DIY Hardtop Hoist
 

I wanted to build a hoist in my garage to make removal of the hardtop on my 1999 996 Cabriolet easier. I didn't like the designs with the metal parts above my shiny paint, so I built one from wood, with lots of extra padding to avoid scratches. Also, I did it very cheaply, mostly using spare stuff I had around my garage and basement. It's all manual (no geared handcrank), using simple pulleys and rope to gain a 3:1 mechanical advantage. I added a second rope to allow control of the angle, for easier removal and installation.

I doubt it's as easy to use as a powered hoist, but it works, and it was inexpensive.

Below is a photo, with detailed photos and descriptions to follow. I hope someone else finds the information useful.

Nice!!!

Full Details of Hard Top Hoist
 

Here are the full details of the hardtop hoist for my Cab. The roof top is supported by the inside, where the "shirt hangers" are located. It takes about 25 lbs of force to lift it, but that could be reduced by adding pulleys.

I chopped the info into 3 PDF's which are attached.

Nice job!

Good ingenuity.

More Details on convertible hard top hoist
 

:thumbsup:
More details on the hoist pulley arrangement...

Good job.

It would take me longer to draw the diagram than to build the lift. :bowdown:

That is impressive!!

Should we start a market survey?? :corn:

my wife would laugh, but Im impressed!

DUDE - I am sure thats not the first time for that !!!






:roflmao: :roflmao: :roflmao: :roflmao:
I almost spit my drink out laughing at that set up!

Doh! :)

I laughed out loud and a co-worked asked me what i was laughing at :icon501:

I built mine from pulleys, fittings and rope from Home Depot. For the bar I used a piece of fencing material (galv pipe) and covered it with pipe insulation secured with nylon zip ties (todays bailing wire). It cost about $30 in parts. It looks great.
In the year I have owned the 996 in Texas I have used the hard top once so about to take it to my office where I have space and drop it off until I re-sell (if ever). Don't spend $$$ on a hoist when you can easily build one!

I like that a lot.
You seem to be quite adept at strapping things to your walls and ceilings!

If you wanted to go to electric you could use one of the 220\440lb 120V hoists that harbor freight or northern sells for ~$89 on sale. I recently saw one on sale for $69 in Ebay.
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too..._120327_120327
http://www.harborfreight.com/catalog...y=&q=hoist&p=3