Hardtop storage - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

71jimmy · 12-22-2005, 03:04 AM

I know this has been discussed before, but for the life of me I can't find any of the info using the search function on this board.

When removing and storing the hardtop, GM recommends using two pieces of wood front and back to keep the hardtop somewhat rigid while off the vehicle. My FACTORY manual says to have two pieces 72" long and to drill 3/8" holes 63" apart. NOW, I measured across my bedsides, from center of top screw hole to center on the other side, and it measures like 67 and 1/4".

Is my manual wrong? Or is 63" correct, so that the sides of the top are pulled in a little? What have you guys done?

Thanks

Joe67 · 12-22-2005, 08:49 AM

Do any of you guys store them like many Jeep Wrangler guys? Use a pulley system and store it above the truck in the garage/shop?

pierce · 12-22-2005, 10:45 AM

I use 2 2x4's with eyehooks on each side. 1 2x4 goes behind the front seats where the top bolts to the rails and the other across the back. I did bolt the top to the wood but don't remember the measurements, lately I just let the top sit on the wood without bolting it and hoist it to the ceiling. I do each side a little at a time till it reaches the ceiling.

LUV2XCLR8 · 12-22-2005, 12:58 PM

A little pricey, JMHO, but I am going to get 2 of these for my tops

(* The 4 point #7806 will handle 200 lbs., might get away with the
#7803 on the single wall top, it's rated for 145 lbs. not really sure)

Featured on Discovery Channel - http://www.hoister.com/selection.php

BobbyK · 12-28-2005, 06:06 PM

here's what I did.
Click HERE

made this

and raised it to the roof with this

71jimmy · 12-29-2005, 03:11 AM

Thanks for the replies everyone. I finally found the answer. The FACTORY manual is WRONG specifying 63". Imagine that!!! 67 1/4 seems to be correct. Just wanted to make sure there wasn't anything wrong with my tub since the hardtop has been off for so long.

BobbyK that's a killer setup.

12-22-2005, 03:04 AM	#1
71jimmy Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 1,084	Hardtop storage I know this has been discussed before, but for the life of me I can't find any of the info using the search function on this board. When removing and storing the hardtop, GM recommends using two pieces of wood front and back to keep the hardtop somewhat rigid while off the vehicle. My FACTORY manual says to have two pieces 72" long and to drill 3/8" holes 63" apart. NOW, I measured across my bedsides, from center of top screw hole to center on the other side, and it measures like 67 and 1/4". Is my manual wrong? Or is 63" correct, so that the sides of the top are pulled in a little? What have you guys done? Thanks __________________ '71 Jimmy, 350, SM465, NP205, 2in Tuff Country lift, 33s on rallies, TBI, softtop and hardtop "If life was fair you'd be able to afford one of each and a garage large enough to house them all."

12-22-2005, 08:49 AM	#2
Joe67 67 is sold Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Troy, Michigan Posts: 6,738	Re: Hardtop storage Do any of you guys store them like many Jeep Wrangler guys? Use a pulley system and store it above the truck in the garage/shop? __________________ Joe - Formerly 67c10step ------------------------------- 1967 Chevy Stepside - ECE 4/6, fuelcell, 5lug - SOLD gr8lakes - My ebay auctions Click here to order forum apparel :: Click here to become a subscribing member

12-22-2005, 10:45 AM	#3
pierce Registered User Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Cincinnati,OH,USA Posts: 464	Re: Hardtop storage I use 2 2x4's with eyehooks on each side. 1 2x4 goes behind the front seats where the top bolts to the rails and the other across the back. I did bolt the top to the wood but don't remember the measurements, lately I just let the top sit on the wood without bolting it and hoist it to the ceiling. I do each side a little at a time till it reaches the ceiling. __________________ 69 GMC 1 Ton Longhorn 37 Chevy Coupe

12-22-2005, 12:58 PM	#4
LUV2XCLR8 The LuvShack Garage Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Maple Grove, TN (West Side) Posts: 30,470	Re: Hardtop storage A little pricey, JMHO, but I am going to get 2 of these for my tops (* The 4 point #7806 will handle 200 lbs., might get away with the #7803 on the single wall top, it's rated for 145 lbs. not really sure) Featured on Discovery Channel - http://www.hoister.com/selection.php __________________ Owner/Op: "TN Classic Transport Carriers" The Toy: "Square Vette" 72 Hybrid Blazer Toy Barn: "LuvShack" 40 x 60 x 20 Shop Big Piggy: "Goliath" 07 Kodiak C4500 Lil Piggy:"Maddy" 88 Silverado 3500 Hauler: "Feathers" 14 Aluma 8218T Last edited by LUV2XCLR8; 12-22-2005 at 12:58 PM.

12-28-2005, 06:06 PM	#5
BobbyK Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Location: Petrolia,Ontario,Canada but working in Port Huron,Mi. Posts: 1,769	Re: Hardtop storage here's what I did. Click HERE made this and raised it to the roof with this __________________ 71 blazer,350SBC,approx.375HP,700R4,factory GM TPI.Dual electric fans,33x12.5x15 ATR on stock suspension. Petrolia,Ontario,Canada but working in Port Huron,MI. See ALL my Blazer pic's HERE

12-29-2005, 03:11 AM	#6
71jimmy Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 1,084	Re: Hardtop storage Thanks for the replies everyone. I finally found the answer. The FACTORY manual is WRONG specifying 63". Imagine that!!! 67 1/4 seems to be correct. Just wanted to make sure there wasn't anything wrong with my tub since the hardtop has been off for so long. BobbyK that's a killer setup. __________________ '71 Jimmy, 350, SM465, NP205, 2in Tuff Country lift, 33s on rallies, TBI, softtop and hardtop "If life was fair you'd be able to afford one of each and a garage large enough to house them all."



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