Hardtop side panels — finally found something tool-free (Raptor)

[rbroncotx]

Texas summer means the side panels are coming off constantly — I've been running my 2022 Raptor topless since April and the T40 Torx every single time gets old fast.

Finally found something last week that made the side panels completely tool-free. Night and day difference. Running it through some real trail miles before I say more, but first impressions are solid.

Anyone else figured out a clean solution for this, or still doing the screw gun routine?

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[Brian_B]

Wasn't there a company making anodized D-Ring and knurled top bolts? Rockworkx?

 

[Mike's Bronco]

Wasn't there a company making anodized D-Ring and knurled top bolts? Rockworkx?

Were you thinking of these?

https://www.ez4x4.com/products/quick-release-thumb-screw-kit-bronco

 

[Brian_B]

Were you thinking of these?

https://www.ez4x4.com/products/quick-release-thumb-screw-kit-bronco

Looks like another brand of them, but yeah, more or less

https://www.rockworkx.com/collections/bronco-6g-hard-top-removal-bolts

 

[jwysopal]

Texas summer means the side panels are coming off constantly — I've been running my 2022 Raptor topless since April and the T40 Torx every single time gets old fast.

Finally found something last week that made the side panels completely tool-free. Night and day difference. Running it through some real trail miles before I say more, but first impressions are solid.

Anyone else figured out a clean solution for this, or still doing the screw gun routine?

Pics?? Looks like we're all thinking of the rear shell of the hardtop, but you are saying "side panels". Hopefully a photo can help clarify what you are referring to.

 

[RedBeardoh]

I fear his experiment went south, the top fell on him and he is pinned down in the garage. Phone just inches out of reach so he is unable to call for help and, more importantly, unable to update us with photos of this method

 

[rbroncotx]

Still here @RedBeardoh — no casualties. @jwysopal — the four removable panels, not the rear shell. @Brian_B those knurled bolts are cool but you're still turning something. What I found you don't turn at all, just lift straight off. More once I've got actual trail miles on it.

 

[RedBeardoh]

 

[Brian_B]

Still here @RedBeardoh — no casualties. @jwysopal — the four removable panels, not the rear shell. @Brian_B those knurled bolts are cool but you're still turning something. What I found you don't turn at all, just lift straight off. More once I've got actual trail miles on it.

Cool.

 

[jwysopal]

Still here @RedBeardoh — no casualties. @jwysopal — the four removable panels, not the rear shell. @Brian_B those knurled bolts are cool but you're still turning something. What I found you don't turn at all, just lift straight off. More once I've got actual trail miles on it.

I still have no clue what you are referring to. There's three removable panels of the hardtop, and the rear shell. What '4 panels' are you referring to? I spend much of the year with the Bronco topless, and I just cant picture what "panels" you are talking about.

 

[rbroncotx]

Fair, I was sloppy with the count — three panels plus the rear shell, you're right. What I swapped is the hardware holding them on, not the panels. The ones over the rear seats lift straight off now, no tool. The forward pair over the windshield still want a T40.

 

[RedBeardoh]

Fair, I was sloppy with the count — three panels plus the rear shell, you're right. What I swapped is the hardware holding them on, not the panels. The ones over the rear seats lift straight off now, no tool. The forward pair over the windshield still want a T40.

Is the raptor different than a normal bronco for removing the top? Seems odd ford would have you unbolting things to remove the top..

 

[Deadpool392]

Is the raptor different than a normal bronco for removing the top? Seems odd ford would have you unbolting things to remove the top..

Nope, it is the same MIC or painted top as any other Bronco and removes the same. Not sure what the confusion seems to be, all of the removable panels have the latches.

 

[RedBeardoh]

Nope, it is the same MIC or painted top as any other Bronco and removes the same. Not sure what the confusion seems to be, all of the removable panels have the latches.

I think the confusion we’re all facing is how you might have ended up with the only bronco that requires a tool to remove the panels.. only think that requires tools to remove on my 4 dr hardtop is the last section with the glass windows

 

[HighVelocity]

A sawzall cures all.

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