Went Topless

mweeps · #1 (**permalink**) 06-29-2003, 11:50 PM

Took the top off for the first time on Sunday. My daughter loved it and it brought back memories for my dad, brother, and I. Hadn't had the top off a Bronco since we had our 79 Ranger XLT. I think my brother is ready to take his off. Maybe have them both off to take my daughter to the Fireworks on the 4th!!!

Found out that I need to replace weatherstripping along the cab and get some different bolts!!! Obviously previous owner has had the top off and ruined the head on one of the tamperproof bolts and tore the weatherstripping with the three bolts at the top of the cab. Had to get a hold of the rounded head with channel locks to get it loose.

greystreak92 · #2 (**permalink**) 06-29-2003, 11:56 PM

FYI, the bolt thread pitch for the tamper-proof Torx bolts is 6mm x1.0mm. Hex head bolts with the same thread pitch should work just fine.

mweeps · #3 (**permalink**) 06-30-2003, 02:46 PM

Froggman lists the bolts as 8x70mm with 1.5 pitch and 8x45mm with 1.5 pitch. Are those sizes correct?

huze24 · #4 (**permalink**) 06-30-2003, 06:31 PM

That's the only way to go in a Bronco, topless. That is the only reason Heeps have the appeal they do. I took my top off the day I bought it and it has never been back on.

It gets put under the carport in the rain. Luckily I have one high enough to accomodate it! I love rolling up next to Heeps and looking down on them with my top off, they look like economy SUV's.

It helps that I live in West Texas where the rainfall is minimal, almost non existent. I think the Bronco looks a lot better topless anyway.

Don't need A/C either with all windows open and the top off doing 70mph down the highway, or cruising around town. I also like hearing my dual exhaust with turbo mufflers with the top off.

Enjoy the summer time cruising topless.

AlM · #5 (**permalink**) 06-30-2003, 06:48 PM

yo,
since we're in the top removal, here is the info on:
Extruded u nuts - these are the fasteners clipped to the body (inside, under the side window trim) they are called extruded u nuts or fold-over nuts - thanks to Chris B for the info!
http://www.geno-inc.org/English/Products/products.html

bobcf · #6 (**permalink**) 06-30-2003, 07:07 PM

http://www.creproonline.com/half_cab_conversion.htm

greystreak92 · #7 (**permalink**) 06-30-2003, 07:54 PM

Mweeps,

I took the thread pitch info. off this site: http://www3.telus.net/cbradley/Bronc...fic_Links.html

My apologies if this information was incorrect. I assumed it to be correct considering the source.

mweeps · #8 (**permalink**) 07-03-2003, 11:40 AM

grey I wasn't doubting just want to get the right info. I went to Ford and they want $4 a piece for the screws!!!!! I am clueless on the metric bolts but the ladyat the parts counter did pull up the top on the computer and it listed two parts for each bolt. One for 1980-1991 and 92-96. Tamperproof torx were the only ones she was able to order. I am just going to punch out the center on the bolt and use a regular T-40 on it.

greystreak92 · #9 (**permalink**) 07-03-2003, 07:54 PM

I think I have posted this before but the Autozones (around here) sell the tamper-proof Torx bits in sets and individually in little plastic "test tube" looking packages. I was going to swap out the bolts on mine as well until I realized the bits were a stock item at the local Autozone. Maybe thats not true of them across the country but it might be worth a look.

AbadDriver · #10 (**permalink**) 07-03-2003, 07:58 PM

I got my tamper bits at autozone too but they only sell the pack. it was like $15 for t-10 to t-40 with a 1/4 drive adapter. cool lil kit but after i bought mine, i realized my dad had one in his toolbox.
Tim

justshootme84 · #11 (**permalink**) 07-03-2003, 10:20 PM

The coolest thing about going topless to watch the fireworks is that you can sit on top of your icechest in the rear bench seat and have the best view of all!!!

knucklehead11 · #12 (**permalink**) 07-03-2003, 10:57 PM

I have a crappy Bronco II. lol, i like my Bronco II, I wish they made it with a removable top too like the big Bronco.

greystreak92 · #13 (**permalink**) 07-04-2003, 12:10 AM

mweeps,

Its all good. Was just concerned that I may have posted erroneous info..

mweeps · #14 (**permalink**) 07-05-2003, 11:00 AM

I purchased the Tamperproof bits at Advance Auto. The set was $8.99. I will check Autozone for an individual T40. It would be nice to have two bits to use when taking the top off. I have one bad bolt though that the pin in the center is bent and I can't get the bit into to get it out. So I used some channel lock pliers to get it out. I am going to leave it out for now, but get a replacement before winter. I am using minimal amount of bolts to hold it on and put all the trim in the garage for the summer to make it easier to get off.

steve83 · #15 (**permalink**) 07-05-2003, 01:57 PM

Just use a small drift (punch) to break the center posts out of ALL the bolts and use a normal T-40 bit. They're cheaper & more common.