Should I or shouldn't I?

[Trappey74]

Should I take the top off my 74? i want to just for the summer but am afraid when I put it back on that it will squeak or leak. The top has no squeaks or leaks right now and it is garage kept.

 

[Revelation]

Just get new seals when you put it back on and be sure all the bolts are back in tight and you will have no issues. A topless Bronco is a grand experience.

 

[BigEasy73]

Take it off!

 

[SteveL]

Once you drive it topless you won't want to put it back on.

 

[No Hay]

Yep. Driving one w/o the top is worth every rattle and leak! Those are temporary.

 

[SHX669]

We used to take the top off of the teenage Sons '76 at least 2-3 times a summer {occasionally rains here in the summer - for days !}
The only down side is if you drive on too many bumpy roads/trails it's a little hard on the windshield hinge and the swing away spare tire mount - and hopefully you have a rollbar/cage.
It looks like you have a nice rig so When you put the top back on be careful with the rear "stakes " definitely get help to guide them into the "pockets " . Also leave all the bolts loose and align/angle the windshield with the door vent window frame first before tightening the bolts.
Not trying to discourage you just a few things to take into account ; it's definitely not as bad as it sounds and yes do take the top off you'll love it. You might even decide to remove the doors . If you do want to take em off try to drive the hinge pins out ; don't mess with the hinge screws - trying to align the doors again is a PIA .
SHX

 

[Ol'Blue]

I took mine off two summers ago and hasn't been back on since.

Go for it!

 

[tommyg]

I bought mine 2 years ago. Came with a hard top, but it wasn't on the truck (bought it from my neighbor, so I just carried the hard top to my house). Haven't been able to bring myself to put the top on yet.

 

[Trappey74]

What all do I need to do process wise to taking it off? Any certain thing need to be done before another?

 

[muskrat]

Just be careful when you pull the back end out. There are those brackets that go inside of the rear quarters. They will scratch the hell out of your paint if you don't be carefull.

Three guys are better than two when pulling the top, or four ratchet straps attached to the ceiling of your garage makes it a one man job. Ratchet each corner a little at a time.

Top off is a great driving experience. You'll love it.

 

[SteveL]

You might want to go ahead and order a bikini top now. Then you have it in a pinch.

 

[BronCowie]

You might want to go ahead and order a bikini top now. Then you have it in a pinch.

Yes on that... Take it off, you will kick yourself for not doing it sooner.

 

[Ol'Blue]

There are some posts if you do a search. one tip is don't lift from the lift gate. The top could spread and unlatch. No Bueno !

 

[KyddsPly]

Yes, for the love of everything bronco, YES


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[savage]

Take it off, haven't had mine on for the last 4 years.;D;D

 

[SteveL]

Roll bar/cage?

 

[Show Links]

I have not run with my top off, but I can add, while installing newly painted top, we cracked the paint at the seams just below the drip well. If I were to do it again, I would be more careful to not stress that joint so much or better said, I would make sure my gorilla sons would be more careful.

Just something to consider.

 

[Bradsp8]

Take it off. It's a bit of work with the numerous bolts and you need to figure out how/where you're going to store it but take your time and you can get it back on w/o leaks or other issues just fine. NOTE: you need to cut the weatherstripping in the corner of the upper door so when the top is off you still have weather stripping running between the door and sides of windshield. I take mine off every April and it goes back on every October. I use 4 ratchet straps and 2 2x4's and lift it off and hang it in the garage.

 

[Trappey74]

Roll bar/cage?

Yes it has a roll bar in it.

 

[Revelation]

And remember that you may need to cut the gasket where the top meets the windshield frame.
And for Christ's sake post the topless pics!