Riding with the top off
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Riding with the top off
Hi all.
Forgive me if this has been posted before. I tried several searches with different keywords, but didn't have any luck.
One of the reasons I bought my Bronco was the ability to remove the top. I have not had it during the summer yet and was wondering how do all of you that ride topless go about it.
I have a fastback cover, but do you use a cover, what kind, and if not how is it set up for wet weather.
Any information, advice, suggestions or search tips are very welcome.
Thanks,
Jerry
Forgive me if this has been posted before. I tried several searches with different keywords, but didn't have any luck.
One of the reasons I bought my Bronco was the ability to remove the top. I have not had it during the summer yet and was wondering how do all of you that ride topless go about it.
I have a fastback cover, but do you use a cover, what kind, and if not how is it set up for wet weather.
Any information, advice, suggestions or search tips are very welcome.
Thanks,
Jerry
New User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 22
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From: Virginia
not sure how your fastback works.i had my fastback top made with snaps like a bed cover has.i just keep it folded up and lay it in back that way if i need it ive got it with me takes about 5 min to put on
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: SE Texas
I've been topless for over two years, and have a Skyler fastback softtop cover. A few tips. Either remove or tape down the bolt clips along the bed sides and back of the cab, as they will work themselves loose and fall off. Find some way to secure the rear edge of the headliner if you have one. The wind will backdraft under it and peel it back after a while. Keep the weatherstripping lubed with Vaseline oe similar to keep them from drying out. When it does rain and you install the soft top, it's a good idea to place items under it to keep water from pooling in one spot. I use a large icechest under the back section. Keep an eye on the body seams behind the rain gutters on the cab for developing cracks. I had mine rewelded before the paint job, but have seen others crack really fast and cause water leaks inside the cab.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 9,182
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From: Gateway to the West
Originally Posted by justshootme84
Keep an eye on the body seams behind the rain gutters on the cab for developing cracks. I had mine rewelded before the paint job, but have seen others crack really fast and cause water leaks inside the cab.
To be honest, I've gotten the truck soaked at least a half-dozen times... it dries out. But I have modified a stock top to suit my needs for wet weather. Allows for the removal of the center section of the top and the side windows but doesn't render my rear seat passengers beltless and my tailgate glass and high-mount stop light still function. No, its not as cool as hainvg the top completely off the truck but here in the river valley we get spring thunderboomers that crop up in a matter of minutes sometimes. Try getting home in rush hour traffic when this happens. Kinda gives new meaning to "&#@ and far from home!" So I did this!
https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gal...0&albumid=6510
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: SE Texas
What GS92 says may be true, it's just that alot of floks never notice the cracks until after they remove the top, then blame that for cause. When I bought my Bronco, the top had never been off, but the seams were cracked. And I don't worry too much if it rains into the back of the Bronco. It washes off all of the dust that blows in!!!
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: just outside of Phila.
Greystreak, that is awesome. Ever have any problems with the wind bnlowing that top tarp off? I guess you fab'd it yourself? How do the windows come in an out? Still Glass? I'm seriously impressed.
More Turbo
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 621
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From: Marana, AZ
If you look down about 10 or 12 posts before yours there is one called "soft tops" and they discuss this topic there. Here is a link to a guy bought one and he shows how he installed it.http://www.wt4wheeling.com/tech/softtop.cfm
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Jerry Hendrickson
1997 - 2006 Expedition & Navigator
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May 6, 2013 02:46 AM
