How to Remove and Reinstall the 2021 Ford Bronco Hardtop
Ford shows us how easy it really is to go open-air by removing the Bronco hardtop in just a few steps.
With the 2021 Ford Bronco finally reaching the driveways and garages of eager customers, those lucky folks are undoubtedly going to want to take the rugged SUV’s top off and enjoy some open-air summer cruising. Ford promised long ago that the Bronco hardtop would be easy to remove, and now, it’s backing up that claim with a cool new video showing us how to remove and reinstall the Bronco hardtop. At least, the only one that’s currently available – the Carbonized Gray molded-in color (MIC) top.
If you have a roof rack, that must be removed before the top can come off, of course. That process is fairly straightforward as well and begins with removing the front cover screws using a T30 hex tool. Next, remove the covers by pulling up on them and rotating them toward the front of the vehicle. Then, remove the front roof rack nuts using a 10 mm hex socket tool.
Now we can move to the back and use the Bronco key to remove the cover to gain access to the rear fastener, which is loosened using a special triangular bolt tool. At this point, the roof rack can be lifted off the Bronco. The vehicle comes with a pair of windshield trim covers that hide the gaps left behind when removing the roof rack as well.
Now, we can begin removing the Bronco hardtop. The front roof panels come off first, starting with the driver’s side, by unlatching the header panel at the top of the windshield, unlocking the three L-shaped locks by turning them, and finally, removing the panel. Repeat these steps on the passenger side, then store the front panels in the included storage bag.
Next, unlatch the center panel and unlock its three L-shaped locks before lifting it out of the vehicle. Now, we can remove the rear panel by opening the tailgate, lifting the window, and disconnecting the wiring harness and washer hose connector. Open the rear doors and remove the two screws holding the rear panel to the C-pillar using the included T50 Torx Plus tool.
Next, unscrew the four bolts on each side at the base of the rear roof panel, and with the help of a buddy, lift off the rear portion of the roof. Reinstalling these components is simply a matter of reversing these steps, which are pretty simple and straightforward, especially if you don’t have a roof rack. Thanks to the fact that the Bronco was designed with modularity in mind, it’s going to be something that owners will likely do quite often.
Join the Ford Truck Enthusiasts forums now!
