Ford Bronco tops come off almost as easily as Mardis Gras blouses. The Ford Bronco removable hardtop allows you (and a friend) to transform your trail buster from completely weatherproof to totally alfresco in a matter of minutes. Here are the four easy steps to complete freedom. Note that these instructions apply to the 2021 Ford Bronco‘s standard molded-in-color or optional Shadow Black-painted hard tops (we’ll have to report again once we’ve tinkered with the four-door’s soft top). So how do you remove the Bronco’s hard top? Easy:
Removal
Step one: Sit in the driver’s seat, release the outboard over-center latch, then release the three other quarter-turn latches retaining the “T-top” type panel. Lift the 12-pound panel off and set aside, then repeat the procedure for the panel above the front passenger seat. Finally, close the two over-center latches, and slip each panel into the protective case that comes with every Bronco. (A QR code on the case brings up a video on how to fit them in.)
Step one-B: In four-door models, remove the single panel above the rear seat by releasing its quarter-turn latches. Note that although the panels above the front seat can be secured in the cargo area via two clips that engage the cargo hooks and a strap that goes around the headrest supports, this rear panel will need to stay home in the garage.
Step two: Open the tailgate and rear glass. Inside on the left you’ll find the electrical connector for the rear wiper and defroster as well as the hose that supplies the rear window washer. These both disconnect easily and clip onto retainers on the left rear inside trim panel.
Step three: Grab the BRONCO-branded ratchet and the P50 Torx driver from the standard tool kit bag that comes with every Bronco, and use it to remove four bolts fastening each side of the rear top section to the cargo area sill. NOTE: Four-door model tops include two more bolts that engage the upper roll-over protection ring accessible when standing on the rear door sills. PRO TIP: Stow the top bolts in one of the zippered pockets in the tool kit for safe keeping.
Step four: Close the rear swing-gate, then grab a friend to help remove the top; it weighs 84 pounds and is way too unwieldy for one person to manage without a bespoke hoist. Position yourselves facing the rear side windows, and use your rearmost hands to push up on the rear window frame to create a sufficient gap for your forward hands to get under the top. Then lift the top, walk it rearward off the vehicle, and stow safely. Ford will undoubtedly market top-stowage devices for this purpose.
Installation
Simply reverse the steps above to replace the Ford Bronco removable hardtop. Remember the hand placement you used to remove the heavy rear top section. Placing one hand in the rear window area allows you to set the front down first, remove that hand, then lower the rear so as not to crush fingers.
