Hi,

I just bought a used 1993 Ford Bronco and I am itching to pull the cap off. I understand in the 93 year they began making it more difficult by changing the screwhead and the instructions on how to remove the cap were no longer provided by Ford.

Any reason not to do it? Any idea how heavy the cap is?

Thanks

 

IIRC, It took four of us to carefully lift up and position the top back on without wrecking up the new paint jobs and the new seals on my 1994.

It ain't light, and its awkward. But if my name was Bash and Crash, then I'm sure I coulda done it all by myself

 

Put the strongest guys with the longest arms on the passenger side, its awkward getting past the spare tire carrier whether your taking the top off or putting it back on. I've always done it with 1 helper, its not that heavy, but it is very awkward. I'd recommend 4 people just to be on the safe side.

Remove the trim covering all bolts where the topper meets the truck. this includes the trim overhead t the back of the front headliner, and the trim covering the driver and passenger side bed rails.

Unplug the electrical connection from the rear driver side topper post for the dome and 3rd brake light in the topper

Remove the rear seatbelt bolts anchored to the topper ceiling

Remove all the bolts connecting the topper from the bed rails, i believe they are t50 tamperproof type. Either get a t50 bit with the hole in the center, or chisel the tamper proof nipple out of the center of each torq bolt.

Depending on where you live, you may have to rig up a temporary 3rd brake light to be road legal, and seat belts for any passengers in the back. I've found that the rear seatbelts still work good as lap belts, but I drive super safe with the top off anyway. I live in Texas, no one cares about my 3rd brake light or seatbelt type (as long as they have something on back there). I wouldn't attempt the same thing in say California.

 

Just know that it is a federal law that you cannot remove a 3rd brake light from a vehicle that was originally equipped with one. Also, removing the cap removes rear seat belts (since they added shoulder harnesses), which means anyone sitting in the back does not have one. This is why Ford removed the instructions, and made it much more difficult to remove. It's also why most websites that sell things like soft-tops say they're for an 80 to a 91, even though they'll fit a 92 - 96 just fine. It's illegal to remove it.

Whether or not your local laws enforce it or if they'll even notice is another matter. Also, whether or not you care is completely up to you. But it's good to be informed.

That said... You can get a rear bench out of an 80 - 91 and have lap belts, and get an attachable third brake light (like one that clips to the spare tire) and be completely legal.

My user manual specifically states that it is 120 lbs. The '93 may be a little heavier due to reinforcement for the shoulder belts, and the third brake light.

 

How do you remove the plastic clips that hold the trim on without breaking them?

 

Thanks for specifying it was a federal law. I plan to make it legal and safe. So no back passengers for now. I imagine some people put in a cage and attach the shoulder harness there?

 

Yup, that's a pretty common alternative too. The other one is just a bit quicker and easier. Just as long as the rear seat belts are functioning.

 

Unbolt top. Floor the throttle. Top off.

 

The little plastic Christmas trees that hold the trim on need to be pulled out carefully. There is a tool that will assist in removing them.
More Information for DORMAN 49051
Body shops have cutters that nip the tops off and then they install new ones. Only place that I've been able to find replacements is JBG.
Interior Trim Clips (Tan)-Broncograveyard.com
Interior Trim Clips (Light Grey)-Broncograveyard.com
Interior Trim Clips (Blue)-Broncograveyard.com

 

Just build yourself one of these and it'll be off by yourself in 10 min. Atleast thats what I got it down too.
[/URL]

[/URL]

 

I still say the pedal to the metal method works better.