I removed my roof panels - once is enough

[zilstershiner]

What’s the point of this thread? Just to complain because a feature of your vehicle works exactly as intended, but you don’t like the feature and therefore will not be using it?

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[LSBronco13]

It was a nice day out and I've owned my Bronco for almost two months now, so I decided to try removing the roof panels for the three mile drive back home from the grocery store. I didn't have the special storage bag with me, but I have a bunch of towels in the back, so they were still protected. It was easy enough to get them off, since I don't currently have the roof rack installed. For some reason I was surprised that they pretty much block the view out the back.

My opinion of the experience is that it's slightly better than a sun roof, but not nearly as good as a real convertible. The wind buffeting was extreme even at 40 mph. And it wasn't clear to me if it was better with the windows up or down. Once I got home, it was easy enough to re-install them. Just gotta remember driver-side comes off first and goes on last.

I'll be sticking to my Mustang from here on for open air driving. Those roof panels will be saying on the Bronco.

Would a mesh top help the noise decibels?

 

[PrepVet]

After living with a wavy back window on my first convertible, I would do just about anything to avoid repeating that experience.

About half of the people here seem to think I'll reconsider taking the whole top off or something. I have a nice convertible and when there is an unexpected rain, or some other reason I need the top up, it takes about 15 seconds to put the top back up. All of you are failing at convincing me to reconsider.

I’ve owned many convertibles. Both with glass back windows and plastic. And hard top Jeeps. I will never make the mistake of owning a hard top removable top again.

I don’t care what you own, only what I have and the mistakes I will not repeat.

 

[cmcbronco]

Sounds like you purchased the wrong vehicle…

 

[SweetAndPetite]

It sounds you like you need a Bestop Sunrider for your front two panels. I've got one on my Bronco and one on my wife's Gladiator and it's a great product.

How was it to install, if I may ask, or did you have it done? Thanks!

 

[AK SNO RIDER]

I too was shocked by how bad the wind buffeting is with the two front panels removed.

Taking the mid section off gets rid of the buffeting but isn't practical when already out and about.

I'm surprised I haven't seen anyone else mention it. We need some sort of easy attach wind deflector.

 

[GDTRFB]

I also found it easy to remove the front panels, if you lay them horizontal they dont block rear window. Also it does have a very open feeling. Just my opinion. I turned up the heat because it was a high 40 degrees and was comfortable. I absolutely love this 2 door BD.

I want picks

 

[JaxGtc]

Do it by myself all the time. It’s not bad.

Please use the words top removal in there somewhere...

 

[Hazard]

It was a nice day out and I've owned my Bronco for almost two months now, so I decided to try removing the roof panels for the three mile drive back home from the grocery store. I didn't have the special storage bag with me, but I have a bunch of towels in the back, so they were still protected. It was easy enough to get them off, since I don't currently have the roof rack installed. For some reason I was surprised that they pretty much block the view out the back.

My opinion of the experience is that it's slightly better than a sun roof, but not nearly as good as a real convertible. The wind buffeting was extreme even at 40 mph. And it wasn't clear to me if it was better with the windows up or down. Once I got home, it was easy enough to re-install them. Just gotta remember driver-side comes off first and goes on last.

I'll be sticking to my Mustang from here on for open air driving. Those roof panels will be saying on the Bronco.

Get the bestop sunrider! Good alternative

 

[BroncoDr]

I was pleasantly surprised how much less wind noise there is with the soft top all the way back vs just the front portion back. I regularly get up to 80 on the highway with the top all the way back and it’s not bad at all.

 

[Tricky Dick]

I've had my front panels off twice now including the drive home from work today and haven't noticed any buffeting, but I also haven't gone over 40mph that way either. Now I want to see how it is at 60.

 

[heelyeah]

How was it to install, if I may ask, or did you have it done? Thanks!

It was very easy. I want to say it took less than a half hour, certainly no longer than 45 minutes. It was the first "mod" I added to the Bronco and definitely my favorite.

 

[mattymik]

It was a nice day out and I've owned my Bronco for almost two months now, so I decided to try removing the roof panels for the three mile drive back home from the grocery store. I didn't have the special storage bag with me, but I have a bunch of towels in the back, so they were still protected. It was easy enough to get them off, since I don't currently have the roof rack installed. For some reason I was surprised that they pretty much block the view out the back.

My opinion of the experience is that it's slightly better than a sun roof, but not nearly as good as a real convertible. The wind buffeting was extreme even at 40 mph. And it wasn't clear to me if it was better with the windows up or down. Once I got home, it was easy enough to re-install them. Just gotta remember driver-side comes off first and goes on last.

I'll be sticking to my Mustang from here on for open air driving. Those roof panels will be saying on the Bronco.

I would be open to trading you my soft top. Much easier to get up and down. Just saying …

 

[Markco]

I want picks

 

[Ftchmup]

It was a nice day out and I've owned my Bronco for almost two months now, so I decided to try removing the roof panels for the three mile drive back home from the grocery store. I didn't have the special storage bag with me, but I have a bunch of towels in the back, so they were still protected. It was easy enough to get them off, since I don't currently have the roof rack installed. For some reason I was surprised that they pretty much block the view out the back.

My opinion of the experience is that it's slightly better than a sun roof, but not nearly as good as a real convertible. The wind buffeting was extreme even at 40 mph. And it wasn't clear to me if it was better with the windows up or down. Once I got home, it was easy enough to re-install them. Just gotta remember driver-side comes off first and goes on last.

I'll be sticking to my Mustang from here on for open air driving. Those roof panels will be saying on the Bronco.

Aww h#/ NO, the top will be off all summer on mine. Went to FL to get some experience, it was a ball! wife even loved it.

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