How to Remove the Top on a Ford Bronco

Before you start

Park on level ground, set the parking brake, and turn the Bronco off. Have a friend for the heavier pieces, and a clean, padded place to set panels down — they scratch and the edges can be sharp, so wear gloves until you're used to them. Your tools live in the kit under the cargo-area floor panel.

Hard top — front panels (tool-free, ~1 minute)

1. Lower the sun visors and release the header latch above the windshield on the driver's side.
2. Turn the three L-shaped latches on the driver's front panel, release the fourth, and lift the panel off (~12 lbs). With a roof rack, the panel slides out once the fourth latch is closed.
3. Repeat on the passenger side. Store both in the included bags. You can drive with just the front panels off.

4-door middle panel: release the L-shaped latches on both sides and lift it off (~27.5 lbs — light but awkward; a second person helps).

Hard top — full removal (rear shell)

1. Roof rack first (if equipped): remove the front cover screws (T30), rack nuts (13 mm), and rear triangle fasteners (triangular tool); fit the windshield caps.
2. Open the tailgate, raise the rear glass, and disconnect the wiring harness and washer hose, stowing them in the body.
3. Remove the rear-section bolts — typically two at the C-pillar plus four on each side at the base.
4. With a friend, lift the rear shell straight up off the locating pins onto a padded surface (~80 lbs 2-door / ~68 lbs 4-door). 4-door: remove the middle panel first.

Soft top — fold-back (tool-free, seconds)

1. Lower the visors and release the two front header latches at the windshield.
2. Push the top up and back, letting the fabric fold into an "S" shape, until the driver-side lever sits parallel to the sport tube and latches.
3. Secure with the two Velcro straps from the glove box (around the linkage, not the weatherstripping). Tip: secure your floor mats.

Soft top — full removal

1. Remove the side windows, then the rear window, and fold the top back.
2. In the cargo area, pop the plastic covers over the rear mounting points above each wheel well.
3. With the 13 mm socket, remove the three bolts on each side (put a rag in the gap so you don't drop bolts inside).
4. Release the rear-corner latches, and with a friend lift the soft top off and store it.

Putting it back on (torque specs)

Hard top rear shell: align on the locating pins, then torque the bolts to 18 ± 3 lb-ft. Reconnect the harness and washer hose. Reinstall panels middle → passenger → driver; latch the windshield latches, then the L-shaped latches.

Soft top: align on the locating pins and torque the six frame bolts to 15 ± 2 lb-ft. Reinstall the rear window first, then the sides (wide fabric section toward the front). Double-check every latch and bolt before driving.

Let Tom's Ford help

Stripped a bolt, lost a panel bag, scratched a top, or want it stored and swapped seasonally? Our parts and service team can source genuine Ford panels, hardware, and tops — the right parts, on time, every time — and handle install or seasonal storage. And if you're shopping for a Bronco in the first place, we've got them in Keyport. Free pickup and delivery within 20 miles.