier than the MIC top.

Deano Bronc

I wouldn't know why it wouldn't but I assume the Modular top will be a bit heavier than the MIC top.

This might be a stupid question but why do you think that?

Maggiep13

This might be a stupid question but why do you think that?

It's not a stupid question and my assumptions might be wrong. I believe the construction of the top is different from the MIC top. The outside surface material and finish will be completely different plus the side windows are removable which will probably add some weight. I don't think it will be 100# heavier but I wouldn't be surprised 20 to 30lbs.

Deano Bronc

It's not a stupid question and my assumptions might be wrong. I believe the construction of the top is different from the MIC top. The outside surface material and finish will be completely different plus the side windows are removable which will probably add some weight. I don't think it will be 100# heavier but I wouldn't be surprised 20 to 30lbs.

Okay that totally makes sense. Thank you!

JRHopp

Anybody have any economical options?

There were a couple posted earlier in the thread, define economical.

Jakob1972

I will be using a couple of bike/Kayak hoists fairly cheap and can hold 100lbs each.

Anyone have any usage experiences to report with these lift options? I have a couple of these bike hoist. Not the highest quality materials but I suspect a couple would work if installed properly. How heavy is the 2 door hardtop? I suspect less than 200#?

I would probably modify these by using a grooved piece of wood to connect the hooks on each side to put under the top and not damage or warp the seal as mentioned previously. Should also help balance out the weight.

87BroncoVB

Anyone have any usage experiences to report with these lift options? I have a couple of these bike hoist. Not the highest quality materials but I suspect a couple would work if installed properly. How heavy is the 2 door hardtop? I suspect less than 200#?

I would probably modify these by using a grooved piece of wood to connect the hooks on each side to put under the top and not damage or warp the seal as mentioned previously. Should also help balance out the weight.

My plan was to run a board with foam (pool noodles) between the two and just alternate pulling the ropes or have a helper pull one while I get the other. If I ever get my Bronco I will tell you how I rigged it up.