Just removed hard top for 20th time. Observations & tips

[subg]

Was keeping track. Off 20 times, on 19.

Some worthless observations.

1) Mentioned before, beware of sharp edges.

2) Put some rubber hose or tape on the wrench handle. At some point, someone is going to crack a window taking the rear screws on or off. I've made some scary noises not taking my time.

3) Don't try it yourself. I was successful, but now worth the risk. At least the 2 door. Maybe the 4 door is easier/lighter?

4) When you set the rear section on the ground, do not let it rest on the location pins. They are not designed to carry the whole weight. I put mine on some 2x6's.

5) When I take my T's off, I always unlatch the twist ones first, then the big lever. Seems they T's have less movement when you loosen the twist latches. I have a feeling if you release the lever first the T's will flex more. Probably Doesn't matter, but don't want to get a crack in an already compromised product.

6) When I put the T's on, without even trying I can get an imperfect seal on the center line if not careful.

7) Make sure your kids know which order the T's go on. (not gonna mention any names).

8) Chase all 10 threads/weldnuts ASAP if you have a tap. Made things a lot easier going on and off.

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[Lowcountry Bronco]

Thanks ... have you thought about getting the quick removal screws instead?

https://www.rockworkx.com/products/...screws-eight-piece-set?variant=41225460220100

There's a couple of different variations/companies, might save you time and new window.

 

[KANE COUNTY ILLINOIS]

Was keeping track. Off 20 times, on 19.

Some worthless observations.

1) Mentioned before, beware of sharp edges.

2) Put some rubber hose or tape on the wrench handle. At some point, someone is going to crack a window taking the rear screws on or off. I've made some scary noises not taking my time.

3) Don't try it yourself. I was successful, but now worth the risk. At least the 2 door. Maybe the 4 door is easier/lighter?

4) When you set the rear section on the ground, do not let it rest on the location pins. They are not designed to carry the whole weight. I put mine on some 2x6's.

5) When I take my T's off, I always unlatch the twist ones first, then the big lever. Seems they T's have less movement when you loosen the twist latches. I have a feeling if you release the lever first the T's will flex more. Probably Doesn't matter, but don't want to get a crack in an already compromised product.

6) When I put the T's on, without even trying I can get an imperfect seal on the center line if not careful.

7) Make sure your kids know which order the T's go on. (not gonna mention any names).

8) Chase all 10 threads/weldnuts ASAP if you have a tap. Made things a lot easier going on and off.

I've had my Bronco since Black Friday 2021 and this summer was the very first time of having my complete hard top off! Its been off for nearly two months, too! I'm lucky since I have a company car, so the Bronco can sit in the garage when it rains, like it did this morning! Unfortunately, the colder weather is coming, so I going to have to put on the top on, so thanks for the informational tips!

 

[Boreal]

Spot on.

1: I’ve got more composite cuts than I’d like to admit

2: I immediately swapped the torx bolts for GPCA Tbolts. During that initial removal, I musta smacked the window a dozen times.

3: Nope. Not even once.

4: Same here! Too many reports of cracked ledges or broken pins

 

[subg]

Thanks ... have you thought about getting the quick removal screws instead?

https://www.rockworkx.com/products/...screws-eight-piece-set?variant=41225460220100

There's a couple of different variations/companies, might save you time and new window.

Yeah, was planning on it. Thank you. I'll check those out.

 

[HeliPilot]

I have a ceiling mounted winch and a power ratchet with the torx bit (far less likely to bust a window in a rush). My 2 door top goes on/off in 10 min or less. I leave the top hanging from the ceiling when not in use. I park underneath it when it’s off.

 

[THE Buckeye Bronco]

Thanks for the observations. +1 for the Rockworks. I've had mine off and on 8 times. Attached are my removal/storage system. I use the Hooke Roade Storage Cart (www.hookeroad.com/products/doors-and-hardtops-storage-cart-jeep-wrangler-tj-jk-jl-hardtop-gladiator-jt-hardtop-ford-bronco-hardtop-b2076s) and the rear cover is on the RollnJack (www.rollnjack.com/products).

 

[35tires]

I have cut the hell out of my hands taking the top off. It's crazy how sharp some spots are. The top also scrapes and gets scuffed super easy. They're very delicate. Mine looks like someone hit it with a hammer and nails in a handful of spots.

 

[Ksjrb03]

1) Mentioned before, beware of sharp edges.

So Very True! Worth repeating for awareness.

2) Put some rubber hose or tape on the wrench handle. At some point, someone is going to crack a window taking the rear screws on or off. I've made some scary noises not taking my time.

Why in the world are you using hand tools lol. Get the Rockworx thumb screws, or at least a cordless ratchet.

3) Don't try it yourself. I was successful, but now worth the risk. At least the 2 door. Maybe the 4 door is easier/lighter?

I did the 4 door solo a few times, its doable but a little risky true.

4) When you set the rear section on the ground, do not let it rest on the location pins. They are not designed to carry the whole weight. I put mine on some 2x6's.

I set mine in the driveway on the pins every time (over 20 times). Im currently running the Trektop and the clamshell is sitting on the garage floor for months. Pins are fine.


6) When I put the T's on, without even trying I can get an imperfect seal on the center line if not careful.

Sounds like you need to adjust the brackets mounted to roof, they have alot of play. Should be self aligning.

 

[subg]

2) Put some rubber hose or tape on the wrench handle. At some point, someone is going to crack a window taking the rear screws on or off. I've made some scary noises not taking my time.

Why in the world are you using hand tools lol. Get the Rockworx thumb screws, or at least a cordless ratchet.

Yeah. They look awesome and fairly priced. Will be ordering the silver ones. It looks like there is plastic/rubber on the bottom where it contacts the top?

4) When you set the rear section on the ground, do not let it rest on the location pins. They are not designed to carry the whole weight. I put mine on some 2x6's.

I set mine in the driveway on the pins every time (over 20 times). Im currently running the Trektop and the clamshell is sitting on the garage floor for months. Pins are fine.

Good to know. Thanks. I was worried the frame would warp, or one of the pins would pop off.

 

[Ksjrb03]

Yeah. They look awesome and fairly prices. Will be ordering the silver ones. It looks like there is plastic/rubber on the bottom where it contacts the top?



Good to know. Thanks. I was worried the frame would warp, or one of the pins would pop off.

Yes they have a rubber washer. They work great and are a must if you take the top off often. Make sure to get the two for upper roof bolts as well for completely toolless removal (they used to be sold separately, not sure about now).

 

[MayhemMike]

Roof off twice since March 2022. Comes off at the beginning of summer and goes back on when fall arrives. Resides in the garage all year, and when a roof off road trip occurs, the weather proof vehicle cover comes along just in case it is needed. T handles replaced the bolts and the clam shell hangs from the ceiling with an electric winch from Harbor Freight. The two front panels hang from the garage wall in their specialized bags. The only issue is I really don’t know how well the AC works since during the summer the roof is off. LOL.

 

[M&M Beer]

I have a ceiling mounted winch and a power ratchet with the torx bit (far less likely to bust a window in a rush). My 2 door top goes on/off in 10 min or less. I leave the top hanging from the ceiling when not in use. I park underneath it when it’s off.

That is the same setup I have for mine! Love the hoist I can remove the top by myself and reinstall it by myself. I like that it gives me some where to store the clam shell when it is off too.

 

[Bronkers]

$15 cam straps and 4 of those cardboard corner reinforcements you find in heavy shipping materials. *Feather the trigger* on mini impact with wobbler for the bolts and dont let the anvil strike more than 3-4 times.

Can do comfortably solo in 15-20min. 6'1" in good health and have done about a dozen times with no issues.

 

[Smheard]

I have a ceiling mounted winch and a power ratchet with the torx bit (far less likely to bust a window in a rush). My 2 door top goes on/off in 10 min or less. I leave the top hanging from the ceiling when not in use. I park underneath it when it’s off.

What brackets are you using for the hardtop slots for the roof rack? I've been searching for something like that so I can rig up my ceiling mounted winch as well.

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