How to Remove the Hard Top on the 2021 Ford Bronco

David

Glad that you've got the info you need! Also, the record should state that @mitchcreel didn't break a thing on the Filson rig and, to our knowledge, that truck is still running like a dream.

But did Mitch drive the Filson Bronco? Or convoying with the Bronco.

Last one for the night, here’s the back end with a look of the MIC top on the Bronco.

David

So here’s a closer look at the tool for removing the roof rack.

Looks like a standard tool to get into control cabinets here at work . I have several styles in my toolbox.
Do you think it is a reasonable assumption that you could just unbolt the rack at the windshield, place a rag under each end so if it moves any it doesn't scratch the paint , and then just lift the whole top straight up with a garage hoist with the rack still attached ?

Rydfree

David

So here’s a closer look at the tool for removing the roof rack.

Looks like a standard tool to get into control cabinets here at work . I have several styles in my toolbox.
Do you think it is a reasonable assumption that you could just unbolt the rack at the windshield, place a rag under each end so if it moves any it doesn't scratch the paint , and then just lift the whole top straight up with a garage hoist with the rack still attached ?

I suspect that this will be a thing. The garage hoist is already a thing for Wrangler tops. For keeping the rack attached, it would probably work. I’d recommend making some spacers to go under the forward portions of the rack so they don’t flex the rear feet though. Pretty good aftermarket idea, actually.

You’ll also have to take the extra height of the rack into account when you lift it with the hoist.

David

I suspect that this will be a thing. The garage hoist is already a thing for Wrangler tops. For keeping the rack attached, it would probably work. I’d recommend making some spacers to go under the forward portions of the rack so they don’t flex the rear feet though. Pretty good aftermarket idea, actually.

You’ll also have to take the extra height of the rack into account when you lift it with the hoist.

Yeah I would put a foam spacer near the front and the garage roof is 14' high :) Can't wait to try it out. Thanks

So very cool deals in there with places to attach the light and washer hose on the top itself. First time I’d take the top off, I’d probably snag them...

How flimsy is the top and is there some weatherstripping on the bottom? Thinking about what it gets set on when I take it off.

Flourman

So very cool deals in there with places to attach the light and washer hose on the top itself. First time I’d take the top off, I’d probably snag them...

How flimsy is the top and is there some weatherstripping on the bottom? Thinking about what it gets set on when I take it off.

The top is about what you’d expect given what it’s made of. There’s some flex that you feel when you take it off but we didn’t find it to be extreme.

Ford’s only recommendation for storing the hard top is that it’s stored in a safe place with the tailgate window open to prevent damage to the glass seal.

A few thoughts/comments on the hardtop removal.

The front panels are much like the jeep attachment and removal. On a jeep you have to mess with the visors to reach the latches. Not so on the Bronco. A small but nice improvement. Jeep also has 2 screw-in knobs that have to be removed and stored somewhere for the front panel removal. These were always a pain in the butt. Glad Ford is not doing something similar.

Not sure how practical it would be to remove the top without removing the roof rails. They stick out quite far and would make it awkward to move around and store the top. I think you would risk damaging the top even with some spacers. What is needed is a shorter roof rail system that only covers the back half of the top and stays secure to the top. You would not have to mess with removing the rails for top removal and it would provide attachment points for a top hoist. If Ford does not provide this I bet the aftermarket will. Question - will the lifts made for jeep tops (the ones that lift from under the top) work on a new Bronco top? Will they work with the Bronco's roll cage??

As noted already, the spots to store the loose ends of the top's electrical connections and washer fluid hose is another nice touch. On jeeps you have to stuff them behind the interior panel or let them hang loose.

Seems Ford has made this process as simple as possible. Kudos to the designers.

Hmm the hose for the rear washer just clips inside the cargo area of the Bronco? What if you accidentally do the wrong wiper washer button? I do the wrong one in the Suburban all the time.
Maybe I can use that to hose out my washable interior.:)

Jakob1972

Hmm the hose for the rear washer just clips inside the cargo area of the Bronco? What if you accidentally do the wrong wiper washer button? I do the wrong one in the Suburban all the time.
Maybe I can use that to hose out my washable interior.:)

You are also disconnecting the electrical to the roof so the system probably can tell not to squirt washer fluid out the disconnected connector. when the top is off.

gibsBRonCO

What is needed is a shorter roof rail system that only covers the back half of the top and stays secure to the top.

You mean like this?
Looks like an option on the 4 door at least. Haven't seen it on a 2 door yet.

Looks like the 2 door hard tops don't even have the second mounting point, only the 4 door tops! Bummer!

TorgSurv

Looks like the 2 door hard tops don't even have the second mounting point, only the 4 door tops! Bummer!

Yeah, I was wondering if there was a second mounting point. Seems like there should be. Thanks for sharing. I had not seen that 4-door roof rack pic.

gibsBRonCO

Yeah, I was wondering if there was a second mounting point. Seems like there should be. Thanks for sharing. I had not seen that 4-door roof rack pic.

I think it's strange that the 2 doors don't have the second mounting point. They're longer than the 4 door rear section so it seems like it would be a no-brainer.
The standard rails on the 4 door use the windshield mount and the forward mounting point on the shell.

TorgSurv

You mean like this?
Looks like an option on the 4 door at least. Haven't seen it on a 2 door yet.

Click to expand...

For that reveal Ford mentioned that rack is custom so I wouldn't expect it in the accessories catalogue for a while

There is also this roofrack concept in the image gallery on the Ford website that just looks like a conventional Yakima/Thule rack attaching to the window frame of the hard top.

BuzzyBud

@David I have all the info I need now to buy my Bronco. Thank you.
The only area which has remained a mystery is the engine compartment. If BN was looking for ideas on future videos, that might be an idea. It would be really funny if Mitch did the narration and something broke! I would pay money to see that!

:LOL: I hope you're referring to my terribly bad luck with breaking things hahaha it probably wouldn't go over well if I broke something on the new Bronco though

Buckin'

For that reveal Ford mentioned that rack is custom so I wouldn't expect it in the accessories catalogue for a while

Bummer, I saw this as a what to carry a Kayak or paddleboard a short distance and still be able to remove the middle section of the roof. The only issue is it is taller than the other rack so it may not clear the garage if Bronco is Sasquatched.

samanator

Bummer, I saw this as a what to carry a Kayak or paddleboard a short distance and still be able to remove the middle section of the roof. The only issue is it is taller than the other rack so it may not clear the garage if Bronco is Sasquatched.

I think the rack is the same height, it just has a small Yakima LockNLoad on it.

Oh wow that looks really yellow. No orange at all. This used to be a top contender for me.