Removing 1996 top

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

ms329

New member
Joined
Dec 10, 2007
Messages
47
Reaction score
1
Location
MI
Taking my top off this weekend for the first time. Best tools and set up to use ( extentions etc) advice in removing and temp storage.

 

illinoisbronco

New member
Joined
Jun 29, 2008
Messages
82
Reaction score
0
Location
morris, illinois
very easy. all you need to do is remove the plastic molding around the camper seam with a phllips head screwdriver, then it will all be self explanitory. i think a 8mm socket will remove the small bolts that hold it on. i think that there are 11. just pay attention to whick goes where. note: top wheighs 120 lbs. i dropped mine the first time i took it off so get another guy to help you lift it off.

 

POTTER

New member
Joined
Apr 22, 2008
Messages
92
Reaction score
1
Location
Connecticut
Easy is a relative Term. It take a tamper-proof star or Torx bolt to get the bolts out..there are three on the top, 1 on each side/pillar and 5 (i think) along each rail. no extensions are needed, but know that you might strip out some of the bolt heads if this is the first time it is bring removed. I just picked up my 96 about 2 months ago and I stripped the heads on 5 bolts...had to cut them out with a sawzall.

pull all the plastic trim away to reveal the bolts. I started in the back and just started to crank the bolts out. Once you finally get them all out, disconnect the brake wire/harnes on the driver side rear and then lift the top off. Have a friend help as it is not really heavy, but awkward. The first time you take it off it might need a little persuasion to crack the seal

make sure you store it in a dry place and store it level. They are fiberglass and will warp...

For reinstall, I found it easier to just get replacement bolts then dealing with the torx bits again..and for added convenience, during the summer when it comes on and off, I just clamp the rear sides down with a set of nice pressure clamps and bolt the top three bolts back in place. Makes it much easier and quicker to take on and off when I want to.

If you have any specific questions, feel free to email me and I will do what I can to [email protected]

POTTER

 

dhpt99

New member
Joined
Apr 4, 2008
Messages
133
Reaction score
1
Location
florida
I think on the 96 you may have to take out the rear seat belts if they are mounted to the top and take of the light on the top of the top.

 

POTTER

New member
Joined
Apr 22, 2008
Messages
92
Reaction score
1
Location
Connecticut
I think on the 96 you may have to take out the rear seat belts if they are mounted to the top and take of the light on the top of the top.

you are correct on the seat belts, but it is only the sholder harness mounted in the roof..the lap belts stay installed. The lights are just disconnected, but removed.....

POTTER

 

miesk5

96 Bronco 5.0
Staff member
Moderator
Joined
Oct 18, 2005
Messages
9,078
Reaction score
1,037
Location
Floating in the Pacific
Froggmann' s article has it in there; "...Now you will have to pull out your T-60 Torx bit to take off the seatbelt anchor, IIf you do not have a T-60 avalible a T-50 will work too..."

(sic)

 
OP
OP
M

ms329

New member
Joined
Dec 10, 2007
Messages
47
Reaction score
1
Location
MI
Tamper proof Torx bit 40 for the 15 bolts and clips around the top and a 45 for the seat belt removal. I postioned my sefl in the back about 3/4's to the tail gate and pushed up with my back. I got the top to balance off of the rear fenders before I jumped down to lift it onto two 8 foot folding tables. It took me about 40 minutes for the first time. I used a 3" extention on my rachet as well. I will try and post pictures soon,. I will say the looks you get with the top off are envious. I see a lot of jeeps with the top off but no Bronco's!....

Thanks for the tips and advice everyone!

 

POTTER

New member
Joined
Apr 22, 2008
Messages
92
Reaction score
1
Location
Connecticut
nice...have fun with it..I have only had mine off twice due to the weather over the past month or so, but it is fun when it is off....

 

Bronk351

New member
Joined
Jul 8, 2008
Messages
54
Reaction score
0
My Torques bolts wouldnt come out, so i had fun with some vice grips, plyers, pry bars, and a sawzal... I got em all out with no damage to my truck, but i replaced them with new clips and half inch bolts. The top three torques bits are still there tho, they came out fine. Havent had my top off this year because of the unsteady weather and a ton of rain. Might take it off tomorrow. Good luck buddy

 

POTTER

New member
Joined
Apr 22, 2008
Messages
92
Reaction score
1
Location
Connecticut
My Torques bolts wouldnt come out, so i had fun with some vice grips, plyers, pry bars, and a sawzal... I got em all out with no damage to my truck, but i replaced them with new clips and half inch bolts. The top three torques bits are still there tho, they came out fine. Havent had my top off this year because of the unsteady weather and a ton of rain. Might take it off tomorrow. Good luck buddy
had the same issue with mine with three bolts on either side..ended up having to get in with a prybar to get some space between the body and the top, and then cut the bolts with a sawzall...now I have to find a new way to bolt it back together as right now it is held on with teh reamining top five bolts and two heavy clamps in the back....works fine, but not as tight as I would like....

 

Bronk351

New member
Joined
Jul 8, 2008
Messages
54
Reaction score
0
You gotta get some new body clips and some new bolts.

The body clips that are on there now wont work because the torx bolts have taper ends and regular bolts dont...

 

Members online

Latest posts

Forum statistics

Threads
22,644
Messages
136,832
Members
25,336
Latest member
KJ'84
Top