Soft Top back to Hard Top

[HeliPilot]

This is the 3rd year I've gone from my soft top back to my hard top at the end of the season. The past 2 years I've simply lowered the hard top into place and bolted it down. This year I lowered the rear shell, then took extra time to absolutely center the the shell side to side and positioned it forward and closed the tailgate to ensure I got a good seal on the rear as well. Then I bolted it into place. I repeated the same procedure with each roof panel. I cannot tell you how much quieter the bronco is now with the hard top on. I am now 100% convinced that most of our hard top noise comes from poor factory placement of the panels at the factory. If you're not satisfied with the noise level in your bronco, I highly recommend performing a similar procedure.

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[EndlessAdvnture]

Morning, I am looking at purchasing a OEM hardtop from Ford and doing the same thing you are doing from Summer Soft Top's to Winter Hard Top.

What is the biggest thing you notice between the two? Do you think the hardtop is worth the extra coin in the Winter and on the Highway? This rig will never be fixed roof quiet but what are your big take away from the two? Thanks!

 

[HeliPilot]

Hmmm, mine came with the hardtop and I bought the soft top off marketplace. Soft is noisier by far, but I run almost all summer with the windows pulled out. This is why I wanted it. I can throw the top back and pull it back up when I park at work. I often dispatch after I arrive at work, and can be gone for hours. In summer we get pop up thunderstorms. Just gives my interior some protection while I drive topless all summer.

 

[NC_Oak]

Hmmm, mine came with the hardtop and I bought the soft top off marketplace. Soft is noisier by far, but I run almost all summer with the windows pulled out. This is why I wanted it. I can throw the top back and pull it back up when I park at work. I often dispatch after I arrive at work, and can be gone for hours. In summer we get pop up thunderstorms. Just gives my interior some protection while I drive topless all summer.

this is my style as well - minus the hard top completely. Soft windows off, stored in the IAG soft window bag. top up bimini style or down as desired

 

[HeliPilot]

this is my style as well - minus the hard top completely. Soft windows off, stored in the IAG soft window bag. top up bimini style or down as desired

Yes, I too store mine in a soft bag that is stored behind the rear seat backs when not in use.

 

[Bschurr]

This is the 3rd year I've gone from my soft top back to my hard top at the end of the season. The past 2 years I've simply lowered the hard top into place and bolted it down. This year I lowered the rear shell, then took extra time to absolutely center the the shell side to side and positioned it forward and closed the tailgate to ensure I got a good seal on the rear as well. Then I bolted it into place. I repeated the same procedure with each roof panel. I cannot tell you how much quieter the bronco is now with the hard top on. I am now 100% convinced that most of our hard top noise comes from poor factory placement of the panels at the factory. If you're not satisfied with the noise level in your bronco, I highly recommend performing a similar procedure.

Good stuff and thanks for the tips and tricks - I’ll make sure to emulate your results.

BTW - I think you a little premature - Fall is the best time in the northeast for drives ina convertible. Top down with a little chill in the air, seat heaters activated, tunes cranked & lots of skinny pedal since the turbos love that cold, dense air!

I am in the lower Hudson Valley and swap tops Thanksgiving & Easter

 

[PrepVet]

I'm sorry.

 

[HeliPilot]

Good stuff and thanks for the tips and tricks - I’ll make sure to emulate your results.

BTW - I think you a little premature - Fall is the best time in the northeast for drives ina convertible. Top down with a little chill in the air, seat heaters activated, tunes cranked & lots of skinny pedal since the turbos love that cold, dense air!

I am in the lower Hudson Valley and swap tops Thanksgiving & Easter

Wanted to get it on before it gets too cold. My Hummer EV has removable roof panels that are much lighter to handle. It’ll assume the convertible duty for fall.

 

[HeliPilot]

Good stuff and thanks for the tips and tricks - I’ll make sure to emulate your results.

BTW - I think you a little premature - Fall is the best time in the northeast for drives ina convertible. Top down with a little chill in the air, seat heaters activated, tunes cranked & lots of skinny pedal since the turbos love that cold, dense air!

I am in the lower Hudson Valley and swap tops Thanksgiving & Easter

I think you are correct. I have a ceiling hoist, so 10 minutes in and the hardtop is back off for a bit. I just won’t have the soft top installed. Easy enough to pull and replace the hardtop to drive around town.

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