BigTop 94939 User manual

Revised Manual 07b, 09k
METAL FRAME CAR SHELTER
94939
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
Visit our website at: http://www.harborfreight.com
Read this material before using this product.
Failure to do so can result in serious injury.
SAVE THIS MANUAL.
Copyright©2006 by Harbor Freight Tools®. All rights reserved. No portion of this manual or any artwork
contained herein may be reproduced in any shape or form without the express written consent of
Harbor Freight Tools. Diagrams within this manual may not be drawn proportionally. Due to continuing
improvements, actual product may differ slightly from the product described herein. Tools required for
assembly and service may not be included.
For technical questions or replacement parts, please call 1-800-444-3353.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
SAVE THIS MANUAL
You will need this manual for the safety warnings and precautions, assembly, operat-
ing, inspection, maintenance and cleaning procedures, parts list and assembly diagram.
Keep your invoice with this manual. Write the invoice number on the inside of the front
cover. Keep this manual and invoice in a safe and dry place for future reference.
GENERAL SAFETY RULES
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING!
READ AND UNDERSTAND ALL INSTRUCTIONS
Failure to follow all instructions detailed in this manual may
result in serious personal injury.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
SKU 94939 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353 PAGE 2
1. Keep your work area clean and well lit. Cluttered and dark work areas invite
accidents.
2. Stay alert. Watch what you are doing, and use common sense when operating
tools and equipment. Do not assemble this product while tired or under the
 inuenceofdrugs,alcohol,ormedication.Amomentofinattentionwhile
operating tools and equipment may result in serious personal injury.
3. Wear eye protection. Wear ANSI-approved safety impact goggles when
assembling this product. The factory machined metal parts may be
extremely sharp. Handle with caution and wear heavy duty work gloves.
Also, wear an ANSI-approved hard hat and steel toe boots for additional
protection.
ITEM DESCRIPTION
Overall Dimensions 19’10” Long x 12’ Wide x 8’3-3/16” High
Roof Panel Dimensions 10’ Long x 3’ Wide x 28 Gauge T
Roof Overhang 11” Out from Frame
Roof Gables 16” From Center of Peak Down
Frame Dimensions External: 18’1/4” Long x 12’3-7/8” Wide x 8’3-3/4” High @ Center
Internal: 18’1-1/4” Long x 12’1-3/16” Wide x 8’1-3/4” High
Side Wall Height 6’8” High
Side Post Spacing 4’6” On Centers
Tubing 2” x 2” Square Tubing
Anchor Stake Size 30” Long x 1/2” O.D.
Weight Approximately 600 lbs.

SKU 94939 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353 PAGE 3
4. Do not force the Car Shelter. Use the correct product for your application.
The correct product will do the job better and safer at the rate for which it
is designed.
5. Maintain the Car Shelter with care. Keep this product clean. A properly
maintained products are less likely to malfunction. Do not use damaged
products. Tag damaged products “Do not use” until repaired.
6. Check for any condition that may negatively affect the Car Shelter’s
operation. If damaged, have the Car Shelter serviced before using. Many
accidents are caused by poorly maintained products.
7. Use only accessories that are recommended by the manufacturer for your
model. Accessories that may be suitable for one product may become
hazardous when used on another product.
11. Product service must be performed only by qualied service technician.
 Serviceormaintenanceperformedbyunqualiedpersonnelcouldresultin 
a risk of injury.
12. When servicing the Car Shelter, use only identical replacement parts.
Follow instructions in the “Inspection, Maintenance, And Cleaning” section of this
manual. Use of unauthorized parts or failure to follow maintenance instructions
8. Industrial applications must follow OSHA requirements.
9. Maintain labels and nameplates on the Car Shelter. These carry important
information. If unreadable or missing, contact Harbor Freight Tools for a
replacement.
10. Use the right product for the job. There are certain applications for which this
product was designed. Do not use small products to do the work of larger
industrial products. Do not use this product for a purpose for which it was not
intended.
may create a risk of personal injury.
13. Always make sure the area of use for this product is clear of any children
and pets. Do not allow children to play on or in the Car Shelter.
14. Do not attempt to assemble the Car Shelter when high wind conditions
exist as personal injury and/or property damage may result.
15. Whether assembling on a concrete foundation using cement anchor bolts
(not included) or using the Anchor Stakes (provided) to secure to the
ground, make sure the Car Shelter is secured to a at, dry and level
surface.

SKU 94939 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353 PAGE 4
16. Do not allow snow to accumulate on the Car Shelter as the canopy could
collapse. The Car Shelter could topple in strong winds, causing damage to
personal property. Disassemble if weather conditions become severe and could
damage the Car Shelter. Clear heavy debris off the shelter before going under
it. Harbor Freight Tools is not responsible for damage due to weather conditions
and will not be held responsible for a Car Shelter exposed to and/or damaged by
conditions such as high winds, heavy rain, snow or ice under any conditions.
17. Do not attempt to move an assembled Car Shelter.
18. Do not sit or stand on top of the Car Shelter, and do not place anything on
top of the Car Shelter.
19. Snow/debris accumulation hazard. The heavy weight of accumualted snow or
other debris can cause parts of this Car Shelter to buckles suddenly. Do not allow
debris to accumualte on top of the Car Shelter. If snowfall is expected, place
additional supports (not provided) underneath the roof. NEVER enter a Car
Shelter with accumulated debris on top.
20. WARNING! Ladders are inherently dangerous equipment to use. If you are
using a ladder to assemble this product, make sure to read and adhere to the
safety warnings and instructions as recommended by the manufacturer/
distributor of the ladder you are using.
21. Prolonged exposure to wind can cause fasteners and hardware to loosen
as the frame exes. The Car Shelter’s frame strength will be compromised if
fasteners and hardware are not tight. Periodically, check to make sure all
fasteners and hardware are tight. Tubes and Anchors should also be periodically
checked to make sure the unit is always structurally rigid.
22. WARNING! Do not allow the vehicle’s engine to run while parked
within the Car Shelter. When running, the engine of a vehicle produces carbon
monoxide, a colorless, odorless, toxic gas that, when inhaled, can cause serious
personal injury or death.
23. WARNING! The warnings and cautions discussed in this manual
cannot cover all possible conditions and situations that may occur. It must be
understood by the operator that common sense and caution are factors which
cannot be built into this product, but must be supplied by the operator.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

UNPACKING
When unpacking, check to make sure all the parts shown in the Parts List on page 11
are included. If any parts are missing or broken, please call Harbor Freight Tools at the
number shown on the front cover of this manual as soon as possible.
SKU 94939 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353 PAGE 5
FOUNDATION
Prior to assembly, a proper foundation must be laid. The Car Shelter must be
properly supported to help prevent property damage and injury in the event
of strong winds or inclement weather. Wind and ground conditions may vary
from site to site, and may affect the practicality and effectiveness of anchoring
methods substantually. If you have any doubt regarding the stability of the
foundation you are to use, consult a professional.
It is always your responsibility to ensure that the Car Shelter is properly
anchored. Harbor Freight Tools cannot be held responsible for personal injury,
damage to the Car Shelter, or other property damage that occurs as a result of
improperly anchoring the Car Shelter.
Be certain to check with local authorities to obtain all required building permits
and to famialrize yourself with any building codes that may apply.
Decide on a location for the Car Shelter. The location should optimally be a
level, well-lit area that is sheltered from the wind. The entrance of the Car Shelter
should not open towards the prevailing wind, if possible.
IMPORTANT - READ THE FOLLOWING CAREFULLY BEFORE PROCEEDING
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
1. Wear eye protection. Wear ANSI-approved safety impact goggles when
assembling this product. The factory machined metal parts may be
extremely sharp. Handle with caution, and wear heavy duty work gloves.
Also, wear an ANSI-approved hard hat and steel toe boots for additional
protection.
2. WARNING! Ladders are inherently dangerous equipment to use. If you are
using a ladder to assemble this product, make sure to read and adhere to the
safety warnings and instructions as recommended by the manufacturer/
distributor of the ladder you are using.
3. NOTE: More than one person is required to assemble this product.

SKU 94939 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353 PAGE 6
Site Preparation For Concret Foundation
1. It is recommended the Car Shelter be placed on a concrete foundation that is
level side to side and sloped about 1/8” per foot from front to back or back to
front to allow for proper drainage. DO NOT USE THE ANCHOR STAKES (7) TO
SECURE THE CAR SHELTER TO A CONCRETE BASE.
2. If you will be pouring a concrete slab for your Car Shelter, the slab should be at
least 5” thick and the concrete 2,500 to 3,000 PSI. NOTE: Make sure the slab
is completely dry before installation.
3. The outside dimensions of the concrete slab should be at least 3” larger than the
outside frame dimensions of the Car Shelter. Example: If the outside frame
dimensions of the Car Shelter is 18’1/4” long and 12’3-7/8” wide the concrete
slab dimensions should be 18’3-1/4” long and 12’6-7/8” wide. This will allow
the Anchor Bolts (10) to be 3” from the edge of the slab. (See Figure A.)
FRAME LENGTH + 3”
FRAME WIDTH + 3”
CONCRETE SLAB
FIGURE A
Assembling And Positioning The End Base And Center Base Rails:
1. Lay out the four End Base Rails (5) and two Center Base Rails (6) on the
concrete slab. (See Figure B, next page.)
Ground Installation (“Caisson”)
1. When installing the Car Shelter to the ground, dig a post hole 12” in diameter and
24” deep. Dig ten holes of similar depths, using the four End Base Rails (5) and
two Center Base Rails (6) as guides for where the holes should be dug.
2. Use a post hole digger or auger (not included) to drill your 30” deep holes into the
 ground.Cleanouttheholes.LayoutthebaserailsandttheAnchorStakes(7)
into the pre-dilled holes in the rails and then into the drilled holes in the ground.
 Usingashovel(notincluded),lltheholeswith2500psi-ratedconcrete(not 
included.)
3. You should wait at least seven days for the concrete to properly set in the holes
before continuing with the Car Shelter assembly.

SKU 94939 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353 PAGE 7
2. Join the End Bases (5) and Center Bases (6) together.
(See Figure B.)
3. Using a tape measure (not included), take a measurement across the diagonals
of the frame to check it for squareness. Adjust the frame until the measurments
are equal. (See Figure B.)
DIAGONAL DIMENSIONS
SHOULD BE EQUAL
18’1/4”
12’3-7/8”
FIGURE B
4. After you have completed all measurements and have the End Base (5) and
Center Base (6) Rails in place and squared, screw the joints together with two
Self Tapping Screws (8) per joint on the top surface of the Base Rails.
(See Figure B.)
Anchoring The End Bases And Center Bases To The Concrete Slab:
1. To drill the anchor holes, you will need a hammer drill and a 1/2” diameter
concrete drill bit (neither included).
2. Hold the Base Rails (5, 6) in place with your foot. Insert the 1/2” diameter
concrete drill bit through the anchor holes in the Base Rails and drill the holes
about 5” deep into the concrete slab. (See Figure C.)
SELF TAPPING SCREWS
(8)
DRILL HOLES
5” DEEP
INTO
CONCRETE
SLAB
INSERT
CEMENT ANCHOR
SO THAT WASHER
RESTS AGAINST
BASE RAILS
FIRMLY
TIGHTEN
CEMENT
ANCHOR
NUT
FIGURE C
BASE RAILS
(5, 6)

3. Once the holes are drilled, use an air compresser to blow out the concrete dust
with compressed air from each of the holes. WARNING: To avoid inhaling dust
particles, wear a protective mask or face shield. (See Figure C.)
4. Use a hammer to tap the cement anchors (not included) through the pre-drilled
holes into the concrete slab surface. Continue tapping the cement anchors until
their washers rest against the top edge of the Base Rails (5, 6). (See Figure C.)
5. Firmly tighten the nuts of the cement ancors (not included) to secure the Base
Rails (5, 6) to the concrete slab surface. (See Figure C.)
6. When securing to the ground, use the Anchor Stakes (7) in place of the
cement anchors. Please Note: Before set up, be sure that the ground where
the Stakes are installed is free of any underground pipes or wires.
Roof And Wall Assembly:
1. Before assembling the roof and wall sections, stack the Peak Tubes (2). Line up
their ends and mark a line on the top of each Peak Tube 17-1/8” from one end.
 ThiswillbethelocationoftheedgeofyourrstrunofsheetmetalPanels(1)on
the roof of the Car Shelter. (See Figure D.)
MARK
17-1/8”
STACKED
PEAK TUBES
(2)
FIGURE D
2. On the ground, assemble the Peak Tubes (2), Rafters (3), and Side Posts (4)
using the Self Tapping Screws (8). (See Figure E.)
SIDE POST
(4)
RAFTER
(3)
PEAK TUBE
(2)
PEAK TUBE
TO
RAFTER
JOINT SIDE POST
TO
RAFTER
JOINT
SELF TAPPING SCREW
(8)
FIGURE E
SKU 94939 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353 PAGE 8

3. Place the bottom of the Side Posts (4) on the Base Rail (5, 6) pins and drop the
Side Posts onto the pins. Then secure the Side Posts to the pins, using the Self
Tapping Screws (8). (See Figure F.)
SIDE POST
(4)
BASE RAILS
(5, 6)
SELF
TAPPING
SCREWS
(8)
SIDE POST
(4)
BASE RAIL
PIN
BASE RAIL
(5, 6)
FIGURE F
To Install The Panels On The Frame:
1. PlacetherstPanel(1)ontheroofwiththeunderlappingedgeofthePanellined
up with the previously placed marks on the Peak Tubes (2) and the end of the
Panel overhanging the end of the building eleven inches.
(See Figures D and G.)
2. WiththePanel(1)linedupwiththemarks,attachthePaneltotherstframe 
section, using the Self Tapping Screws with Rubber Washers (9). NOTE: Install
the Self Tapping Screws about one inch above the ribs of the Panel.
(See Figure G.)
11” OVERHANG
TAPE
(11)
17-1/8”
FROM
END OF
PEAK
UNDERLAPPING EDGE
PANEL
(1)
SELF TAPPING SCREWS
WITH RUBBER WASHERS
(9)
FIGURE G
SKU 94939 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353 PAGE 9

4. Slide the lower Panel (1) under the edges of the Panel above. Before installing
the Self Tapping Screws with Rubber Washers (9), make sure the lower Panel
is square with the Panel above. Then install the Self Tapping Screws with
Rubber Washers. (See Figure G.)
5. Install all Panels (1) down the peak of the Car Shelter before moving on to the
lower section of panels. (See Figure H.)
3. Run a strip of Tape (11) across the end of the Panel. (See Figure G.)
TAPE
(11)
PANEL
(1)
LIFT EDGE OF PREVIOUS
PANEL AND INSERT LOWER
PANEL UNDERNEATH
FIGURE H
6. Continue installing Panels (1) down the peak of the Car Shelter and onward
down the sides of the frame. (See Figure I.)
7. WhennishedinstallingthePanels(1),runalengthofEdgeTrim(10)alongboth
gable ends of the Car Shelter. (See Figure I.)
EDGE TRIM (10)
(GABLE END)
EDGE TRIM (10)
(GABLE END)
FIGURE I
SKU 94939 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353 PAGE 10

SKU 94939 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353 PAGE 11
INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE, AND CLEANING
1. CAUTION! Make sure to wear ANSI approved safety impact goggles and
heavy work gloves before performing any inspection, maintenance, or cleaning of
the Car Shelter.
2. Before each use: Inspect the general condition of the Car Shelter. Check for
damaged parts, loose hardware, and any other condition that may affect this
product’s safe operation. If a problem occurs, have the problem corrected before
further use. Do not use damaged equipment.
3. To clean: Use a clean, soft, damp cloth, mild detergent, and garden hose.
Then, allow to air-dry. Do not use solvents.
4. CAUTION! All maintenance, service, and repairs not discussed in this
 manualshouldonlybeperformedbyaqualiedservicetechnician.
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING CAREFULLY
THE MANUFACTURER AND/OR DISTRIBUTOR HAS PROVIDED THE PARTS LIST AND
ASSEMBLY DIAGRAM IN THIS MANUALAS A REFERENCE TOOL ONLY. NEITHER THE
MANUFACTURER OR DISTRIBUTOR MAKES ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY
OF ANY KIND TO THE BUYER THAT HE OR SHE IS QUALIFIED TO REPLACE ANY
PARTS OF THE PRODUCT. IN FACT, THE MANUFACTURER AND/OR DISTRIBUTOR
EXPRESSLY STATES THAT ALL REPAIRS AND PARTS REPLACEMENTS SHOULD
BE UNDERTAKEN BY CERTIFIED AND LICENSED TECHNICIANS, AND NOT BY
THE BUYER. THE BUYER ASSUMES ALL RISKS AND LIABILITY ARISING OUT OF
HIS OR HER REPAIRS TO THE ORIGINAL PRODUCT OR REPLACEMENT PARTS
THERETO, OR ARISING OUT OF HIS OR HER INSTALLATION OF REPLACEMENT
PARTS THERETO.

PARTS LIST AND ASSEMBLY DIAGRAM
SKU 94939 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353 PAGE 12
NOTE:
Some parts are listed and shown for illustration purposes only,
and are not available individually as replacement parts.
5
6
4
10
3
2
1
5
6
7
8
9
10
1
2
3
4
18’1-1/4”
8’3/4”
12’3/8”
PART # DESCRIPTION QTY PART # DESCRIPTION QTY
1 Panel 10 7 Anchor Stake 10
2 Peak Tube 5 8 Self-Tapping Screw (1) 72
3 Rafter 10 9 Self-Tapping Screw (2) 165
4 Side Post 10 10 Edge Trim 22
5 Eng Base 4 11 Tape 25
6 Center Base 2