Convertible experience with a Bronco

[DavieO]

I bought my Bronco primarily for the convertible factor. Wanted the convertible but needed some utility.

Was going to order one with dual tops—soft top for me during the summer, hard top for wife during the cooler months. Found one that otherwise fit what I was looking for but with only the black painted HT and saved about $7000.

Found a never used soft top locally and with help on the forum, was able to identify and purchase all the necessary additional parts. Probably spent $800 total, parts + top. Took a day to install everything the first time, an hour to switch back.

Unlike your typical convertible, i do kinda choose how I’m going to ride that day, as lugging the rear and side windows along is a bit impractical. The reality is that the soft top went up two times between June and November and was down otherwise.

Switching between the two is a two person job unless you have a hoist. And you need a place to store the one not in use.

Both are loud, but in different ways.
Cold isn’t so much a factor here, and no leaks to report on either top.

Considering all that, for me, the dual tops is perfect and would recommend for anyone looking for a “convertible”.

And yes definitely painted top over the MIC.

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[BillTheCat]

We absolutely love our 2dr with the @bestop Sunrider flip back that replaces the front panels of the standard hardtop.

Waterproof, car wash proof, not much more noise at freeway speed over the hardtop, and has the ability to open in under 5 seconds. I throw it back at a stop sign. With the heated cloth seats and the heat on, I have enjoyed open top sunny days as cold as 45 degrees. When rain pops up,close it up from the driver seat just as quickly. I cruise the freeway with the top back, side windows up, and its very comfortable. If the Bronco was not my primary vehicle, I would leave it on year round. But in MN, the solid roof is preferred about 5 months of the year. Good luck in your search, and enjoy the Bronco experience!

Sorry to hijack...but, any issues with removing doors with that Sunrider? Been looking at it. Thx-

 

[Z because X was taken]

If you truly want the easiest convertable experience have a ETOP by BestTop installed. Flip two latches, push a button 15 seconds later you are a convertable. Easy.

 

[AKBronc49]

Mine is my 4x4 convertible mustang. Absolutely love riding with any part of the roof removed.

 

[Rick66]

Sorry to hijack...but, any issues with removing doors with that Sunrider? Been looking at it. Thx-

Sorry, can't help with that question. Never tried. Can't see what it would be any different than removing the doors with the MIC or the soft top.

 

[23OBX2.7]

Challenge with all hardtops is none of the, that I know of have rear side windows that even crack open a bit so this massive high pressure builds up causing extreme roof flexing and cabin turbulence at speed .....the main reason did not get hard top. So easily solved with old school windows hinged at end that open an inch at the rear end with a simple latch.

 

[Eldowerks]

With my 4-door Badlands I very much enjoy simply removing the two front panels, sliding both of the panels into the single factory storage bag, and storing the bag in the back of the Bronco. The bag with the two front panels can either be laid flat on the floor in the rear, or strapped vertically to the back of the back seats. Easy off, easy on in a few minutes.
Wind noise not bad at all. I do find that there is a bit of pressure build-up with the front panels off, but it is alleviated by cracking the rear passenger windows and inch or so.

 

[Sig Oris]

Mine is my 4x4 convertible mustang. Absolutely love riding with any part of the roof removed.

So when you’re driving in this set up, three sections removed, do you get any fluttering kind of sound? On my MY23 F150 Crew Cab, when I open the rear windows so the dog can stick her head out, I get this fluttering noise that requires me to open the drivers window about an inch.

 

[Sig Oris]

With my 4-door Badlands I very much enjoy simply removing the two front panels, sliding both of the panels into the single factory storage bag, and storing the bag in the back of the Bronco. The bag with the two front panels can either be laid flat on the floor in the rear, or strapped vertically to the back of the back seats. Easy off, easy on in a few minutes.
Wind noise not bad at all. I do find that there is a bit of pressure build-up with the front panels off, but it is alleviated by cracking the rear passenger windows and inch or so.

Thanks. Have you driven with all three removed and the four windows down? Do you still get that pressure noise? I said fluttering in a previous response but your description is more accurate.

 

[Sig Oris]

Fellow Mainer here.... Go for the bronco. Western Maine is.. as you know.. full of all sorts of fun roads & areas to explore that a mustang wouldn't be able to manage.

Jericho mt State Park in Berlin NH... Pretty park.. but also has the northeasts ONLY club built&maintained off road trails on public land..

Nothing a ride to LLCOTE to drool at the counters upstairs.

 

[DALOLA]

Opening the rear TG glass will smooth out the airflow with the front panels removed, and the top on.

It's actually a lot less turbulent removing the top, and then putting the front panels back on. This is my preferred "topless" highway mode. Once off the highway, front panels can be stowed, and you are 100% convertible again.

 

[indio22]

Challenge with all hardtops is none of the, that I know of have rear side windows that even crack open a bit so this massive high pressure builds up causing extreme roof flexing and cabin turbulence at speed .....the main reason did not get hard top. So easily solved with old school windows hinged at end that open an inch at the rear end with a simple latch.

I wonder if that high pressure situation is more a 4-door top issue, because I haven't experienced it in the 2-door with only front panels removed.

 

[not on the rug]

Challenge with all hardtops is none of the, that I know of have rear side windows that even crack open a bit so this massive high pressure builds up causing extreme roof flexing and cabin turbulence at speed .....the main reason did not get hard top. So easily solved with old school windows hinged at end that open an inch at the rear end with a simple latch.

While hinged rear windows would be nice, I've not experienced "cabin turbulence" and I've been known to drive "at speed." Is that a 2-door thing?

 

[23OBX2.7]

While hinged rear windows would be nice, I've not experienced "cabin turbulence" and I've been known to drive "at speed." Is that a 2-door thing?

My test drives of all 2 & 4 door hard tops with front or all roof panels removed had lots of cabin buffeting, very noisy, and the rear fixed roof top porpoising so much I could almost see cracks forming haha. A hey reason did not get a hard top.

Every car ever with no rolling rear windows that Ove seem had hinged rear windows simply to relieve pressure when front windows down and get nice airflow.

 

[not on the rug]

My test drives of all 2 & 4 door hard tops with front or all roof panels removed had lots of cabin buffeting, very noisy, and the rear fixed roof top porpoising so much I could almost see cracks forming haha. A hey reason did not get a hard top.

Every car ever with no rolling rear windows that Ove seem had hinged rear windows simply to relieve pressure when front windows down and get nice airflow.

I've never had a second of that experience whatsoever. Then again, we all know thar quality control on these vehicles varies widely.
Curious though...what you're describing is literally the experience of any soft top on any car.. I hate soft tops for that reason. Noisy, flapping, slapping, air pressure turbulence, etc.

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