Roof and Cab question

[BroncoForever]

I've had my 96 Eddie Bauer for a year and a half and just recently started removing my top. There is a stud or ****** like thing on the metal cab that the tops sits on that is very irritating when removing the top and when putting it back on. My question is can I cut this thing off or do I ABSOLUTELY need it to center the top on the truck? I also noticed my friend's 78 Bronco doesn't have one of these.

 

[Justshootme84]

Are you talking about the cone-shaped studs at the end of the bed rails on each side, by the tailgate??? You can just unscrew those when the top is off, although they do help align the top when putting it on so you can get the bolts started. I would leave those in if you're going to use the hardtop, as the top can easily warp when not installed and can be a real chore to put it back on then without those alignment pins.

 

[BroncoForever]

No No No. Your 84 is like that. On 92-96 broncos there are no studs at the end of the bed rails, they're at the back end of the hard top so that 80-91 and 92-96 tops aren't interchangeable. But 92-96 Broncos have a stud up on the cab at the top on the driver's side that doesn't ***** out. I was wondering if it would hurt anything if I was to cut it off.

 

[Justshootme84]

You're right, my 84 AND 88 cabs don't have that stud like on the 92-96 cabs. It still serves a purpose for aligning the hardtop when reinstalling it. But as long as you properly store the hardtop when removed, you may be O.K. by removing that item. Just keep the top on some 2x4's, off of the ground, or make a custom frame out of wood to keep it from warping. When re-installing the top, it's easier to start at the cab and work toward the tailgate. IF you frequently switch from top-on to top-off, you only need about half of the 13 bolts to secure the top. There is also a thread on an alternative to the bolts, just do a search on the hardtop.