Best way to build a "thinga- ma- bob?"

[fkovalski]

I have a WilderNest truck topper on back of the ole’ CTD. It is the type that has a fold- up tent on top of the hinged ceiling (similar to FliPac which is still made today but side loaded. ) Because of the extra tent canvas and support poles, it has a bit more weight at its top portion when compared to standard type toppers. I would like to some how rig up an overhead support crane/ winch (pulleys & rope) system where I can back into the hoist assembly, attach a few clips, raises the topper (which will eventually be lowered and supported solidly) then drive away. I am wondering if any one has ideas one how to fabricate the overhead hoist structure (preferably wood construction. ) I am wondering what the best way is to make this thinga- ma- bob in such a way for proper clearance and without racking (or using a whole forest of lumber. ) I would like it to be free standing and not have to bore holes on which to sink vertical uprights. Sinking the supports would prevent the racking, but it makes for tough digging by hand in my current temps. Any and all ideas are appreciated. –frank.

 

[DaveN]

not sure of the configuration, but could you do it with a jack doohickey from the inside, rather than building a framework on the outside?



I'm thinking an oversized version of the old style bumper jacks, or something like that... .

 

[Camara]

The only way to make a thing a ma bob is with a doo hickey, a gadget, a fanippling pin, a goesonta and a goesinta, a watchamacallit, a whozeewhatzit, and the left handed lug nut off the right rear wheel of a 1948 Dodge Power Wagon.

 

[EricBu12]

Heres a quick thinking I have. I did this on illistrator just line art...



I'm thinking 2x4's and a hand winch with cable hooked to a loop to go to the shell on clips. winch up and drive out.



The legs can be resting on small shallow concrete pads, be sure to cross brace for twisting forces.

 

[BarryG]

Frank:

Seems to me I have seen something like you are wanting for the jeep crowd. So that they can lift their hardtops off in a ready made kit. Might work for you if you can find it. Might check out some jeep or 4x4 sites. Sorry I can't remember any thing about it just that I thought cool idea when I saw it.

 

[fkovalski]

Hey Camara- Thanks for the reply- needed a good laff this AM, but you forgot the whipsocket tool for conections and a whooozvalve for adjusting:-laf



Anywho- thanks to all for the replies. Eric- that looks like the simplest way to make this jig , and it might just work! I posted this question on the camping forum too and a reply there gave me an idea that i am going to try:



Rather than raise it from above, I am going to try to "fork lift" it from under. I will back into place where a lifter of sort from the sides will be places between bed rails and bottom of topper, the lift. Maybe use bottle jacks. Hmmm. might work. A member over there posted a lift assy in an old hosre shelter. Really nice- roof and all.

Barry- I have seen the things for jeeps to which you refer. Ones I have seen are for pulleys in garages i think. Thanks for the reminder. catch you at ATS in '04?



-frank

 

[fkovalski]

not sure of the configuration, but could you do it with a jack doohickey from the inside, rather than building a framework on the outside?

Dave- I didn't grasp your idea at first but now I might use your suggestion of lifting from inside, then support from the outside with lumber and blocking. BTW- the wiper arm is working great. Getting a good snow dump as I speak and its a pleasure to be able to see whilst driving. -frank.