Aftermarket hardtops...worth it?

Lando375 · Oct 21, 2020

After looking for a while for a nice hardtop I've changed direction and started looking at aftermarket tops. The prices to be all around the same except some I see are twice as much. I'm sure they are all made by one or two companies so there isn't much difference. I know a factory one is going to be preferred but has anyone built one or have one that could tell me if they are even worth it? It really doesn't look that complicated to build. Thanks

Rustytruck · Oct 21, 2020

being in Texas are you planning to install air conditioning? if so you will want a good hard top. you just have to decide on original steel top or a fiberglass aftermarket top.

sprdv1 · Oct 21, 2020

Well if you park it in your garage, just go w/a good ole soft top..

Lando375 · Oct 21, 2020

Rustytruck said:
being in Texas are you planning to install air conditioning? if so you will want a good hard top. you just have to decide on original steel top or a fiberglass aftermarket top.

I will be getting air conditioning that's why I want the top. Fiberglass is an option but I was thinking about an aftermarket steel one.

Lando375 · Oct 21, 2020

sprdv1 said:
Well if you park it in your garage, just go w/a good ole soft top..

Seriously thinking of that.

tatersalad · Oct 21, 2020

I would think a fiberglass top wouldn't transfer as much heat as metal

Lando375 · Oct 21, 2020

tatersalad said:
I would think a fiberglass top wouldn't transfer as much heat as metal

I just looked up some fiberglass tops and didn't realize that such nice ones were made. I may add those into the mix as well.

Madgyver · Oct 21, 2020

Bronco Design tops is who I'd recommend.

tatersalad · Oct 21, 2020

Lando375 said:
I just looked up some fiberglass tops and didn't realize that such nice ones were made. I may add those into the mix as well.

Yeah, I haven't had one since a driver of a storage container company while winching a container I rented pushed my top through the side of my father in laws garage

hyghlndr · Oct 21, 2020

What do you mean by aftermarket metal tops ? Just the new metal to build a factory style hardtop? All the parts are the same.

The only top in fiberglass worth buying is the nice Bronco Designs top.

Lando375 · Oct 21, 2020

hyghlndr said:
What do you mean by aftermarket metal tops ? Just the new metal to build a factory style hardtop? All the parts are the same.

The only top in fiberglass worth buying is the nice Bronco Designs top.

Yes, the new metal hardtops that you have to weld together. I was looking at the bronco designs top. It looks really good.

Madgyver · Oct 22, 2020

Here is a raw unfinished fiberglass top, no sides and liftgate.
In my opinion, the new metal tops are made of foreign materials and a thinner gauge metal. What the forklift did to my new metal top would have not been the same as if it was a stock top. The seams on the new top collapses on impact.

Madgyver · Oct 22, 2020

Here it is with the sides and the liftgate.

Lando375 · Oct 22, 2020

Madgyver said:
Here it is with the sides and the liftgate.

Very nice. I've been following your builds on FB. Impressive.

sprdv1 · Oct 25, 2020

Madgyver said:
Bronco Design tops is who I'd recommend.

yes Corey and team do great work..

Madgyver · Oct 27, 2020

Lando375 said:
Very nice. I've been following your builds on FB. Impressive.

Thanks..

kkelly10 · Jan 6, 2021

What does the Bronco design top weigh? Is it easier to get on and off then the stock one?

tommyg · Jan 6, 2021

If it's fiberglass, it's got to be lighter than the stock one. I've got a stock one where the PO put in a sunroof. I was thinking to eventually install a sliding ragtop like this as I like the open top feel: https://www.sunroofsource.com/66-77-ford-bronco/

The flexibility to remove panels on that fiberglass would be really nice for summer.

rguest3 · Jan 6, 2021

Madgyver - Lets have a look at the rear Brace /Support you have for the rear of the top when the sides and Rear are off.

sprdv1 · Jan 7, 2021

tommyg said:
If it's fiberglass, it's got to be lighter than the stock one. I've got a stock one where the PO put in a sunroof. I was thinking to eventually install a sliding ragtop like this as I like the open top feel: https://www.sunroofsource.com/66-77-ford-bronco/

The flexibility to remove panels on that fiberglass would be really nice for summer.

a little better view.....

Aftermarket hardtops...worth it?

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