Share Your Hard Top Removal Tips and Tricks

[gbub]

From looking at it before, that is what I suspected. Thank you for the verification. That video was very helpful. At least all I have to do for now is remove the three easiest to remove panels.

When I get the camper installed, they will remove the factory top. I have measured each panel and it looks like I will be able to fit all four panels inside for my return trip home. My back seats have been replaced with a flat composite plate, so there should be plenty room.

I read the tip about removing the guide pins on the rear section. That should be a must for me to keep them from getting damaged while loading and and transporting.

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[11811]

I bought one of those block and tackle lifting systems off of Amazon.com

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DCY6FS4F?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title

but along with the wimpy straps, they did not seem to be able to compensate for the fact that most of the weight of the hardtop is in the rear. Thus the back of it sagged and made it pretty awkward putting the hardtop back on.

So I decided to make my own straps

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CSDJYQZP?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08CNCJ63B?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1


Sewn into the straps are 3/16" metal pins to distribute the weight for lifting. The 3" wide straps help distribute the weight where it makes contact with the hardtop.

To keep the rear from sagging I extended the rear lifting lines and hooked them to the rear glass opener brackets.

Now it works great and I don't have to worry about one of the buckles on the old straps popping open.

 

[DALOLA]

So a std. 2dr. hard top is roughly 70lbs? That's it? I was expecting a lot more. Seems like it should be pretty simple for an average guy, like the dude on YouTube.... just lift & walk it off... lol... I may change my opinion once I actually try it!

 

[MilesTeg]

So a std. 2dr. hard top is roughly 70lbs? That's it? I was expecting a lot more. Seems like it should be pretty simple for an average guy, like the dude on YouTube.... just lift & walk it off... lol... I may change my opinion once I actually try it!

The problem isn't the weight, it's how awkward it is. I would not suggest trying it just because the weight isn't that much.

 

[DALOLA]

The problem isn't the weight, it's how awkward it is. I would not suggest trying it just because the weight isn't that much.

Good advice! It was a bit more than my 60-year-old back wanted..... I could lift it up ok, but definitely felt awkward to try to move it off.

SOooo, luckily I already had a Harkin Hoist in my garage from my RTT days, so I just reworked the straps a little, and used that. Save my back for another day...

 

[indio22]

So a std. 2dr. hard top is roughly 70lbs? That's it? I was expecting a lot more. Seems like it should be pretty simple for an average guy, like the dude on YouTube.... just lift & walk it off... lol... I may change my opinion once I actually try it!

I use to put some steps behind my CJ-7 and walk the hardtop off on my back. You have to crawl a bit when you get the top to the ground, to get out from under. Although not sure I'd risk dinging/cracking the rather fragile Bronco hardtop doing that approach.

My advice is remove the Bronco hardtop locating pins. They are not required and prone to cracking or scratching things. Without the pins it's easier to set the top down on the Bronco and then adjust location as needed.

 

[DALOLA]

I use to put some steps behind my CJ-7 and walk the hardtop off on my back. You have to crawl a bit when you get the top to the ground, to get out from under. Although not sure I'd risk dinging/cracking the rather fragile Bronco hardtop doing that approach.

My advice is remove the Bronco hardtop locating pins. They are not required and prone to cracking or scratching things. Without the pins it's easier to set the top down on the Bronco and then adjust location as needed.

I gave it the boy scout effort, but decided to use the lift I already had.... my 60 year old back has taught me to start working smarter, not harder..

 

[indio22]

I gave it the boy scout effort, but decided to use the lift I already had.... my 60 year old back has taught me to start working smarter, not harder..

I hear ya. I've been dealing with some mobility issues, and so am a lot more kind to my back and joints these days.

 

[MongoTheBronco]

Heyyyyy I'm in NC too!


I have a 4dr so the top is a breeze to get off with two people. I'm 5'2" and even if I just have my friends help it's still entirely manageable if you follow the videos/steps (obviously, it's the easiest if my husband helps and does the bulk of the work ).

I did find a really awesome product so I can do everything by myself. I'm going to link the post but I'll link the 2dr products here because they will be different 🩵

Review Post (EZ 4x4 Top Lift and Door Cart)

EZ 4x4 2dr TOP LIFT

EZ 4x4 2dr DOOR CART

EZ 4x4 2dr Alignment Pins

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