Soft top mod

[DunawY]

Thoughts wanted:

My goal is to get the soft top track/bar to raise as high as the top without the side/back windows in.

Back drop, I absolutely love my Bronco and I got every option I could that wouldn’t constrain the delivery. From order to driving it away took 10 months (plus 4 months of a reservation before that) One of the things I sadly chose not to get was the hard top. I come from a 21’ jeep and I was really disappointed when Ford chose not to build the color matched MOD top. However I work out of my truck. Not only do I like the security of a hard top but the ease of access. So I’m trying to modify my soft top to work better for my needs.

Attached are some pictures of the hinge work for the soft top. Essentially I’m considering modifying the “stop” portion of the hinge to allow the bar from the soft top to raise up 4” more inches to go flush with the back of the top. Pictures taken are without the rear plastic windows in. I live in Florida and I mostly ride in “safari” mode. I know that I’ll need to consider how they bend with the extra articulation

Constructive suggestions from other soft top owners are welcome. Am i missing something or can I just modify the stop point and extend the rod?

22WildTrak/Lux/Leather/Hoss3.0

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[orion]

Why not just remove the bar? 4 bolts each side...

 

[DunawY]

Why not just remove the bar? 4 bolts each side...

Because the bar holds the latches the keep the whole rear of the top down. Plus I’m looking for a permanent simple solution that doesn’t require me to use tools when I could just simply lift the bar a little higher.

 

[mhorvath1218]

I don’t have any input on the modifications but, just so we’re clear, you drive around for work with all your expensive Milwaukee gear out in the open without even the side windows in? Maybe consider a locking hard enclosure at least? Thieves will be all over that. I work out of my soft top Bronco as well and people stealing gear out of the back is what keeps my windows on most of the time.

 

[orion]

Because the bar holds the latches the keep the whole rear of the top down. Plus I’m looking for a permanent simple solution that doesn’t require me to use tools when I could just simply lift the bar a little higher.

Yeah, after I posted I thought about that.

 

[DunawY]

Yeah, after I posted I thought about that.

I believe I can remove and slightly grind a piece of the bracket stop point that acts as a hinge (on both sides. I’d imagine 1/4” of movement at the hinge will translate into several inches at the opening

 

[DunawY]

I don’t have any input on the modifications but, just so we’re clear, you drive around for work with all your expensive Milwaukee gear out in the open without even the side windows in? Maybe consider a locking hard enclosure at least? Thieves will be all over that. I work out of my soft top Bronco as well and people stealing gear out of the back is what keeps my windows on most of the time.

My fear isn’t someone grabbing my Milwaukee packs, it’s something much easier to grab like my very expensive Fluke meter. I have a pull back soft toneau cover over the back coming today. If someone roots around sure they will find something but they could also just cut the hardtop. Also I should mention that I work in yacht clubs or neighborhoods that crime isn’t really the issue.i also keep my soft top windows in the vehicle and I’m quite a pro at pulling them on and off pretty fast

 

[DunawY]

Yeah, after I posted I thought about that.

Removing the bar or somehow simply hinging the bar was my original thought too. So I get it but after a closer look it’s not that simple

 

[DunawY]

My fear isn’t someone grabbing my Milwaukee packs, it’s something much easier to grab like my very expensive Fluke meter. I have a pull back soft toneau cover over the back coming today. If someone roots around sure they will find something but they could also just cut the hardtop. Also I should mention that I work in yacht clubs or neighborhoods that crime isn’t really the issue.i also keep my soft top windows in the vehicle and I’m quite a pro at pulling them on and off pretty fast

I should add that I would absolutely love a hardtop locking cover. However I found my tools sit up pretty high and far back in the cab. I have been doing this out of the back of a Jeep for about 5 years and I’ve never had anything stolen. (Knock on wood)

 

[Moto26]

I can’t believe you’re still using that prop rod. Get a set of IAG cargo struts, and opening and closing the hatch becomes a one-hand operation. They’ll also raise the bar higher than it goes with the prop rod (though probably not as high as you want it, I don’t think)…

 

[zombie]

Not sure if your pics are reflective of a typical worksite load-up, but the ford cargo security enclosure (or whatever it's officially called, lol) would easily accommodate all of that. But adding even the hinged top one would just exacerbate your existing issue with the hinge bar for the top lol.

 

[DunawY]

I can’t believe you’re still using that prop rod. Get a set of IAG cargo struts, and opening and closing the hatch becomes a one-hand operation. They’ll also raise the bar higher than it goes with the prop rod (though probably not as high as you want it, I don’t think)…

My current solution

Not sure if your pics are reflective of a typical worksite load-up, but the ford cargo security enclosure (or whatever it's officially called, lol) would easily accommodate all of that. But adding even the hinged top one would just exacerbate your existing issue with the hinge bar for the top lol.

yea it’s not really a security issue as much as an ease of use issue. Plus I have the “slide out tailgate” from Ford (which I love) and don’t think the cargo box for the back would work with it. Thank you for your input though

 

[DunawY]

I can’t believe you’re still using that prop rod. Get a set of IAG cargo struts, and opening and closing the hatch becomes a one-hand operation. They’ll also raise the bar higher than it goes with the prop rod (though probably not as high as you want it, I don’t think)…

I’ve had my Bronco for a week. Things will come. I like struts and will consider it once I get the bar to go up out of the way. I’ll just have to use my own strut because the height will be different (which is ok, I have access to assortments of them) I most certainly want the hood strut though. Thanks for the input

 

[DunawY]

My current solution is to remove and grind the hinge portion of the back to allow a further stop point. (As seen in red in the picture) I’ll then just need to fabricate a rod that allows for 2 level because with the windows in it will not be able to go that high I believe.

 

[Headsong]

Get the @IAG Performance struts first. They lift it a few inches higher.

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