Easiest soft top to install when it rains?

[wristtoys]

what is the easiest soft top to install in case it rains.

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[Mtea]

I have pretty much the same question. I even considered buying a tarp and some bungee cords to secure it then just wait until the rain passes. Probably won’t be going out if rainy weather is expected, but storms do crop up. Much experience with this in our boat over the years.

 

[Brian_B]

Are you talking about completely naked, no top at all and being ready for rain, or just having the top back and being able to just pop it up in the event rain comes?

Those are two different answers - the soft tops generally are the hardest ones to remove and reinstall completely, but the easiest to just open up and drop back, and vice-versa to put back up.

The factory soft top, just to roll back entirely, takes one person all of 30 seconds to pop it all the back or get the top back up... a couple of minutes to get the windows back off or on and make it entirely rain tight all around. But if you want to remove it entirely, it takes 2-3 people about 30 minutes to unbolt it or re-bolt it back on.

 

[buck_6G]

The OEM soft top is pneumatically assisted and can be raised/lowered with one hand. It's a cinch when I get caught in an unexpected shower. Pull over quickly, lift it up, lock it in, and go.

 

[Figmo]

Simple car cover’s what I use. Amazon has them specifically designed for Bronco shape

 

[stinkdog]

I have pretty much the same question. I even considered buying a tarp and some bungee cords to secure it then just wait until the rain passes. Probably won’t be going out if rainy weather is expected, but storms do crop up. Much experience with this in our boat over the years.

I apologize this has absolutely nothing to do with this thread - but.. the statue in your profile picture is one my mother loves but I can’t find it anywhere. Do you remember where you got it? We refer to it as “shopping chicken”.

 

[helifino16]

This might be a good choice. Easy to use, quick and really quite good at keeping out water.

 

[Mtea]

@stinkdog my kids and I bought the shopping chicken for my wife at Naylor’s Hardware in Oakland, MD. It was on our mailbox post on Deep Creek Lake north of there for about 20 years. We sold that house and now she’s on a fence in Idaho by the mailbox. There are many long-time employees at Naylor’s so you might call and see if anybody remembers where they sourced it.

 

[stinkdog]

@stinkdog my kids and I bought the shopping chicken for my wife at Naylor’s Hardware in Oakland, MD. It was on our mailbox post on Deep Creek Lake north of there for about 20 years. We sold that house and now she’s on a fence in Idaho by the mailbox. There are many long-time employees at Naylor’s so you might call and see if anybody remembers where they sourced it.

Thank you for the response! I will have to see if maybe they remember.

 

[userdude]

I remember a year or so ago there was a company selling a cover that went over basically just the top, sides, back and windshield and was for outdoor storage when you didn't have your top? I remember people joking about driving with it (maybe some weren't joking), but the company insisting that wasn't intended. Anyhow, you might look if you can find out who they were. I think they were easy to install.

EDIT: I think it was called the Broncover. There's others, though. Thread:

https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/threads/best-rain-cover-2025-edition.113554/

 

[Mcogen123]

Are you talking about completely naked, no top at all and being ready for rain, or just having the top back and being able to just pop it up in the event rain comes?

Those are two different answers - the soft tops generally are the hardest ones to remove and reinstall completely, but the easiest to just open up and drop back, and vice-versa to put back up.

The factory soft top, just to roll back entirely, takes one person all of 30 seconds to pop it all the back or get the top back up... a couple of minutes to get the windows back off or on and make it entirely rain tight all around. But if you want to remove it entirely, it takes 2-3 people about 30 minutes to unbolt it or re-bolt it back on.

Completely naked, although the options seem limited. Is there any way to get the OEM aftermarket from Ford or only the Bestop?

 

[Brian_B]

Is there any way to get the OEM aftermarket from Ford or only the Bestop?

Yes. People have ordered it from Ford before (I don’t have a P/N or anything handy, but it has been done around here). Also plenty of people selling it as a takeoff.

Just make sure you get all the required brackets and trim pieces that go with it - 10 total I believe (2 brackets on top mid section, 2 rear latches, 2 rear cargo main brackets, 2 plastic C pillar trim pieces, 2 cargo area trim pieces)

 

[Danielsand]

Completely naked, although the options seem limited. Is there any way to get the OEM aftermarket from Ford or only the Bestop?

There are OEM soft tops (some unused) for sale on this board (and other sites) quite frequently. Most won't ship, but money talks (as usual). I have a little experience with sellers that "won't ship". There are shipping companies that WILL go to the seller's address and pick the item up (whatever the item might be). It's only money.

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