Step One

So I figure I should start by removing the hardtop.  My internet research has told me that it weighs between 150 and 200 lbs and that one person "could" turtle walk it off.  Or 3-4 guys could easily lift it off.   Since I ultimately don't have a place to store it at ground level, and am blessed with 12' garage ceilings, I figure a hoist system would allow easy removal and storage to boot.

I checked several online hoist sites including the Harken Hoister but figured I could do it myself with some Home Depot Pulleys and a boat winch from Harbor Freight for much less.

This is what I came up with.

 

Using polypropelene rope coming to a central gather point that is hooked to the boat winch with 25' of cable

This worked great and I even found that I could remove the handle from the winch and use my drill to engage the worm drive.  Here is the Hardtop all snug and warm.

Now the sharp eyed individual would immediately notice that the blue Polypro rope is now red.  Let me explain; it would seem that I failed to account for the stretch factor of the rope and it only took a single day before the garage door crashed into the hardtop.  Quick run to HD and purchase of red vinyl wrapped 1/8 cable conveniently packaged as a dog run and I'm back in business.