Using rack to lift hard top

[Sylvestermax]

I have the roof rack extension which uses all four mounting points on the hard top. I was think of using the rack to help lift the hard top off the vehicle with the help of a small hoist mounted from the ceiling of my garage. The hoist is designed to lift kayaks out of the way and can lift up to 220lbs. Has anyone done this? I know the top is fairly light, but I don't know if the rack would be able to hold the top while suspended? Please give me your thoughts.

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[BOLD Renegade93]

It doesn’t seem very feasible in my opinion. The rack only connects to the top at the rear section mounting points so you’d have the mid and front panels basically holding on by just the L-brackets that connects each panel. Seems like a lot of weight just “dangling” there for lack of better words. I imagine that the brackets would loosen up under the torque of the free hanging panels

 

[Sylvestermax]

It doesn’t seem very feasible in my opinion. The rack only connects to the top at the rear section mounting points so you’d have the mid and front panels basically holding on by just the L-brackets that connects each panel. Seems like a lot of weight just “dangling” there for lack of better words. I imagine that the brackets would loosen up under the torque of the free hanging panels

I would certainly not be hanging the front and mid sections as well. That would be impossible being that they are actually held in place by the car car itself. I was only referring to the rear portion of the top. But thanks for your thoughts on it.

 

[BOLD Renegade93]

I would certainly not be hanging the front and mid sections as well. That would be impossible being that they are actually held in place by the car car itself. I was only referring to the rear portion of the top. But thanks for your thoughts on it.

That makes more sense. I interpreted your question as you wanting to hang the whole top that way. I think hanging the rear portion via the roof rack is an option. Those clamps are pretty dang strong and I had a heck of a time taking them off when I removed my roof rack.

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