Can 2 people remove Jeep hardtop?

We're expecting delivery of a bouncing baby 2012 Unlimited soon, with dual tops. Question from a noob -- Is removing/installing the hard top something that a big strong man can do by himself, or does it absolutely require 2 people? It doesn't look that heavy, but it sure could be awkward. Thanks!

We're expecting delivery of a bouncing baby 2012 Unlimited soon, with dual tops. Question from a noob -- Is removing/installing the hard top something that a big strong man can do by himself, or does it absolutely require 2 people? It doesn't look that heavy, but it sure could be awkward. Thanks!

I have only taken mine off once, but you definately need two people. The top is not that heavy, just too big for one person to safely hold. I am looking into getting a pulley systme mounted in the garage to make it easier and also have a safe place to store it when it is off.

you definately need two people. The top is not that heavy, just too big for one person to safely hold. I am looking into getting a pulley systme mounted in the garage to make it easier and also have a safe place to store it when it is off.

I use two people also; haven't tried it alone. There are commercial systems available that will allow one-person removal; and home-made hoist setups should be easy to make. Here is a "one-person removal" thread for your interest: http://www.wranglerforum.com/f5/one-man-hardtop-install-21395.html

2 people, unless you have a hoist/lift.

I've removed the hardtop on the TJ once by myself, and it's possible, but very bulky and a PIA. A hoist system would be perfect as long as you have a garage and somewhere to mount it.

I have a JKU and that top is heavy, when I take it off, 2 friends help me, so the top or the seals don't get damaged and the metal that the top sits on does not get scratched. If you have a 2 door, I am sure someone with expirence will help you on the forum.

I always have my buddy help me. But we are both scrawny so its awkard even for us two LOL

Thanks

Thanks for the info, and the links, very helpful. The hoist is probably the long-term solution, but we're remodeling a house from the ground up and the garage won't be available for another year. I wonder if my wife would go for hanging it on a tree near the driveway? (That'd be a "WTF NO!", unless I could convince her that it's a summer raccoon habitat.) BTW, re storage, Mopar.com sells a rack with wheels made to hold the top and two front panels. Looks like a good idea, but it's $500. Thanks again.

deathphoenix99 said:

I've removed the hardtop on the TJ once by myself, and it's possible, but very bulky and a PIA. A hoist system would be perfect as long as you have a garage and somewhere to mount it.

Thought I was the only one lol

I crawled up in the back. squatted in the back facing out. Bench pressed the top over my head and walked out. Kind of a squatted and rolled on the ground to get from out underneath the thing. Must have been a site to see.

Never again btw

Mel143 said:

We're expecting delivery of a bouncing baby 2012 Unlimited soon, with dual tops. Question from a noob -- Is removing/installing the hard top something that a big strong man can do by himself, or does it absolutely require 2 people? It doesn't look that heavy, but it sure could be awkward. Thanks!

I, a shorter,most likely not as strong girl have done it myself. Awkward, yes. But totally doable.
Did exactly what kjeeper said. I can do it myself, but will most likely ask for help next time.

greenjeepgurl87 said:

I, a shorter,most likely not as strong girl have done it myself. Awkward, yes. But totally doable.
Did exactly what kjeeper said. I can do it myself, but will most likely ask for help next time.

Assuming with more room and half the top "not including the panels" the Jk would be easier to do one self than the Tj.

Of coarse I still do not recommend

We're expecting delivery of a bouncing baby 2012 Unlimited soon, with dual tops. Question from a noob -- Is removing/installing the hard top something that a big strong man can do by himself, or does it absolutely require 2 people? It doesn't look that heavy, but it sure could be awkward. Thanks!

I'm 5'8" 210 lbs and while I can easily pick it up and be all macho, I prefer to have someone else help as a little insurance that I wont scratch the paint or crack the shell.

I have a 2012 JKU Rubicon and just took the hard top off the other day so I could get the soft top out. You defiantly need 2 people to remove it safely. Don't try to do it yourself.

kjeeper10 said:

Assuming with more room and half the top "not including the panels" the Jk would be easier to do one self than the Tj.

Of coarse I still do not recommend

:rofl: I know the tj is a lot more awkward, had to help my friend w her old.jeep, tried to do it myself....was stuck in a very weird position upon putting it down by myself :rofl: no way willI EVER try THAT again. Lol

Don't risk it, get a friend to help. Especially with lifting the top to put it back on, make sure that friend has *some* upper body strength.

I love this forum, thanks everybody!

The top is not really heavy just awkward

I have a 2008 4 door Rubicon. The top is both heavy and awkward! My wife, my 16yo son and I "wrangle" it to the shed.

Since I've taken it off, I don't see it going back on until I sell this Jeep next year for a 2013 Jeep Wrangler.

I once removed my old CJ7 hardtop with my then girlfriend. So basically 1 man. :rofl:

I was lucky it didn't crack.

It's possible with one .....
Unbolt it , and push it off