Hard top install/ mounting options??

[wesward15]

Is there any other option to install/mounting a hard top without having bolts? Some sort of clamps like in camper shell for pickups?? Wanting to install my hard top but don’t want to put holes in body, unless absolutely necessary. Thanks!

 

[Torkman66]

Yes. You absolutely can use c clsmps along the quarters to hold down top. I would use 4 or 5 on each side. However that will only work if you do not have interior quarter panel trim. Also, you would still want to have all of the bolts in the windshield to top section.
Might also consider using black plastic plugs in the holes when top is off. Looks nice and neat.

 

[wesward15]

Yes. You absolutely can use c clsmps along the quarters to hold down top. I would use 4 or 5 on each side. However that will only work if you do not have interior quarter panel trim. Also, you would still want to have all of the bolts in the windshield to top section.
Might also consider using black plastic plugs in the holes when top is off. Looks nice and neat.

Thank you! I figured I could but wanted to see if anyone else has done this with good results. Thank you for your help!

 

[DirtDonk]

I don’t know if you’ll find many that have done it. Good results or not, the fact that it will work is not really subject to too much concern. No reason it couldn’t.
But why are you worried about putting holes in the body? Were there holes there originally, or did it start off life as a half cab?
If you’re changing from a half cab to a full cab, you’re already making a big enough change that no one will care that there are holes put in where they are supposed to be. Ford put holes in them from the factory for the hard top, so why can’t you?
Unless you are concerned about putting it back to half cab, or maybe even roadster status?
Value? The buying public probably couldn’t care less.
Or are you just looking for a quicker and easier method of removal and installation?

Regarding the clamps, I would certainly try to find some that are very low profile. Most of the ones I’ve seen are fairly bulky and ugly, and would not look very clean to most people.
Also, the wrong clamps could be dangerous to arms and elbows and other appendages.

 

[wesward15]

I don’t know if you’ll find many that have done it. Good results or not, the fact that it will work is not really subject to too much concern. No reason it couldn’t.
But why are you worried about putting holes in the body? Were there holes there originally, or did it start off life as a half cab?
If you’re changing from a half cab to a full cab, you’re already making a big enough change that no one will care that there are holes put in where they are supposed to be. Ford put holes in them from the factory for the hard top, so why can’t you?
Unless you are concerned about putting it back to half cab, or maybe even roadster status?
Value? The buying public probably couldn’t care less.
Or are you just looking for a quicker and easier method of removal and installation?

Regarding the clamps, I would certainly try to find some that are very low profile. Most of the ones I’ve seen are fairly bulky and ugly, and would not look very clean to most people.
Also, the wrong clamps could be dangerous to arms and elbows and other appendages.

Thanks for your response. It spends more time out of the garage with the bikini top on vs the hard top. Just thought it could potentially be an easier option, than to drill holes into the body. However, I know it’s intended to be bolted down and don’t want any safety or functionality issues. I’ll probably end up drilling the holes and doing it right. Thanks again for the input

 

[DirtDonk]

I just thought of something else. I wonder if it’s even legal to clamp an actual passenger compartment top.
Certainly a truck cap/shell, where it’s illegal in most states for passengers to ride underneath.
But what about the actual passenger compartment?

Are any of the other removable top vehicles using clamps these days? New Broncos? New Jeeps?
What kind of system do they use?

 

[DirtDonk]

And is your bed rail without holes originally from the factory, or were they covered up during some bodywork to clean things up?

 

[wesward15]

I just thought of something else. I wonder if it’s even legal to clamp an actual passenger compartment top.
Certainly a truck cap/shell, where it’s illegal in most states for passengers to ride underneath.
But what about the actual passenger compartment?

Are any of the other removable top vehicles using clamps these days? New Broncos? New Jeeps?
What kind of system do they use?

Honestly, didn’t think about the legalities of it. I haven’t found anything that modern vehicles are using. It was just a thought I had. Not sounding as good now that I’m conversing with y’all about it...

 

[wesward15]

And is your bed rail without holes originally from the factory, or were they covered up during some bodywork to clean things up?

No holes from the factory. It still has the two holes up front for the half cab bolts. I would have to drill a few on each side to have the right amount of holes for the full hard top. I may just drill them and get a nice stainless bolt head to put in when it’s not being used or a cap to fill it.

 

[Soylent]

Some company, or maybe it was a member here, made some nice aluminum cover for the rails when the top is off

 

[76YETI]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2942385109...d=link&campid=5335857059&toolid=20001&mkevt=1

 

[wesward15]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2942385109...d=link&campid=5335857059&toolid=20001&mkevt=1

Thanks a lot!