Hard top removal - permanent hardware in fiberglass

[Tomo]

My guess is this has been discussed before but I'm unable to find the thread. Has anyone drilled holes in their double wall top and used eye bolts to remove it like in the pic below? This is a late 70s/80s k5 with a half cab - think this could work for a first gen?

Here's more info on the set up: http://ck5.com/forums/threads/a-bett...ardtop.240634/

[Tom Vogel]

[Tomo]

Originally Posted by Tom Vogel

Not a fan? It doesn't always have the eye bolts sticking out. On a 4x4 I don't think you would ever see this hardware. My main concern is will 4 anchor points be enough to lift a double wall top without ripping through the fiberglass - Kinda guessing this will be the case. Here's the hardware:

[Tuff Gong]

Just throw a few 2x4s under it and hoist it up. Not worth modifying the top in my opinion.

[truckster]

Halloween prank, maybe?

[OldBalls]

Originally Posted by Brian Atkinson

Just throw a few 2x4s under it and hoist it up. Not worth modifying the top in my opinion.

Here's my rig, works fine.

[Tomo]

Originally Posted by OldBalls

Here's my rig, works fine.

My concern with this method is scratching the paint (Once I get to that point) - probably making it out to be a bigger deal than it really is.

[hemi43]

Originally Posted by truckster

Halloween prank, maybe?

I'm thinking more like April fools !

[OldBalls]

Originally Posted by Tomo

My concern with this method is scratching the paint (Once I get to that point) - probably making it out to be a bigger deal than it really is.

Ya I agree on the paint issue. This guy built a frame above the top which is my plan...

http://public.fotki.com/blazbk/blaze...oof/page2.html

[Tomo]

Originally Posted by OldBalls

Ya I agree on the paint issue. This guy built a frame above the top which is my plan...

http://public.fotki.com/blazbk/blaze...oof/page2.html

That looks great - thanks for the info. I'll probably end up doing something like that too.

[Tuff Gong]

I used (4) separate straps so they don't even touch the top.

[OldBalls]

Looks good!

[Tomo]

Delete

[dirish]

Originally Posted by brian atkinson

i used (4) separate straps so they don't even touch the top.

x2
Dbl 2x4s on top straddling trusses. Single 4x4s on bottom. ONE strap on each corner. I added a steel tether in case of strap failure.

[Blazerowner]

I think cracking the top would be a possibility with those eye bolts attached directly to the top. I can see the reasoning but the top is pretty heavy. I went with the 2x4s like others and lifting up each corner to put the chain on the bolt took a bit of strength. I would say if you did go that route there would need to be some large bracing on the underside. You may get bowing as well since there isn't support for the sides.

[BobbyK]

Originally Posted by OldBalls

Ya I agree on the paint issue. This guy built a frame above the top which is my plan...

http://public.fotki.com/blazbk/blaze...oof/page2.html

That was the 1st version.
Here is the 2nd version.

Link to the build.
http://public.fotki.com/blazbk/blaze...g-the-roof-to/

[BobbyK]

Here it is in action.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4X-flPMbAxE