Hard top removal. Is there a online Video.

[Dickie]

Hi, is there a video detailing the removal of a hardtop. I have never taken mine off. Please

 

[bax]

No video that I know of. It is best if you have a lift or several friends. On many tops there is a brace that fits in the rear stake pockets. They are about 6'' long and have scratched many a bronco, so be aware. I use 2 2x4's. Take all the bolts out, Lift the front enough to slide a 2x4 between the top and the top of the bed rails. Then do the same on the rear. Now the top is sitting on the 2 x 4's . Take a 1/4'' wood lag and washer and screw the top to the wood. Get 4 people, everyone gets an end. Lift straight up until the rear brackets clear the bed rails. Walk backwards, clear the bronco and set the top on some blocks. Ta Dah! done.

 

[Dickie]

No video that I know of. It is best if you have a lift or several friends. On many tops there is a brace that fits in the rear stake pockets. They are about 6'' long and have scratched many a bronco, so be aware. I use 2 2x4's. Take all the bolts out, Lift the front enough to slide a 2x4 between the top and the top of the bed rails. Then do the same on the rear. Now the top is sitting on the 2 x 4's . Take a 1/4'' wood lag and washer and screw the top to the wood. Get 4 people, everyone gets an end. Lift straight up until the rear brackets clear the bed rails. Walk backwards, clear the bronco and set the top on some blocks. Ta Dah! done.

Thanks what do you mean about the brace

 

[thegreatjustino]

Thanks what do you mean about the brace

As he states "there is a brace that fits in the rear stake pockets. They are about 6'' long and have scratched many a bronco"

At the rear corners of the top, most have stakes that slide down into the tail light housings. They are notorious for scratching the paint upon removal or installation of the top.

 

[Speedrdr]

Brace helps hold the top in place while you’re putting bolts back in when you’re putting the top back on. At least that’s what it seems like to me.

Randy

 

[Oldtimer]

Here is a picture of top with brace.

 

[reamer]

roll over "protection" so the cap does not sheer off too?

 

[ssray]

The brace is kind of a pain as it forces you to lift higher, People have been known to take it off before reinstalling the top, me included. I have a rollbar and wouldn’t rely on the top for rollover protection anyway. Sans rollbar I’d leave it for whatever strength it offers.

 

[DirtDonk]

Loosen the wiper motor on '69 through '77 Broncos. This lets the front top "lip" rotate upwards without having to also move the top forward.
This extra space usually (but not always!) lets you move the top mostly up without having to worry about the rear stake pocket reinforcement braces bumping around and scratching the paint on top of your bed.

If you have the original rubber weatherstripping, you will likely have to cut the rear opening seal between the top and bed. Also, some original door seals were 1-piece too, so you would have to cut them around the rear of the door opening.
Whether one piece or two though, you will have to angle cut the seal at the top of the windshield frame where the top meets it.

And last, but certainly not least, if you're going to just remove the top for servicing or paint, you can remove the rear tail gate seal retainers (sharp metal ankle slashers) entirely. Or if you're going to leave it off for driving around in the nicer weather, you can leave them in place with the tail gate seals, but you should cut them off flush with the top of the tailgate/bedrail so they don't cut someone badly when they're getting in, out, or just messing about near the rear corners.

Otherwise, aside from all the previous good advice, it's all about taking out a LOT of bolts. Some are awkward near the front of the bed rail, and some are awkward along the windshield frame if you have electric wipers. Don't think it's an issue with vacuum, but haven't worked on those enough to know for sure.

Paul