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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Blazers/Jimmys => Topic started by: LUV2XCLR8 on August 15, 2009, 06:25:14 am

Title: 76 up Removable Top
Post by: LUV2XCLR8 on August 15, 2009, 06:25:14 am

I want to make a hoist to remove my top from the 81, any ideas on the weight?

(I have had several 69-72's and man are they freaking heavy for one person)

Title: Re: 76 up Removable Top
Post by: VileZambonie on August 15, 2009, 10:09:19 am

Some pulleys and a winch crank with 2x4's works good.

Title: Re: 76 up Removable Top
Post by: LUV2XCLR8 on August 15, 2009, 11:08:45 am

Pretty much what I had in mind using a john boat crank.

What I am really curious about is the weight of the top?

Title: Re: 76 up Removable Top
Post by: Captkaos on August 15, 2009, 10:07:37 pm

Travis did this on his Blazer.  I would say they are about 200lbs, but I am guessing.  The one that was on the back of my Crew Cab we picked up with just 2 people.

Title: Re: 76 up Removable Top
Post by: LUV2XCLR8 on August 15, 2009, 10:25:17 pm

Travis eh? I will have to smack him for not telling me that.

TY Chris

Title: Re: 76 up Removable Top
Post by: 82BlazerMan on August 23, 2009, 09:34:04 pm

I would guess about 400 lbs.  Me and a buddy took mine off. (one time)  That's all it took for me.  It's been on ever since.  But.......I would like to see some kind of wench system that's not to hard to put together.

Title: Re: 76 up Removable Top
Post by: joesgarage71 on August 24, 2009, 06:46:29 pm

Pig poles, a pulley at the top 1/4" cable to a boat crank bolted to one of the poles. one man job. back under, strap it up, crank, pull out`. saw horses to set it on.
 or make a swing set type deal (but taller) to back under.
Steve

Title: Re: 76 up Removable Top
Post by: 82BlazerMan on August 25, 2009, 12:32:49 pm

Ok, I'm a city boy.  I've never heard of pig poles.  Could you draw me a sketch?

Title: Re: 76 up Removable Top
Post by: joesgarage71 on August 25, 2009, 01:21:53 pm

Three poles(2"pipe) 25-30 ft. joined together with a bar (or threaded bar nuts on each end or pipe with caps on each end)through on one end, then lift the joined ends up and spread the legs out like your making a teepe. Folks call them pig poles they hoist game for draining and skinning.
 I use them for pulling engines, Cabs and lifting up trusses, whatever. I have extendions for mine and a electric hoist.
Steve
(http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w77/Joesgarage71/SANY1866.jpg)
(http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w77/Joesgarage71/SANY1865.jpg)

Title: Re: 76 up Removable Top
Post by: ccz145a on August 25, 2009, 04:52:10 pm

<miagi_voice>Balance key. Whole life -- balance</miaigi_voice>
Balance bad -- engine fall.

Title: Re: 76 up Removable Top
Post by: joesgarage71 on August 25, 2009, 07:09:48 pm

 ;D HA I just put the motor in Old Rusty today. The cab was put on last month with those poles. Never had any problems, and if you space them right you wouldn't either.

Title: Re: 76 up Removable Top
Post by: 82BlazerMan on August 30, 2009, 09:28:50 pm

Looks a little scary, but I think I might try it.  Or I might consult with my welding gifted brother and see what he could make me.

Title: Re: 76 up Removable Top
Post by: SUX2BU99 on September 18, 2009, 10:35:41 am

Say you had a hoist system to just back under, drop the top down and go, how do you set it down and then get the supporting members like the straps or 2x4 supports, out from under the top now that it's sandwiched between the top and the truck?

Title: Re: 76 up Removable Top
Post by: joesgarage71 on September 18, 2009, 02:51:52 pm

Its light enough to pick up one side to remove a strap. Could make a cradle from straps