any one ever regret taking the top off? i heard theres a windnoise problem w/ that after u put it back on. what r the dos and dont of top removal? just wondering.

 

If you do not properly take care of the weatherstripping, you will run into problems. They can leak water, as well as hear wind noise. Alot of guys here have taken theirs off with little trouble. So long as you maintain the seals while the top is off, you should run into little trouble.


Rich

 

Do's.
Do take it off.
Do store it properly.
Do refer to you owners manual.
Do enjoy this special feature of the Bronco.

Don'ts.
Don't believe those who tell you it will leak or make noise after
putting it back on.If taken care of as Rich stated,you should not have any problems.

Check out my gallery for soft top options.

 

A couple more Do's and Don'ts for Sudrats list.

Do listen to the guys here when they tell you the top is heavy and VERY ackward to handle. Some of the guys have designed a one man lift system. If you don't have time for that, then get a couple buddies to help you. I about screwed mine up with the chain hoist and one ratchet strap method.

Don't assume the bolts will come right out easily, if they have never been removed before. I had to pull at least 5 of mine out with vicegrips. They came out a couple turns and then locked up. It took hours. Get the proper T-40 security torx bit. I retapped the holes to 5/16 NC so I can deal with hex headed bolts from now on.

Don't let me scare you away. Topless is cool and the risk of leaks is minimal once you see the seal design. It wouldn't be a tragedy to fix it even if you did cause a leak.

 

Well said ff. I busted a few of the bolts off along the side this spring.Need to drill 'em out and replace the clips before putting the hardtop back on for the winter.

 

A hearty second to everything already mentioned. Some things to think about when running sans top. Keep a tarp and a few bungee cords in the thing that will cover the rear should the weather turn inclement quickly and you are too far from home...and yes thats the voice of experience. When you do take the top off either remove or secure the spring nuts in the bed rails because they have a tendency to rattle and fall out or down inside the rails when the hardware is removed. The last two in each rear corner and the three across the top are captive and aren't going anywhere but the rest can (and will) fall out. Take care when storing the top that the two large rubber chunks of gasket at the rear corners aren't resting with the weight of the top on them for extended periods of time...they tend to crush.

Other than those few things enjoy the open air and do as the rest of us do when mislead individuals try to warn that taking your top off is unwise...SCOFF at them! Ford designed them to come off....and go back on repeatedly and they do that quite well.

 

Go Topless!
I think the best way to take the top off (alone) is to pull the truck into your garage (if ya have one), get four straps at the least, unbolt the top and rachet it up to the rafters. A lot of people would not do this but my rafters are huge and it works great! Other then that I agree get atleast two people. With the rafters idea it is also wonderful to lift it two inches higher then the truck and when ya need it back you just pull right under it and lower it on! In this case though I am sure a heck of a lot of people would say not to store it this way.
As for leaking and wind noise, all of my weather stripping is missing and I have no leaks and no more wind noise then with em.

Ryan

 

fatfenders: put your shirt back on! and stay outa that corn liquor. DW

 

Don't worry DW, the streets are safe once again. I'm no longer topless, probably for the winter. These 40 degree mornings and constant rain made me do it. Sorry for being such a sissy.

 

40 degr. ? That'll make them ol nipples stand up. even on you! DW

 

Running without the top is a LOT of fun I personally do it when the weather is nice and the situation allows.

As for the leaking and noise, unless you do something stupid to screw up the sheetmetal or the weatherstipping your not going to get it. Also reinstall as many of the bolts as you can because these do help with stopping the top from rattling.

If you want tips and instructions on removing the top check out this article on my site:

http://www.froggmann.com/Tech/Topremoval.htm

 

would have replied sooner, but it said i wasnt logged in. so everyone thats given info for top removeal, thanks. -wb

 

thanks guys i guess itll let me reply now. the top should fit nicely in my apartment. ive debated this for awhile now. shooting pedestrians w/ water gun will be a lot easier. -wb
finally got my gallery up-only two photos.... so far. how do u get a photo under your user name in post?