Bestop Sunrider Install issue

[srd1122]

I purchased the bestop Sunrider for my four-door bronco. I watched the install video and read through the instructions. It appeared to be pretty straightforward and a quick install. On step 2 I ran into an issue where the M6 x 16 bolts were too large for the threaded holes, and I stripped the head trying to force them in. I got the screws removed and ran out to purchase some extras and even the next size down. The next size down were too small, and I ran into the same issue with the new screws. I’m going to reach out bestop tomorrow. Has anyone else run into this issue? Does anyone have any recommendations on how you can slightly widen the threaded holes without ruining the threading? I was so frustrated because I was looking forward to trying it out.

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[lakesinai]

I purchased the bestop Sunrider for my four-door bronco. I watched the install video and read through the instructions. It appeared to be pretty straightforward and a quick install. On step 2 I ran into an issue where the M6 x 16 bolts were too large for the threaded holes, and I stripped the head trying to force them in. I got the screws removed and ran out to purchase some extras and even the next size down. The next size down were too small, and I ran into the same issue with the new screws. I’m going to reach out bestop tomorrow. Has anyone else run into this issue? Does anyone have any recommendations on how you can slightly widen the threaded holes without ruining the threading? I was so frustrated because I was looking forward to trying it out.

It's not just fastener diameter, but thread count (20, 24 etc). Then you've got metric vs imperial. Did Besttop send the wrong fasteners, or did this come from a 3rd party?

 

[Swallace]

I purchased the bestop Sunrider for my four-door bronco. I watched the install video and read through the instructions. It appeared to be pretty straightforward and a quick install. On step 2 I ran into an issue where the M6 x 16 bolts were too large for the threaded holes, and I stripped the head trying to force them in. I got the screws removed and ran out to purchase some extras and even the next size down. The next size down were too small, and I ran into the same issue with the new screws. I’m going to reach out bestop tomorrow. Has anyone else run into this issue? Does anyone have any recommendations on how you can slightly widen the threaded holes without ruining the threading? I was so frustrated because I was looking forward to trying it out.

I had to keep the two washers when I removed my two door hard top and had to use them as spacers. Not sure if this gives you the clearance on a 4 door

 

[BigBlue7]

I purchased the bestop Sunrider for my four-door bronco. I watched the install video and read through the instructions. It appeared to be pretty straightforward and a quick install. On step 2 I ran into an issue where the M6 x 16 bolts were too large for the threaded holes, and I stripped the head trying to force them in. I got the screws removed and ran out to purchase some extras and even the next size down. The next size down were too small, and I ran into the same issue with the new screws. I’m going to reach out bestop tomorrow. Has anyone else run into this issue? Does anyone have any recommendations on how you can slightly widen the threaded holes without ruining the threading? I was so frustrated because I was looking forward to trying it out.

Is this the step where you try to attach the canopy to the bestop frame (before putting it on the bronco)? If so, it's caused by paint overspray on the inside of the nuts. I contacted bestop and they weren't much help, but I just went and bought new bolts with a socket head on them and it allowed me to torque the bolts through the excess paint

 

[Rumbloki]

Does anyone have any recommendations on how you can slightly widen the threaded holes without ruining the threading?

You can clean the paint out with a tap. Confirm thread pitch first.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-M6-X-1-Metric-Tap-and-Drill-Set/5013371453

 

[srd1122]

It's not just fastener diameter, but thread count (20, 24 etc). Then you've got metric vs imperial. Did Besttop send the wrong fasteners, or did this come from a 3rd party?

It came from Amazon but Bestop is the seller.

 

[srd1122]

Is this the step where you try to attach the canopy to the bestop frame (before putting it on the bronco)? If so, it's caused by paint overspray on the inside of the nuts. I contacted bestop and they weren't much help, but I just went and bought new bolts with a socket head on them and it allowed me to torque the bolts through the excess paint

Yes. Do you remember which bolts you got?

 

[BigBlue7]

Yes. Do you remember which bolts you got?

Same size as the ones they provided, just with a different head on in so I could tighten them with socket wrench and not an allen wrench

similar to this https://www.amazon.com/M6-1-0-Hexag...5&keywords=m6+x+16+bolt&qid=1727717454&sr=8-8

 

[srd1122]

Same size as the ones they provided, just with a different head on in so I could tighten them with socket wrench and not an allen wrench

similar to this https://www.amazon.com/M6-1-0-Hexag...5&keywords=m6+x+16+bolt&qid=1727717454&sr=8-8

Thank you! I will give that a try. I did pick up different screws, but they had a Phillips head so I was still struggling to install them without stripping the head.

 

[lakesinai]

It came from Amazon but Bestop is the seller.

I'd call Besttop directly. The Skyrider I installed had all the correct fasteners from Besttop. Good luck, that's annoying.

 

[srd1122]

Same size as the ones they provided, just with a different head on in so I could tighten them with socket wrench and not an allen wrench

similar to this https://www.amazon.com/M6-1-0-Hexag...5&keywords=m6+x+16+bolt&qid=1727717454&sr=8-8

Soooo, update. That went great on 2/3 that I installed. The third snapped off inside the hole. I’ve been working diligently to remove the snapped bolt, but even if I can get it out, the thread will probably be ruined. I contacted Bestop to see what my options are. They submitted a warranty claim. Hopefully they’ll be sending me a new top, and if they do, hopefully I don’t run into the same issues.

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