Hard top removal...How many helpers?
 

I'd like to remove my single wall top today without removing the hatch. How much manpower should I recruit?

Thanks.

Re: Hard top removal...How many helpers?
 

The few times I have done it I like to have 4 bodies (can be done with two strong but much easier with 4). After all the bolts are removed and I brake the seal on all the rubber seals I like to slide two 2X4s from side to side, one in the front and one in the back. A person on the end of each 2X4 lift and carry it to where you are storing it.

A few people have made hoists in there garage that makes it a one man operation. I don't have that luxury.

Re: Hard top removal...How many helpers?
 

Thanks! I'll round up a posse and give it a go. Pics to follow :)

Pete

Re: Hard top removal...How many helpers?
 

3 people minimum. Two can easily carry it, but it helps to have a third person under it to lift it for finger room. Then they can also help out the one that is struggling more to carry it.

Re: Hard top removal...How many helpers?
 

Really depends on how much beer you have in the fridge.

Re: Hard top removal...How many helpers?
 

A couple nights lodging, meals, a lot of beer as AJ says and I might be willing to drive up for that 15 min, job!

Re: Hard top removal...How many helpers?
 

My son and I have put on and removed mine several times. We aren't small guys though. He's 6'2 250 and I'm right behind him. I think one more would have made it a little easier to negotiate it though. Next time I move it, I'm gonna make the wife navigate. Gotta take it off here soon to paint!!! Ya!

Re: Hard top removal...How many helpers?
 

Just me and my 62 year old dad did mine. Definately would have been easier with at least one more person but it's possible with just 2.

Re: Hard top removal...How many helpers?
 

I did it alone by backing my pickup to the back of the Jimmy. I lifted the top to put two 2x4's across the bed of the Jimmy. Then I just got inside and used my shoulders to pick up and slowly walk the top towards my truck using one of the 2x4's as a place to push off with my arms (highly recommended as the back strain would be intense and dangerous otherwise).

The top is currently resting on the bed rails of my pickup.

I don't have a back seat which made the operation very easy. From start to finish tool about half an hour. Will go much faster next time.

Don't have the pictures of operation drop top on this computer but here is a pic of the top on my truck.

Now I need to get it off my truck so today I'm working on a stand to store the top on.

Re: Hard top removal...How many helpers?
 

Me + my bro + 69 year old dad + a couple of 2x4s =

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g1...ofIMG_1627.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g1...2/IMG_1626.jpg

Thanks guys

Re: Hard top removal...How many helpers?
 

couple more:

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g1...2/IMG_1628.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g1...2/IMG_1634.jpg

Re: Hard top removal...How many helpers?
 

I've done it by myself, But I don't recommend it. Though it's almost easier to do myself then with only 2 people,

Re: Hard top removal...How many helpers?
 

Beautiful Blazer. I love the red interior with the white body.

I pull/install my top by myself all the time using this system - http://home.pacbell.net/jls-dls/RemoveTop.html

Re: Hard top removal...How many helpers?
 

one man with imagination is enough// you just need to outhink an inanimate object

Re: Hard top removal...How many helpers?
 

I 2nd that is nice red interior.

Re: Hard top removal...How many helpers?
 

The first guy is right. I mean... sure, less people can do it. Heck, One person CAN do it. But... if you like to keep you paint unscratctched... why risk it. If it gets out of balance... youll pay.

Re: Hard top removal...How many helpers?
 

wow that is a nice blazer. great job shock

Re: Hard top removal...How many helpers?
 

thanks guys!

good point Tom. Even with three guys we had to be careful moving the top back and off. No paint was scratched, but 4 dudes would have balanced it much better ;)

Pete

Re: Hard top removal...How many helpers?
 

White exterior with red interior really grew on me with my 2000 Vette. I've never seen a blazer with that combo. Nice!

And as for the the top, I dug 4 holes just wider than the Jimmy body and the length of the Jimmy bed, and put 4 8-foot landscape timbers in the ground. Braced it up nice over the top and just higher than the bed rails. Backed the truck between the landscape timbers, and lifted the rear and the front of the top off the bed of the Jimmy while the wife slide a 2x4 between the top and the landscape timbers at the front and the back of the bed of the truck. Then drove out from underneath the top!

Re: Hard top removal...How many helpers?
 

Great idea Jason! I should try that.

Yeah the Blazer was this color combo when I got it. I'm not usually a fan of white trucks, but it has definitely grown on me. Someday I plan to install a rollbar and paint it gloss red just to balance out the look.

Pete

Re: Hard top removal...How many helpers?
 

Thats what I did, with a little paitence you can do it by your self. Background in pic

Re: Hard top removal...How many helpers?
 

If you leave the top off for extended periods of time or during hot weather, I suggest making a bar to attach to at least two sets of holes on the tops lower bolt holes to keep it from getting out of shape.
I measured my Blazers attach point and took a 1/4" stock bar and drilled holes to match.

Re: Hard top removal...How many helpers?
 

subbin in here

Re: Hard top removal...How many helpers?
 

I have a double wall and done it with 2...3 is much better though...1 up front, 2 in the back...

Re: Hard top removal...How many helpers?
 

I do my top by myself by a similar method.
DItch the old top on my trailer
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a3...rdtopswap1.jpg

Get the rig into position

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a3...rdtopswap2.jpg

Lift the top and get 2x4s under it

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a3...rdtopswap3.jpg

then procede with trying to not kill yourself in the dark trying to move a top while also trying to not damage your nice seats....
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a3...rdtopswap4.jpg
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a3...rdtopswap5.jpg
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a3...rdtopswap6.jpg
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a3...rdtopswap7.jpg