Just removed hard top for 20th time. Observations & tips

[Ford Motor Company]

Bought a hoist system for $185 as soon as I got the Bronco and can attest to them being worth it. I put the middle section on top of the rear section then hoist it up. I don't want to overload it too much so the 2 front sections go in the bag and are set aside. Also bought some knock-off RockWorkx toolless fasteners for $62 to replace 8 of the T50 bolts.

Not sure why people say you have to store it with the hatch window up - that just makes it unbalanced on the hoist system. I also removed the guide pins since one of them had caused the fiberglass to crack from the previous owner. Pretty pointless if you ask me.

I put tape on the garage floor so I can back up the Bronco in just the right spot to lower the hard top on. Works great, 1 person job, no strength required.

Now I'm trying to figure out how to get the soft-top platform up on the same hoist system to store it during the winter months. The hoist doesn't go nearly low enough to strap onto the platform so I'm spit-balling other ideas.

Your Bronco looks great Thanks so much for sharing this information!

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[tock13]

Bought a hoist system for $185 as soon as I got the Bronco and can attest to them being worth it. I put the middle section on top of the rear section then hoist it up. I don't want to overload it too much so the 2 front sections go in the bag and are set aside. Also bought some knock-off RockWorkx toolless fasteners for $62 to replace 8 of the T50 bolts.

Not sure why people say you have to store it with the hatch window up - that just makes it unbalanced on the hoist system. I also removed the guide pins since one of them had caused the fiberglass to crack from the previous owner. Pretty pointless if you ask me.

I put tape on the garage floor so I can back up the Bronco in just the right spot to lower the hard top on. Works great, 1 person job, no strength required.

Now I'm trying to figure out how to get the soft-top platform up on the same hoist system to store it during the winter months. The hoist doesn't go nearly low enough to strap onto the platform so I'm spit-balling other ideas.

I would love to see what you come up with for the soft top. I have been pondering that all summer and still haven't gotten the soft top on yet and here it is heading into fall. Its just me to put it on so need a hoist or something rigged up.

Love the color of your Bronco by the way. That color is stunning when it is shined up!

 

[snake2332]

Thanks, I like the Rapid Red too. The metallic tinted clearcoat is pretty sexy.

For hoisting up the soft-top from the garage floor, I'm thinking of getting a cheap, small winch and hooking it to a spare car battery. Build a basic frame from 2x4's with the hoist hooked to wherever the balance point would be then have some tie-down straps going through the handles of the soft-top platform. The 2x4 frame would be above the soft-top, not below it, and 1 or 2 pulleys would be used. I could cheap out and get a come-along instead of a winch. I'm open to better, more clever ideas too. I want it to be easy for 1 person to do.

 

[Big Betty Blue]

Bought a hoist system for $185 as soon as I got the Bronco and can attest to them being worth it. I put the middle section on top of the rear section then hoist it up. I don't want to overload it too much so the 2 front sections go in the bag and are set aside. Also bought some knock-off RockWorkx toolless fasteners for $62 to replace 8 of the T50 bolts.

Not sure why people say you have to store it with the hatch window up - that just makes it unbalanced on the hoist system. I also removed the guide pins since one of them had caused the fiberglass to crack from the previous owner. Pretty pointless if you ask me.

I put tape on the garage floor so I can back up the Bronco in just the right spot to lower the hard top on. Works great, 1 person job, no strength required.

Now I'm trying to figure out how to get the soft-top platform up on the same hoist system to store it during the winter months. The hoist doesn't go nearly low enough to strap onto the platform so I'm spit-balling other ideas.

Can you share more details about your hoist system? Beautiful ride!

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