Soft Top <--> Hard Top Swap : Tips & Lessons Learned - UPDATED

[Papa Smurf]

Does anyone know if we are purchsing the C pillar panels to lock int he soft top windows, if the 3 bolts per side panel are already on the Bronco with the hard top or if they need to be ordered as well? If they need to be ordered, does anyone know the part number for the bolts?

To be extra clear I'm talking about the 6 bolts that go with M2DZ-78255A35-BA & M2DZ-78255A34-BA.

The bolts are already there. Back them out, place the trim, and re-install the bolts.

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[BroncoDymond88]

That’s what I thought, thanks for confirming!

 

[SpringTXOR]

Anyone doing this I highly recommend getting the kit a few pages back with the alignment tools. I marked my brackets before we pulled it off the donor vehicle, and it was still way off.

 

[Zachv336]

A Bit of an update on parts. I had order 2 of M2DZ-7829452-A and Ford shorted me one. So they placed the order again and M2DZ-7829452-B arrived.

It looks like it is now a kit that include placement tools, screws, a centering pin, but it also includes 2 of the Quarter Panel Brackets... see pictures and included PDF of instructions.

The tools look to be centering installation tools. And are 3d printed.

Price for the kit was basically the same as just one of the brackets by itself. Dealer was able to return one bracket.

What’s the part number for the kit? I searched the one on the box and it just keeps coming up as the bracket

 

[Zachv336]

The bolts are already there. Back them out, place the trim, and re-install the bolts.

If swapping tops between two broncos does the soft top bronco have longer bolts since they have the c pillar trim pre installed, or are they the same length with or without?

 

[Papa Smurf]

If swapping tops between two broncos does the soft top bronco have longer bolts since they have the c pillar trim pre installed, or are they the same length with or without?

Same length

 

[Jonkaschak]

I didn't realize that the quarter panel reinforcement had both sides in the same kit. With the alignment tool and I ordered 2. Also the receiver that goes above the passenger side door I ordered one that was backordered and then found one somewhere else, and they both arrived on the same day so I have an extra one. Anyone need those parts? You can have both for $50 plus shipping.

 

[Kach Vartan]

Is the alignment tool available for purchase on its own? I finally have all the parts for the soft top, but hoping not to pay for the full quarter panel kit just to get the tool.

 

[smazied]

Looking for 2 Reinforcement Rear Quarter P - Ford (M2DZ-7829452-B) to ship to NJ ASAP. Any help is much appreciated.

 

[Daft_KC]

I didn't realize that the quarter panel reinforcement had both sides in the same kit. With the alignment tool and I ordered 2. Also the receiver that goes above the passenger side door I ordered one that was backordered and then found one somewhere else, and they both arrived on the same day so I have an extra one. Anyone need those parts? You can have both for $50 plus shipping.

Do you still have the part? I sent a PM.

 

[snake2332]

Anyone know the current status on the 4 brackets if you order from a Ford dealer? I know the rear latch receivers are $1340 LOL so I'm very happy that there is an after-market for $70, but am very curious if I'm going to be waiting months for the brackets that I just ordered.

I contacted the lady that sold me the soft-top too, to see if she will take off brackets and latches for me. I didn't realize I needed those when I bought the soft-top from her for $200 brand new still on the shipping pallet. She's slow to respond so I probably won't find out for a few days if she has the dual-top Bronco, but she must if she had a soft-top sitting around in her carport. Also, she's 500 miles away from me so I can't just pop over there and take the parts off.

EDIT/UPDATE:

Heard back from Varsity Ford (yes she got one part # wrong but ignore that):

 

[snake2332]

I'm sending tools to the gal with the dual-top Bronco to remove the brackets and latches. I know the main brackets use an M8 bolt with 13mm head, but can someone tell me what the rear latch uses? I'm guessing 13mm as well but maybe it's a T50 Torx which she should have but just want to make sure I send her what she needs.

Thanks!

 

[cbrenthus]

I also ordered 2 rear bracket kits, thinking it was just one bracket each. I might

I'm sending tools to the gal with the dual-top Bronco to remove the brackets and latches. I know the main brackets use an M8 bolt with 13mm head, but can someone tell me what the rear latch uses? I'm guessing 13mm as well but maybe it's a T50 Torx which she should have but just want to make sure I send her what she needs.

Thanks!

All tools I needed to install the soft top brackets were found in the tool kit that cam with the Bronco. I'm really impressed with that!

Also, I fell victim to thinking I needed 2 each of M2DZ7829452A, especially since they were only $25! Not knowing how important the alignment tools were until I read this, I threw away the ones that came with the kit I used, but I still have the unopened pack. Not sure when I'll be ready to sell, since I haven't tried installing the soft top yet (just did the brackets), but I'll keep you all informed

 

[snake2332]

I also ordered 2 rear bracket kits, thinking it was just one bracket each. I might


All tools I needed to install the soft top brackets were found in the tool kit that cam with the Bronco. I'm really impressed with that!

Also, I fell victim to thinking I needed 2 each of M2DZ7829452A, especially since they were only $25! Not knowing how important the alignment tools were until I read this, I threw away the ones that came with the kit I used, but I still have the unopened pack. Not sure when I'll be ready to sell, since I haven't tried installing the soft top yet (just did the brackets), but I'll keep you all informed

Looks like another 13mm on the rear latch so I'll just send her a socket wrench and a trim removal tool if she can't do that part with her bare hands. Prepaid shipping label so she can drop it in the mail too. Just making it easy on her since she is doing me a favor and gave me such a good deal in the first place.

 

[CM22]

How was anyone able to get this part.....Brackets inside tailgate that back/bottom of top snap into
M2DB-S515A54-AE ......with out buying the whole frame assembly for $446??? I cant find just the Latch buy itself. Or is it just that much??

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