K5 Top Removal

[K5Rob]

87 K5 Blazer. I know there are posts on this but mine here is specific to removing the top using an engine lift. Anyone done this, also approximately how much does the top weigh? Trying to accomplish this with one person behind the lift and one person holding a corner of the top to stabilize. Would be lifting the top by driving the arm of the lift inside from the back window and balancing the top on that. After driving the truck out the lift would have to be lowered setting the top down on the front corners first, so this working is definitely contingent on what the top weighs. Any thoughts?

 

[74Blaze]

Not sure of the weight. I can tell you that I once removed my full-convertible top with just me a my (at that time teenaged) son. they're damed heavy, but not riduculously so.

 

[K5Rob]

Not sure of the weight. I can tell you that I once removed my full-convertible top with just me a my (at that time teenaged) son. they're damed heavy, but not riduculously so.

I think ill give it a try and at least lift it an inch or so off the truck and see how it feels

 

[Zelph]

On the K5 forum, people have weighed their tops. Anywhere from 275-300 pounds. 2 men in average physical shape should be able to remove it without issue.

 

[K5Rob]

On the K5 forum, people have weighed their tops. Anywhere from 275-300 pounds. 2 men in average physical shape should be able to remove it without issue.

Just have the wife and I. I am hoping the engine hoist can take the brunt of the load and she can just balance it to the ground. Was thinking of rigging some type of cross member for the hoist arm

 

[Ricko1966]

Just have the wife and I. I am hoping the engine hoist can take the brunt of the load and she can just balance it to the ground. Was thinking of rigging some type of cross member for the hoist arm

Why not a simple block and tackle for deer and a couple of ropes to make a sling,hang it off the garage ceiling .
I think the arm for the cherry picker is going to get in the way. Unless you built a platform for the top of the arm, go in through the back window center the platform under the top, lift the arm which lifts the platform, and the top,drive out from under it.

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[K5Rob]

Why not a simple block and tackle for deer and a couple of ropes to make a sling hang it off the garage ceiling . I think the arm for the cherry picker is going to get in the way. Unless you built a platform for the top of the arm, go in throught the back window center the plat form lift the arm which lifts the platform and the top,drive out from under it.

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Good idea. Id like to leave the garage out of this. The hoist is already taking up real estate so it would be nice if it worked. I will keep the block and tackle in mind though.

 

[ali_c20]

Friend of mine made a hoist system for his hardtop. He stored the hardtop hanging from the ceiling the whole summer. He used a small electric winch and a diy gantry.

 

[Ricko1966]

Good idea. Id like to leave the garage out of this. The hoist is already taking up real estate so it would be nice if it worked. I will keep the block and tackle in mind though.

Did you read my suggestion on how to use the cherry picker to remove the top.? Hoping you didn't just read block and tackle and not the rest.

 

[K5Rob]

Did you read my suggestion on how to use the cherry picker to remove the top.? Hoping you didn't just read block and tackle and not the rest.

Ricko that is exactly what I did, and wanted to do. It was super easy and all I had the wife do was keep a hand on the corner to help balance it.

 

[K5Rob]

Here are some pics. It did not feel like a heavy lift

 

[Zelph]

Gonna get a Softopper for it?

 

[K5Rob]

Gonna get a Softopper for it?

Not a huge fan unfortunately. And I dont run a back seat. Might be cool to get a snap canvas that runs from the cab down to the tailgate

 

[chevdude]

I don't know for sure but do you have to cut the rear window seal the first time it's removed?

 

[Zelph]

The rear window seal is affixed to the hard top. Thus the seal will come off with the hard top.