Lange Hoist-a-Top 2-Door JK User manual

Installation Instructions/Hoist-a-Top 2-Door JK
The Hoist-a-Top is designed to help you remove your Jeep* quickly and easily by yourself. This kit requires a
garage or carport with a minimum ceiling height of 7 feet and a maximum height of ten feet. This Hoist-a-Top
mounts on a back or side wall and on a strong ceiling joist. Read the instructions carefully and follow all
precautions and safety suggestions.
Tools Required
Electric drill with 3/8" bit,
Phillips screw driver,
adjustable wrench,
Measuring tape & pencil.
Hammer
Parts Included
Drawing # Description Qty.
1 Cable Pullernot included with optional power unit 1
2 Hoist Frame T Section 1
3 Frame Arms 27" 2
4 Center Frame Arm 38" 1
5 Top Section Support Arm System/slide 1
6 Eye Bolt 1/2" with lag screw end 2
7 Screws #4 6
8 End Caps 5
9 Nylon Capture Nuts 3/8" 1
10 Rubber Coated J Hooks 2
11 Rubber Coated L Hook 1
12 Foam Top Protectors 12
13 Eye Bolt 3/8" shorty 1
14 Eye Nuts 2
15 Stretch Cords 2
16 "T" Shaped Foam Standoffs 2
If your box is damaged and because of the
damage, you are missing parts or have
damaged parts, call your selling dealer
immediately for instructions.
Please be aware that any lifting device can
be dangerous. Read and understand all
warnings given at the back of these in-
structions and always use common sense
with lifting or lowering your top!
Missing parts, damage or questions-
-How to get a hold of us:
Figure 1, Hoist-A-TopTM Ready to
Lift Top with Top Panels

40”
2 x 4 Truss Rafter
86”
If your garage uses 2 x 6 boards as rafters, allow up to 84" between supports. Use good judgement
when attaching to any wood rafter. Check for knots or imperfections in the wood that might weaken
with lifting and lowering of your top. If any support deflects or bows, add extra support to be safe. If
unsure, please contact a professional for help.
If your span between supports uses a 2 x 4 truss-type rafter and is more than 40", nail or screw
more support as shown below. If the rafters in your garage run in the opposite direction, use a 2 x
6 as a support between rafters (24" to 16" between centers). Use a metal joist hanger on each
end of this support and extra nails or screws.
Figure 4, Ceiling Support Requirements
Extra 2 x 4s
nailedtogether Extra 2 x 6 nailed or
screwed along rafter
Drill a centered 3/8" hole in the
rafter.Make sure there are
no knots or other
imperfections.If so,
reinforce as suggested
in Figure 4. Screw the
Eye Bolt (5) in so no
threads are visible.
Mount the Eye Bolt (5) in the wall
stud as shown. Drill the hole
carefully in the center of the stud.
If you have a concrete or block
wall, use an appropriate concrete
anchor rated for at least 500
pounds.
Figure 3, Eye Bolt
Mounting In Rafter & Wall
Mount the cable puller or power hoist parallel
with the ceiling rafters as shown with the
diagram to the right.This is the strongest
method to mount and pull from.
If you must mount the puller
at a right angle to the rafter, you should
reinforce this rafter with 2x4" bracing between
the two adjacent rafters at the point of the
eyebolt. This prevents pulling the eyebolt
directly from the side of the rafter.
Rafter
Mount the puller
either on a side
wall or a back wall
If the ceiling height is nine-to-ten feet, the
wall mounting of the cable puller must be
higher than 60 inches.
If your ceiling is higher than ten feet or
you require longer cable than the 13 feet
supplied in the manual unit, we recommend
using Lange's Power Unit. The power unit has
forty feet of cable and can lift from just about
anywhere.
Important Site Preparation
Please follow in order and read carefully before start-
ing. Parts from the first page's Parts List are repre-
sented in the text by name and part number: example
Hoist Frame T Section (2).
1Prepare your site, measure and mark according to
Figure 2. Use the following diagram and mount the 1/2" Eye
Bolt (5) by drilling a 3/8" hole in the ceiling joist as shown in Figure 3.
Caution: This is a critical step. Make sure the hole you drill
into the rafter is the right size. It is important that this hole be
3/8" for the screw eye to hold properly. Too large and the bolt
could come out and too small and the joist could be damaged.
Make sure you drill the hole directly in the center of the joist.
Make sure there are no knots, splits, or deformities in the
rafter. Follow the recommendations in Figure 4 and make
sure your ceiling joist can carry the load!
Thread the Eye Bolt (6) as far as it will go into the joist leaving
only the circular eye-portion showing. Use a 2" x 6" rafter if
available. A 2" x 4" rafter should only be used if necessary or
should be reinforced as in Figure 4. Again, make sure the Eye
Bolt (6) goes into the center of a joist and that it doesn’t contain
knots or other imperfections (cracks or splits).
If uncertain about load or other considerations, contact a
professional for advise or help.
At a wall (side wall or back wall) as shown in Figure 2, about 60"
or higher (better) from the floor, drill a 3/8" hole in the stud and
mount the second Eye Bolt (6).
Figure 2, Typical Layout Measurement
68"-74"
60+"
Approx 20"
This dimension
can vary depend-
ingon yourreach
& vehicle type.
Make as height
as you can reach
comfortably and
safely operate.
98"-120"
Mount the puller
either on a side
wall or a back
wall
84-120"
68-72"

32”
11”
21”
Layout the parts on the floor as shown in Figure 5
and proceed with the following steps in order.
Figure 5, General Assembly Overview of
Hoist Frame
Assemble the sections using
the dimensions shown in this
drawing.
T Foam Section
Balance Slide (4) may be
adjusted to set the balance.
(The back of the top should
be low by 2 to 3 inches for
easier lowering of the top
onto the Jeep.) The slide is
secured to the bar with a
ShortyEyebolt(13).
9
T Foam Section Place foam
standoffs
asshown
T Section
SupportArm (5) s
Slide three Foam Protectors (12) on each of the Frame Arms
(3) and three on the Top Section SupportArms (5). Use soapy
water to ease the installation of these foam parts and orient
each as shown in Figure 5.
Use a hammer and install the End Caps (8) in all exposed
tube ends.
Install the front "T" Shaped Foam Standoff (16) as shown in
Figure 6 and locate as in Figure 5. Be careful to orient the
parts as shown, they are not symmetrical and must be
installed correctly. The Foam "T" installed on the Hoist Frame
T Section (1) is a tight fit and must be forced onto the bar.
InstallArms (3), Center Frame Arm (4), Top Section Support
(5) into the Hoist Frame T (2) following the dimensions as
shown in Figure 5. Use the six Screws (7) to secure the frame
arms to the T Frame. Do not overtighten and strip the threads.
Secure the Top Section Support Arm (5) with the Shorty Eye
Insert the two Front Arms (3) into the T
Section until they meet in the center.
J Hook
J Hook
L Hook Thread the eye bolt to the two
front J Hooks attached to the
front Bars.. Then, attach the
slip ring to the eye bolt to hold
thebungiecord
2Assemble the hoist frame as
shown in the following Figures.
Assembly
Bolt. Tighten the eyebolt after aligning the part from the mea-
surements shown in Figure 5. Install the rear Foam "T" Standoff
(16) and orient as in Figure 6.
Now, install the Hooks (10 & 11) with the Eye Nuts and Rings
(see the inset photo in Figure 5). Attach the rear Lhook using
the Nyloc nut.
Before hooking up the Cable Puller (1) to the hoist frame,
remove the pin holding the cable to the puller and make the
puller a single line unit,see Figure 9.Attach the "U" clamp on
the end of the cable to the Shorty Eye Bolt (13).
The rear hook on the Cable Puller (1) attaches to the wall
mounted eye lag. The pulley and hook attach to the ceiling eye
lag, and the Shorty Eye Bolt attaches to the Balance Slide (4).
SEE Figure 7.
This completes the assembly.
6 Screws (7)
2-door JK

3Follow these instructions
very carefully for safe
operation.
Test the whole system with 200 pounds or more of dead load
before attaching your top. Attach a weight or have a heavy
person hang from the hoist frame while you operate the hoist.
Do this a minimum of ten times--very important.
This tests the mechanism, the screw eyes in the wall and
ceiling, and lets you become familiar with the operation of the
Cable Pulling Mechanism. Try this several times, work it hard
both up and down to test everything, especially the ceiling
mounting. For instructions on operating the Cable Puller (1)
see the pamphlet inside the puller's shipping box .
Lifting Your Top
Helpful Hint: Fill an empty one-gallon milk carton about 3/4
full of water. Slip the handle of the carton through the rear
hook on the empty hoist frame. This will balance your hoist so
you can raise it to the ceiling leveled (without top).
Lift the hoist to the ceiling and back your vehicle directly
under the hoist. (It may pay to mark a line on your garage
floor to aid in aligning your vehicle under the hoist). Open
both doors. Remove all attaching hardware holding your top
and the light plug/washer tube (if any). The hoist is not
designed to lift your Jeep, just the top. Position the frame as
shown in Figure 8.
For all years of Jeep, an "L" rear hook is provided as standard
equipment at the back of the frame. Open the rear window
and slip the hook between the glass and the top. Turn the
hook under and position in the center of top. Position the J
Hooks under the edge at the front of the top (see Figure 8).
Remove and flip the two front sections of the top and place
on the frame of the hoist as shown in Figure 8. Note that the
sections are upside down with the "S" shape to the front.
Slide the top so that in back edge is nestled against the foam
"T" supports. Install the Stretch cords (15) as shown in Figure
8.
!!Caution!: Wear eye protection when using cords.
Crimping the back hook on the Stretch Cords will make
securing the top sections easier. Stretch the cords diagonally
across the top sections to the Eye Nuts (14) as shown in
Figure 8. This secures the top sections to the hoist.Have a
friend help you with the next operation!!
Make sure the hoist is set to lift. See instructions in the Cable
Puller Box for lifting and lowering settings for the wire cable
puller. Lift your top off slowly a few inches. Use one hand on
the side to balance the top until it clears the vehicle body.
Make sure the top balances so that it remains fairly level
when in the stored position (Hanging slightly lower at the back
will aid in installation).To change the balance, move the
balance slide see Figure 8 (either to the front of the jeep to
lower the rear or to the rear of the jeep to lower the front).
Make sure you replace the top back on the vehicle before
Figure 6 Foam "T"
Installation
Note, that the foam is shaped slightly differently in the
profile below. The highest side of the "T" goes on the
passengerside asshowbelow.
Front
Using the Hoist-a-Top
Figure 7, Mounting Connections
After lifting your top, you
findthatthereis not enough
room for the rear window to
clear the hoist cable, rotate
the top 90 degrees and
leave the window up or
close partiallyand secure
with a cord. Optional tape
or cord holds window
closed(onlyclose half way
or you will break the
window). Exercise care in
closing window with the
hook in place to prevent
damage to window. We
don'trecommendclosing
the window! !Caution!
Keep the cable and other
objects clear of the window
glass or it may break.
RearL-Hookslips
betweentheglass and
the top
Move the slide to
adjust the balance of
the top if required.
You may rotate the top
after lifting to facilitate
ease of storage
Hookthepulley
onthepuller
cableintothe
ceilingeyebolt
Closehalf
way is
optional
2-door JK

Figure 8, Using the Hoist-a-Top
Note the hooks
are placed at
the corner of
the top.
Top sections are
unlatchedandrolled
back onto the hoist
foam painted side down
Slide top section into the foam
stand offs and center top section.
Stretch cord over top section on
the diagonal and hook to front
eye bolt.
Move the bungie cord to the
back as shown to avoid getting in
the way of the top section being
placed on the hoist frame.
Note the position of theTop
Sections.
Pulley and hook attaches tto the
eyeboltinthe ceiling,
see Fig. 7.
Note Stretch Cord position
across the Roof Panels. Use
eyeprotectionwhen
stretchingcords.
Removeallfastners holding the
top.Unhookelectrical cables and
washer tubing before lifting top
moving the slide. When the balance point is found, tighten the eyebolt until it presses hard into the rear support bar, then
tighten the safety lock nut to additionally secure the eyebolt. Lift your top slowly a few inches and recheck everything.
!CAUTION!: When lifting, keep fingers and arms away from the underside of your top. Remember that all lift
mechanisms can fail without warning! Keep children and pets away from the mechanism and out from under the
top when stored on the lift.
Hook attaches to the Hoist Frame.
Open Door and place
J Hooks under the top as shown.
MAKE SURE THE HOOK IS FULLY
UNDERTHE TOPAND PAST THE
BULGE SO ITCAN'T SLIDE OUT.

Caution-When lowering the top, ratchet the handle on the wire cable puller
slowly to avoid bouncing the top. Bouncing adds tremendous stress and
won’t do your top any good either.
Caution-never stand under the top when in the stored ceiling position. Keep
children and pets from playing under the top. Keep the puller out of their
reach or lock.
Caution-never lower or raise the top with your hand under the edge. Always
push or pull from the side.
Caution-make sure all fasteners attaching your top are removed before
lifting. Lift the top by hand slightly to check that it will release easily. Trying
to lift your top with the Jeep still attached will damage your top or the hoist
mechanism. Rubber seals can stick. Break them loose before lifting. Do not
lift the top so high that you pull the top against the upper eye bolt. Damage
to the ceiling or top will occur.Stop before the hoist frame reaches the
pulley.
Caution-make sure the back tailgate door is latched before lifting or '92 or
earlier jeeps. Watch the rear glass if open on newer jeeps to avoid damaging
the glass.
Caution-occasionally check the tightness of all bolts and fasteners. Always
check the wire cable puller for loose bolts before each cycle.
Caution-align your Jeep carefully before lifting off the top. This will avoid
damage to the vehicle top when the top swings to its lift center. Tape on the
floor of your garage will help align the vehicle each time.
Caution- When lowering your top, always have at least three wraps of steel
cable on the drum at all time. In most cases, the Hoist-a-TopTM is not
designed with enough cable to lower your top to the floor.
Safety !Cautions!--Please Read Carefully
EyEy
EyEy
Eyee
ee
ebolt Installabolt Installa
bolt Installabolt Installa
bolt Installationtion
tiontion
tion Figure 9
Find the 3/8” shorty eyebolt in your parts bag and using a pair of pliers, follow these directions
below:
1. Locate the “u” bracket, cotter key and
pin on the cable attached to the hoist
mechanism. With a plyer squeeze the
cotter key and remove.
2. Pull the pin and separate the cable
from the hoist mechanism. 3. Insert the eyebolt as shown. Reinstall
the cotter key and bend one arm of the
key to prevent separation of compo-
nents. Check all connections.

Installation Instructions/Hoist-a-TopTM
4-Door JK4-Door JK
4-Door JK4-Door JK
4-Door JK
The Hoist-a-Top is designed to help you remove your Jeep* quickly and easily by yourself. This kit requires a
garage or carport with a minimum ceiling height of 7 feet and a maximum height of ten feet. This Hoist-a-Top
mounts on a back or side wall and on a strong ceiling joist. Read the instructions carefully and follow all
precautions and safety suggestions.
Tools Required
Electric drill with 3/8" bit,
Phillips screw driver,
adjustable wrench,
Measuring tape & pencil.
Hammer
Parts Included
Drawing # Description Qty.
1 Cable Pullerthis item not supplied with optional power unit 1
2 Hoist Frame T Section 1
3 Frame Arms 29.5" 3
4 Slide with Nut 1
5 Top Section Support Arm System 1
6 Eye Bolt 1/2" with Lag Screw End 2
7 Screws #4 6
8 End Caps 5
9 Nylon Capture Nuts 3/8" 1
10 Rubber Coated J Hooks 2
11 Rubber Coated L Hook 1
12 Foam Top Protectors 10
13 Eye Bolt 3/8" (shorty) 2
14 Eye Nuts and Rings 2
15 Stretch Cords 2
16 "T" Shaped Foam Standoffs 2
If your box is damaged and because of the
damage, you are missing parts or have
damaged parts, call your selling dealer
immediately for instructions.
Please be aware that any lifting device can
be dangerous. Read and understand all
warnings given at the back of these in-
structions and always use common sense
with lifting or lowering your top!
Missing parts, damage or
questions--How to get a hold of us:
Figure 1, Hoist-A-TopTM Ready to
Lift Top with Top Panels

40”
2 x 4 Truss Rafter
86”
If your garage uses 2 x 6 boards as rafters, allow up to 84" between supports. Use good judgement
when attaching to any wood rafter. Check for knots or imperfections in the wood that might weaken
with lifting and lowering of your top. If any support deflects or bows, add extra support to be safe. If
unsure, please contact a professional for help.
If your span between supports uses a 2 x 4 truss-type rafter and is more than 40", nail or screw
more support as shown below. If the rafters in your garage run in the opposite direction, use a 2 x
6 as a support between rafters (24" to 16" between centers). Use a metal joist hanger on each
end of this support and extra nails or screws.
Figure 4, Ceiling Support Requirements
Extra 2 x 4s
nailedtogether Extra 2 x 6 nailed or
screwed along rafter
Drill a centered 3/8" hole in the
rafter.Make sure there are
no knots or other
imperfections.If so,
reinforce as suggested
in Figure 4. Screw the
Eye Bolt (5) in so no
threads are visible.
Mount the Eye Bolt (5) in the wall
stud as shown. Drill the hole
carefully in the center of the stud.
If you have a concrete or block
wall, use an appropriate concrete
anchor rated for at least 500
pounds.
Figure 3, Eye Bolt
Mounting In Rafter & Wall
Mount the cable puller or power hoist parallel
with the ceiling rafters as shown with the
diagram to the right. This is the strongest
method to mount and pull from.
If you must mount the puller
at a right angle to the rafter, you should
reinforce this rafter with 2x4" bracing between
the two adjacent rafters at the point of the
eyebolt. This prevents pulling the eyebolt
directly from the side of the rafter.
Rafter
Mount the puller
either on a side
wall or a back wall
If the ceiling height is nine-to-ten feet, the
wall mounting of the cable puller must be
higher than 60 inches.
If your ceiling is higher than ten feet or
you require longer cable than the 13 feet
supplied in the manual unit, we recommend
using Lange's Power Unit. The power unit has
forty feet of cable and can lift from just about
anywhere.
Important Site Preparation
Please follow in order and read carefully before start-
ing. Parts from the first page's Parts List are repre-
sented in the text by name and part number: example
Hoist Frame T Section (2).
1Prepare your site, measure and mark according to
Figure 2. Use the following diagram and mount the 1/2"
Eye Bolt (5) by drilling a 3/8" hole in the ceiling joist as shown in
Figure 3.
Caution: This is a critical step. Make sure the hole you
drill into the rafter is the right size. It is important that this
hole be 3/8" for the screw eye to hold properly. Too large
and the bolt could come out and too small and the joist
could be damaged. Make sure you drill the hole directly in
the center of the joist. Make sure there are no knots,
splits, or deformities in the rafter. Follow the recommen-
dations in Figure 4 and make sure your ceiling joist can
carry the load!
Thread the Eye Bolt (6) as far as it will go into the joist leaving
only the circular eye-portion showing. Use a 2" x 6" rafter if
available. A2" x 4" rafter should only be used if necessary or
should be reinforced as in Figure 4. Again, make sure the
Eye Bolt (6) goes into the center of a joist and that it doesn’t
contain knots or other imperfections (cracks or splits).
If uncertain about load or other considerations, contact a
professional for advise or help.
At a wall (side wall or back wall) as shown in Figure 2, about
60" or higher (better) from the floor, drill a 3/8" hole in the stud
and mount the second Eye Bolt (6).
Figure 2, Typical Layout Measurement
68"-74"
60+"
Approx 20"
This dimension
can vary depend-
ingon yourreach
& vehicle type.
Make as height
as you can reach
comfortably and
safely operate.
98"-120"
Mount the puller
either on a side
wall or a back
wall
84-120"
68-72"

32”
11”
21”
Layout the parts on the floor as shown in Figure 5
and proceed with the following steps in order.
Figure 5, General Assembly Overview of
Hoist Frame
Assemble the
sections using
thedimensions
shown in this
drawing.
T Foam Section
BalanceSlide(4)is where
you attach the cable with
the hook and may be
adjusted to set the balance.
(The back of the top should
be low by 2 to 3 inches for
easier lowering of the top
onto the Jeep.) The slide is
secured to the bar with a
ShortyEyebolt(13).
T Foam Section Place foam
standoffs
asshown
T Section
Support Arm (5) s
Slide Foam Protectors (12) on each of the FrameArms (3)
and on theTop Section SupportArms (5) as shown in Figure
5. Use soapy water to ease the installation of these foam
parts and orient each as shown in Figure 5.
Use a hammer and install the End Caps (8) in all exposed
tube ends.
Install the front "T" Shaped Foam Standoff (16) as shown in
Figure 6 and locate as in Figure 5. Be careful to orient the
parts as shown, they are not symmetrical and must be
installed correctly. The Foam "T" installed on the Hoist Frame
T Section (1) is a tight fit and must be forced onto the bar or
use a sharp knife and trim.
InstallArms (3), Balance Slide (4) Center Frame Arm (4),Top
Section Support (5) into the Hoist Frame T (2) following the
dimensions as shown in Figure 5. Use the six Screws (7) to
secure the frame arms to the T Frame. Do not overtighten and
strip the threads. Secure the Top Section Support Arm (5)
with a Shorty Eye Bolt.Tighten the eyebolt after aligning the
Insert the two Front Arms (3) into the T
Section until they meet in the center.
J Hook
J Hook
L Hook
2Assemble the hoist frame as shown in the following Figures.
Assembly
part from the measurements shown in Figure 5. Install the rear
Foam "T" Standoff (16) and orient as in Figure 6. Slip the
Balance Slide (4) into place as shown in Figure 5 and tighten
with the second Shorty Eye bolt. This Slide will be adjusted
when you balance the top in a future operation.
Now, install the J Hooks (10) to the front arms with the eye
nuts and rings as shown in the sidebar in Figure 5. Install the L
Hook (11) with the Nyloc Nut (9) to the rear bar,
Before hooking up the Cable Puller (1) to the hoist frame,
remove the pin holding the cable to the puller and make the
puller a single line unit,see Figure 9. Attach the "U" clamp on
the end of the cable to the Shorty Eye Bolt (13).
The rear hook on the Cable Puller (1) attaches to the wall
mounted eye lag. The pulley and hook attach to the ceiling
eye lag, and the Shorty Eye Bolt attaches to the Balance
Slide (4). SEE Figure 7.
This completes the assembly.
6 Screws (7)
24" approx.
15" approx.
Thread the eye bolt to the two
front J Hooks attached to the
front Bars.. Then, attach the
slip ring to the eye bolt to hold
thebungiecord
4-Door JK Sheet 3

3Follow these instructions
very carefully for safe operation.
Test the whole system with 200 pounds or more of dead load
before attaching your top. Attach a weight or have a heavy
person hang from the hoist frame while you operate the hoist.
Do this a minimum of ten times--very important. This tests
the mechanism, the screw eyes in the wall and ceiling, and lets
you become familiar with the operation of the Cable Pulling
Mechanism. Try this several times, work it hard both up and
down to test everything, especially the ceiling mounting. For
instructions on operating the Cable Puller (1) see the pamphlet
inside the puller's shipping box .
Lifting Your Top
Helpful Hint: Fill an empty one-gallon milk carton about 3/4 full of
water. Slip the handle of the carton through the rear hook on the
empty hoist frame. This will balance your hoist so you can raise
it to the ceiling leveled (without top).
Lift the hoist to the ceiling and back your vehicle directly under
the hoist. (It may pay to mark a line on your garage floor to aid in
aligning your vehicle under the hoist). Open both doors.
Remove all attaching hardware holding your top and the light
plug/washer tube (if any). The hoist is not designed to lift your
Jeep, just the top. Position the frame as shown in Figure 8.
For all years of Jeep, an "L" rear hook is provided as standard
equipment at the back of the frame. Open the rear window and
slip the hook between the glass and the top. Turn the hook
under and position in the center of top.
Position the J Hooks under the edge at the front of the top (see
Figure 8). Remove and flip the two front sections of the top
and place on the frame of the hoist as shown in Figure 8. Note
that the sections are upside down with the "S" shape to the front.
Slide the top so that in back edge is nestled against the foam "T"
supports. Install the Stretch cords (15) as shown in Figure 8.
!!Caution!: Wear eye protection when using cords.
Crimping the back hook on the Stretch Cords will make securing
the top sections easier. Stretch the cords diagonally across the
top sections to the Eye Nuts (14) as shown in Figure 8. This
secures the top sections to the hoist. Having a friend help you
with the next operation will be helpful!!
Make sure the hoist is set to lift. See instructions in the Cable
Puller Box for lifting and lowering settings for the wire cable
puller. Lift your top off slowly a few inches. Use one hand on the
side to balance the top until it clears the vehicle body. Make
sure the top balances so that it remains fairly level when in the
stored position (Hanging slightly lower at the back will aid in
installation). To change the balance, move the Balance Slide,
see Figure 5 (either to the front of the jeep to lower the rear or to
the rear of the jeep to lower the front). Make sure you replace
the top back on the vehicle before moving the slide. When
the balance point is found, tighten the eyebolt until it presses
hard into the rear support bar, then tighten the safety lock nut to
additionally secure the eyebolt. Lift your top slowly a few inches
and recheck everything.
!CAUTION!: When lifting, keep fingers and arms away from
the underside of your top. Remember that all lift mecha-
nisms can fail without warning! Keep children and pets away
from the mechanism and out from under the top when stored
on the lift.
Figure 6 Foam "T"
Installation
Note, that the foam is shaped slightly differently in the
profile below. The highest side of the "T" goes on the
passengerside asshowbelow.
Front
Using the Hoist-a-Top
Figure 7, Mounting Connections
After lifting your top, you
findthatthereis not enough
room for the rear window to
clear the hoist cable, rotate
the top 90 degrees and
leave the window up or
close partiallyand secure
with a cord. Optional tape
or cord holds window
closed(onlyclose half way
or you will break the
window). Exercise care in
closing window with the
hook in place to prevent
damage to window. We
don'trecommendclosing
the window! !Caution!
Keep the cable and other
objects clear of the window
glass or it may break.
RearL-Hookslips
betweentheglass and
the top
Move the slide to
adjust the balance of
the top if required.
You may rotate the top
after lifting to facilitate
ease of storage
Hookthepulley
onthepuller
cableintothe
ceilingeyebolt
Closehalf
way is
optional
4-Door JK Sheet 4

Figure 8, Using the Hoist-a-Top
Note the hooks
are placed at
the corner of
the top.
Top sections are
unlatchedandrolled
back onto the hoist
foam painted side down
Slide top section into the foam
stand offs and center top section.
Stretch cord over top section on
the diagonal and hook to front
eye bolt.
Move the bungie cord to the
back as shown to avoid getting in
the way of the top section being
placed on the hoist frame.
Note Stretch Cord position
across the Roof Panels. Use
eyeprotectionwhen
stretchingcords.

Caution-When lowering the top, ratchet the handle on the wire cable puller
slowly to avoid bouncing the top. Bouncing adds tremendous stress and
won’t do your top any good either.
Caution-never stand under the top when in the stored ceiling position. Keep
children and pets from playing under the top. Keep the puller out of their
reach or lock.
Caution-never lower or raise the top with your hand under the edge. Always
push or pull from the side.
Caution-make sure all fasteners attaching your top are removed before
lifting. Lift the top by hand slightly to check that it will release easily. Trying
to lift your top with the Jeep still attached will damage your top or the hoist
mechanism. Rubber seals can stick. Break them loose before lifting. Do not
lift the top so high that you pull the top against the upper eye bolt. Damage
to the ceiling or top will occur.Stop before the hoist frame reaches the
pulley.
Caution-make sure the back tailgate door is latched before lifting or '92 or
earlier jeeps. Watch the rear glass if open on newer jeeps to avoid damaging
the glass.
Caution-occasionally check the tightness of all bolts and fasteners. Always
check the wire cable puller for loose bolts before each cycle.
Caution-align your Jeep carefully before lifting off the top. This will avoid
damage to the vehicle top when the top swings to its lift center. Tape on the
floor of your garage will help align the vehicle each time.
Caution- When lowering your top, always have at least three wraps of steel
cable on the drum at all time. In most cases, the Hoist-a-TopTM is not
designed with enough cable to lower your top to the floor.
Safety !Cautions!--Please Read Carefully
EyEy
EyEy
Eyee
ee
ebolt Installabolt Installa
bolt Installabolt Installa
bolt Installationtion
tiontion
tion Figure 9
Find the 3/8” shorty eyebolt in your parts bag and using a pair of pliers, follow these directions
below:
1. Locate the “u” bracket, cotter key and
pin on the cable attached to the hoist
mechanism. With a plyer squeeze the
cotter key and remove.
2. Pull the pin and separate the cable
from the hoist mechanism. 3. Insert the eyebolt as shown. Reinstall
the cotter key and bend one arm of the
key to prevent separation of compo-
nents. Check all connections.

Installation Instructions /Hoist-a-TopTM
5Ceiling eyebolt.
Mount the eye bolt attached to
the end of the wire cable puller
on the balance slide. Check the
balance of top and slide to
appropriate position and tighten
the eyebolt against the bar. Then
tighten the safety nut.
9,8 Bolt J hooks as
shown using nylon
3.8" capture nuts.
Tighten so that one
thread shows. (Three
places)
9,8 Bolt J
hooks as
shown.
1Cable
puller mounts
to the wall.
This part is
not included
in Power
Hoist Kits
2Center arms in T
section and tighten all
four screws.
Six, screws. Tighten well.
Use a phillips screwdriver
and do not over tighten..
6
7Tap end
caps in place
as shown
Optional
Cable is
optional for
Jeeps.
Standard on
Scouts,
Bronco, and
Blazer
12 Slip Foam
protectors over
tube ends. (3
places)
3
3
4
Figure 1
Slide the rear arm
into the "T" about 6"
The hoist-a-Top is designed to help you remove your Jeep, Scout or Bronco hardtop quickly and easily by yourself. This kit
requires a garage or carport. This Hoist-a-Top mounts on a back wall and on a strong ceiling joist. At least a seven foot ceiling
height is required for the hoist to operate correctly. Read the instructions carefully and follow all precautions and safety sugges-
tions.
Tools Required
Electric drill with 3/8" bit,
Phillips screw driver,
adjustable wrench,
Measuring tape & pencil.
If your box is damaged and you are missing
parts or have damaged parts, call your
selling dealer immediately for instructions.
Parts Included
Drawing # Description Qty.
1 Wire Cable Puller 1
2 Hoist Frame T Section 1
3 Frame Arms 2
4 Center Frame Arm with Balance Slide 1
5 Eye Bolt 1/2" with lag screw end 2
6 Screws #4 6
7 End Caps 3
8 Nylon Capture Nuts 3/8" 3
9 Rubber Coated J Hooks 2
10 Rubber Coated L Hook 1
12 Foam Top Protectors 3
11 Eye Bolt 3/8" shorty 1
10 L shapped hook
fits in the rear
11 Shorty Eyebolt attaches
here see Figure 6
Caution-When lowering the top, ratchet the handle on the
wire cable puller slowly to avoid bouncing the top. Bounc-
ing adds tremendous stress and won’t do your top any
good either.
Caution-never stand under the top when in the stored
ceiling position. Keep children and pets from playing under
the top. Keep the puller out of their reach or lock with a
chain.
Caution-never lower or raise the top with your hand under
the edge. Always push or pull from the side.
Caution-make sure all fasteners attaching your top are
removed before lifting. Lift the top by hand slightly to
check that it will release easily. Trying to lift your top with
the Jeep still attached will damage your top or the hoist
mechanism. Rubber seals can stick. Break them loose
before lifting. Do not lift the top so high that you pull the
top against the upper eye bolt. Damage to the ceiling or top
will occur. Stop before the hoist frame reaches the pully.
Caution-make sure the back tailgate door is latched before
lifting or '92 or earlier jeeps. Watch the rear glass if open on
newer jeeps to aboid damaging the glass.
Caution-occasionally check the tightness of all bolts and
fasteners. Always check the wire cable puller for loose bolts
before each cycle.
Caution-align your Jeep carefully before lifting off the top.
This will avoid damage to the vehicle top when the top
swings to its lift center. Tape on the floor of your garage will
help align the vehicle each time.
Safety !Cautions!--Please Read Carefully
Eyebolt Installation Figure 6
Findthe 3/8” shorty eyebolt inyour partsbag and using a pairof pliers,follow thesedirections
below:
1. Locate the “u” bracket, cotter key and
pin on the cable attached to the hoist
mechanism. With a plier squeeze the
cotter key and remove.
2. Pull the pin and separate the cable
from the hoist mechanism. 3. Insert the eyebolt as shown. Rein-
stall the cotter key and bend one arm of
the key to prevent separation of compo-
nents. Check all connections.
Pulley and hook attach to the
ceiling mounted eyebolt
Pulley and hook attach to the
ceiling mounted eyebolt

JEEP JEEP JEEP BRONCO BRONCO SCOUTJEEP JEEP JEEP BRONCO BRONCO SCOUT
Installation Steps
Please follow in order and read carefully before
starting. Parts from the above diagram (Figure 1)
are represented in the text in parenthesis: ex-
ample Hoist Frame T Section (2).
1Prepare your site, measure and mark according to Figure 2. Use the following diagram and mount the 1/
2" Eye Bolt (5) by drilling a 3/8" hole in the ceiling joist as
shown in Figure 3.
Caution: This is a critical step. Make sure the hole
you drill into the rafter is the right size. It is important
that this hole be 3/8" for the screw eye to hold
properly. Too large and the bolt could come out and
too small and the joist could be damaged. Make sure
you drill the hole directly in the center of the joist.
Make sure there are no knots, splits, or deformities in
the rafter. Follow the recommendations in Figure 4
and make sure your ceiling joist can carry the load!
Thread the Eye Bolt (5) as far as it will go into the joist
leaving only the circular eye-portion showing. Use a 2" x
6" rafter if available. A 2" x 4" rafter should only be used
if necessary or should be reinforced as in Figure 4.
Again, make sure the Eye Bolt (5) goes into the center
of a joist and that it doesn’t contain knots or other
imperfections (cracks or splits). If uncertain about
load or other considerations, contact a professional
for advise or help.
At a wall (side wall or back wall) as shown in Figure 2,
about 60" or higher from the floor, drill a 3/8" hole in the
stud and mount the second Eye Bolt (5).
2Assemble the hoist frame as shown in Figure 1.
Clip the Cable Puller (1) to the wall Eye Bolt (5) and
then clip the pulley and hook to the ceiling Eye Bolt (5)
as shown in Figure 5. Connect the shorty eyebolt as
shown in Figure 6 to the cable puller and then attach to
the slide. Place the Slide in the approximate position as
shown in Figure 5 and hand-tighten the eyebolt to the
arm. Slip the Foam Top Protectors (12) over the three
arms of the hoist frame as shown in Figure 1. Hammer
the End Caps (7) into the arms of the hoist frame.
Attach the 3/8" Nylon Capture Nuts (8) to the hooks as
Figure 2,Typical Layout Measurement
68"-74"
60+"
Approx 20"
This dimension
can vary depend-
ingonyour reach
& vehicle type.
Make as heigh as
you can reach
comfortably and
safelyoperate.
Drillacentered 3/8"holein the
rafter.Makesure thereare
noknotsor other
imperfections.Ifso,
reinforceassuggested
inFigure4. Screwthe
EyeBolt(5) insono
threadsarevisible.
MounttheEye Bolt(5) inthewall
stud asshown.Drill thehole
carefullyinthe centerof thestud.If
youhavea concreteor block wall,
useanappropriateconcreteanchor
ratedforatleast500 pounds.
Figure 3, Eye Bolt
Mounting In Rafter &Wall
shown in Figure 1. Tighten until one thread shows above
the nut end. Slip the frame arms into the hoist Frame T
Section (2) as shown in Figure 1. Insert and hand-tighten
the #4 Screws (6) in the Frame Arms with a screw driver
(3). Do not overtighten
Check the entire system carefully. Make sure all nuts and
bolts and screws are tightened except as noted above.
98"-120"
Mountthecable pulleror power hoistparallel
withtheceiling raftersasshown withthe
diagramtothe right.This isthestrongest
methodtomount andpull from.
Ifyoumust mountthe puller
ataright angleto therafter,youshould
reinforcethis rafterwith 2x4" bracingbetween
thetwoadjacent rafters atthe pointof the
eyebolt.Thisprevents pullingthe eyeboltdirectly
fromtheside ofthe rafter.
3Very important !Warning! Follow
these instructions very carefully
for safe operation.
Test the whole system with 200 pounds or more of
dead load before using on your top. Attach a weight
or have a heavy person hang from the hoist frame
while you operate the hoist. Do this a minimum of
ten times--very important. This tests the
mechanism, the screw eyes in the wall and ceiling,
and lets you become familiar with the operation of
the Cable Pulling Mechanism. Try this several
times, work it hard both up and down to test
everything, especially the ceiling mounting. For
instructions on operating the Cable Puller (1) see
the pamphlet inside the puller's shipping box
Lifting Your Top
Helpful Hint: Fill an empty one-gallon milk carton
about 3/4 full of water. Slip the handle of the carton
through the rear hook on the empty hoist frame.
This will balance your hoist so you can raise it to
the ceiling leveled (without top).
Lift the hoist to the ceiling and back your vehicle
directly under the hoist. (It may pay to mark a line
on your garage floor to aid in aligning your vehicle
under the hoist). Open both doors. Remove all
attaching hardware holding your top and the light
plug/washer tube (if any).
Position the frame as shown in Figure 5. If your
Jeep is 91 or older and you have purchased the
optional cable loop, or if you have a Scout/Bronco/
Blazer, attach the cable over the rear door handle
and make sure the door is latched securely--very
important.
For all years of Jeep, a "L" rear hook is provided as
standard equipment. Open the rear window and slip
the hook between the glass and the top. Turn the
hook under and position in the center of top.
Position the J Hooks under the edge at the front of the
top (see Figure 5). Make sure the hoist is set to lift.
See instructions in the Cable Puller Box for lifting and
lowering settings for the wire cable puller. Lift your
top off slowly a few inches. Use one hand to balance
the top until it clears the vehicle body. Make sure the
top balances so that it remains fairly level when in the
stored position (Hanging slightly lower at the back
will aid in installation). To change the balance, move
the balance slide (either to the front of the jeep to
lower the rear or to the rear of the jeep to lower the
front). Make sure you replace the top back on the ve-
hicle before moving the slide. When the balance point
is found, tighten the eyebolt until it presses hard into
the rear support bar, then tighten the safety lock nut to
additionally secure the eyebolt. Lift your top slowly a
few inches and recheck everything.
!CAUTION!: When lifting,keep fingers and arms away
from the underside of your top. Remember that all lift
mechanisms can fail without warning! Keep children
and pets away from the mechanism and out from
under the top when stored on the lift.
40”
2 x 4 Truss Rafter
86”
Ifyourgarage uses2 x6boards asrafters, allowupto 84"between supports.Use goodjudgement
whenattachingto anywood rafter. Checkforknots orimperfections in thewood thatmightweaken with
liftingandlowering ofyour top.Ifany supportdeflects orbows,add extrasupport tobesafe.Ifunsure,
pleasecontacta professionalfor help.
Ifyourspan betweensupportsuses a2 x4truss-type rafterandis morethan 40", nailor screwmore
supportasshown below.If theraftersin yourgarage runinthe oppositedirection,use a2 x6as a
supportbetweenrafters (24"to 16"betweencenters). Usea metaljoisthanger oneach endofthis
supportandextra nailsorscrews.
Figure 4, Ceiling Support Requirements
Extra 2 x 4s
nailed together Extra 2 x 6 nailed or
screwed along
rafter
Figure 5, Mounting Connections
After lifting your top, you
find that there is not
enough room for the rear
window to clear the hoist
cable, rotate
the top 90 degrees and
leave the window up or
close the top partially
and secure with a cord.
Optional tape or cord
holds window closed.
Exercise care in closing
window with the hook in
place to prevent damage
to window. !Caution!
Keep the cable and other
objects clear of the
window glass or it will
break.
Rear L-Hook slips
between the glass and
the top
Move the slide to
adjust the balance of
the top.
Carefully close the
rear window 1/2
Rotate the top
90 Degrees
Our Kwick Top Kits make it
easier to remove your factory
top in seconds. They replace
original hardware with hi-tech
clamps and quick release fasten-
ers. Models available for CJs, TJs,
and YJs.
Power Hoist Options for all Hoist-
a-Tops are available from the factory.
This option allows the top to be lifted
easily with and 110V unit and a flick of
a switch. Easy to install and operate.
Rear cable (not shown) makes it easier
for jeeps 91' and earlier. Replaces the
rear hook on the Hoist-a-Top for
quicker mounting.
Options fOptions f
Options fOptions f
Options for Hoist-a-Tor Hoist-a-T
or Hoist-a-Tor Hoist-a-T
or Hoist-a-Topop
opop
op
Rafter
Mount the puller
eitherona sidewall
orabackwall
Mount the puller
either on a side
wallora back
wall
Mount the puller either on a side wall
or a back wall as high as you can
comfortably and safely operate.
This gives more clearance for the
cable and the rear of the top.
Tape or Cord holds
window

JEEP JEEP JEEP BRONCO BRONCO SCOUT
Caution-When lowering the top, ratchet the handle on the
wire cable puller slowly to avoid bouncing the top. Bounc-
ing adds tremendous stress and won’t do your top any
good either.
Caution-never stand under the top when in the stored
ceiling position. Keep children and pets from playing under
the top. Keep the puller out of their reach or lock with a
chain.
Caution-never lower or raise the top with your hand under
the edge. Always push or pull from the side.
Caution-make sure all fasteners attaching your top are
removed before lifting. Lift the top by hand slightly to
check that it will release easily. Trying to lift your top with
the Jeep still attached will damage your top or the hoist
mechanism. Rubber seals can stick. Break them loose
before lifting. Do not lift the top so high that you pull the
top against the upper eye bolt. Damage to the ceiling or top
will occur. Stop before the hoist frame reaches the pully.
Caution-make sure the back tailgate door is latched before
lifting or '92 or earlier jeeps. Watch the rear glass if open on
newer jeeps to aboid damaging the glass.
Caution-occasionally check the tightness of all bolts and
fasteners. Always check the wire cable puller for loose bolts
before each cycle.
Caution-align your Jeep carefully before lifting off the top.
This will avoid damage to the vehicle top when the top
swings to its lift center. Tape on the floor of your garage will
help align the vehicle each time.
Safety !Cautions!--Please Read Carefully
Eyebolt Installation Figure 6
Findthe3/8” shorty eyeboltinyour partsbagandusing apairof pliers, followthesedirections
below:
1. Locate the “u” bracket, cotter key and
pin on the cable attached to the hoist
mechanism. With a plier squeeze the
cotter key and remove.
2. Pull the pin and separate the cable
from the hoist mechanism. 3. Insert the eyebolt as shown. Rein-
stall the cotter key and bend one arm of
the key to prevent separation of compo-
nents. Check all connections.