Leaving the hard top at home

[MJs71Bronc]

So I have a question for my fellow Bronco buddies.
My 71 is coming back from an off frame restoration (it suffered a roll-over accident almost 3 yrs ago when someone turned in front of me). It has a new rollbar with a vinyl top that cover 75% of the cab, carpeted interior, new seats, etc. How do you plan for multi-day trips or even a day trip when there's always a chance it could rain? I have a car cover but it's not really waterproof.
My fear is I go to bed and one of those lovely summer thunderstorms comes rolling in overnight and dumps an inch of rain.

I might be a nervous nellie here but after dropping all that $$, I don't want to ruin it.

Thanks for the input.

MJ

 

[MJs71Bronc]

Not the best picture but here it is. Almost done...

 

[miesk5]

Yo MJ,
Well Done, Congrats!

I've seen some owners have a Tonneau Cover made such as;

Have to protect instrument cluster and dash, etc.

 

[chrlsful]

drop windshield 1st (they all do even w/o the 1st 3 yr clip or dash spiners) and havea 'panel & trim" co make 1 up. I do that but pull the window slide-out frames & tilt dwn the sterr wheel (mod frm a '78/9 model)1st. The cover fits this whole area (no 'pop-ups' like the above... I have a zipper ona round corner so I can drive w/all this covered but the driver's seat (all seats are low enuff to.
Alernative:
Geta glass (or metal) 1/2 cab or full wagon top if having the sace for storage. The glass is lighter (a 1 man job) alternative. Even if not fully securing it will keep the moisture out. I drive under mine & lower w/ pullies from the garage roof every winter (is metal & hanges ther 1 - 3 seasons).

 

[MJs71Bronc]

Thank you Chrisful. I still have the hardtop and it's hanging in my garage too. My issue is that it's the original metal and real glass hardtop and weighs too much for 1 or even 2 guys to put it on.
I'm in CT so hopefully I'll see you around at the car shows this summer.

 

[miesk5]

Yo,
"...My method to remove the shell is to stand (knees bent) in the bed facing the t/g bent at the waist with my shoulders a few inches from the rear edge of the shell. I then lift the shell off the bedrails with my legs, spin 180 degrees in place, step to the driver's side to clear the spare tire, then step backward off the t/g onto a sturdy box so the shell straddles the driver's bedrail. Once on the ground, as I stand up straight, I allow the shell to slide down until its rear edge rests on my shoulders.

Holding the bottom rear corners allows full control while walking to where I can lean it against a wall or fence..." by Steve

 

[[email protected]]

So I have a question for my fellow Bronco buddies.
My 71 is coming back from an off frame restoration (it suffered a roll-over accident almost 3 yrs ago when someone turned in front of me). It has a new rollbar with a vinyl top that cover 75% of the cab, carpeted interior, new seats, etc. How do you plan for multi-day trips or even a day trip when there's always a chance it could rain? I have a car cover but it's not really waterproof.
My fear is I go to bed and one of those lovely summer thunderstorms comes rolling in overnight and dumps an inch of rain.

I might be a nervous nellie here but after dropping all that $$, I don't want to ruin it.

Thanks for the input.

MJ

So I drove my 1970 around New Mexico for about 7 years sans top, through rivers and rainstorms. No problems except river racing soaked the distributor. I covered the seats with garbage bags, during storms. Just consider the rain a blessing. Good luck.

 

[chrlsful]

"...I drive under mine & lower w/ pulleys from the garage roof every winter (is metal & hangs there 1 - 3 seasons of the yr)...."
i don't go to the shows, have fun there.
BONES is local. They may do it the same way i do. If no garage a tree limb or even a home made cross bar of appropriate hight in the yrd. Join here if wanting some boots on the grnd locals to talk/visit with. They're all over CT, I'm just north of Spfld (MA) & Hartford (CT):

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bones = bronco owners ofthe n.e. states. Just had their own 14th or 15th 2, 2.5 day fest w/40 EBs showin up frm as far away as GA & OH I believe.

 

[miesk5]

Yo [email protected],
Welcome!
Post pics of your 71 in Introductions Section.

 

[johnnyreb]

Yo,
"...My method to remove the shell is to stand (knees bent) in the bed facing the t/g bent at the waist with my shoulders a few inches from the rear edge of the shell. I then lift the shell off the bedrails with my legs, spin 180 degrees in place, step to the driver's side to clear the spare tire, then step backward off the t/g onto a sturdy box so the shell straddles the driver's bedrail. Once on the ground, as I stand up straight, I allow the shell to slide down until its rear edge rests on my shoulders.

Holding the bottom rear corners allows full control while walking to where I can lean it against a wall or fence..." by Steve

When I take the heavy fiberglass top off of my pick-up. I pull my other pick up beside it. Take 2 long 2x4,s that goes all the way across both truck. I get inside the truck with the topper on and lift up a little .To pull both 2x4,s across.Then I do the opposite side and slid the boards under it. Then I start sliding the topper off onto my other truck. Its hard to get dependable help . After I get it off someone will ask my how I did it and I,ll tell them. Then they sau why didn,t you call me---yeah right. I ,d rather do it myself. Then when they ask me for help. I remember them and don,t help them. I think it is called pay back.

 

[chrlsful]

backwards for round here. After assist them I say "Hey! U own me." & they usually come. Got it goin on now. If not - they get not. But I all ways give the benefit of the doubt...and- lots of talk, lots of talk (I tell them how it helps me to feel/think of them when coming/when not coming). If friends? they R there...can't pick ur family, U can ur friends (& wrk mates).

I like the shell/topper idea U use. Our metal wagon top is shorter (less cumbersome) but I bet it weighs 2, 3 X the shell's. Some buy an electric kit but, as above, I just use block'n tackle. Next will B an extension so the winch on the bumper can help...