Key Takeaways:
- Safe Removal Matters: Understanding how your Early Bronco soft top is built makes removal smoother and helps protect the vinyl, windows, and frame from accidental damage.
- Correct Storage Extends Lifespan: Folding along natural seams, protecting the windows, and storing the top in a stable environment keeps the material in good condition for future seasons.
- TOMS OFFROAD Kits Fit The Right Way: Choosing a well-designed soft top kit ensures easier removal, cleaner storage, and a reliable fit when it is time to reinstall your top again.
Removing a soft top is a regular part of Bronco ownership, especially for those who enjoy open-air driving in warm weather. A smooth removal ensures the fabric, windows, and frame remain in good condition, making storage and reinstallation easier in the future. Whether you are preparing for a seasonal change or simply want to enjoy the open sky, knowing how to take the top off correctly helps protect your investment.
At TOMS OFFROAD, we have spent decades helping enthusiasts keep their Early Broncos ready for every trip and every season. Our team understands these classics inside and out, and we build and source parts that fit them perfectly. When you want guidance rooted in real experience, you can count on us to help you take care of your Bronco the right way.
In this guide, we’ll break down the essential steps for removing, folding, storing, and reinstalling your soft top. With clear instructions and practical tips, you will be ready to handle each step with confidence and keep your Classic Bronco looking its best.
Understanding Your Bronco Soft Top And Its Parts
Before removing or storing your Early Bronco soft top, it is helpful to understand how each section fits together. A quick overview makes the process smoother and protects the parts you rely on.
Fabric Panels And Material Construction
Early Bronco soft tops use flexible vinyl panels designed to handle sun, rain, and daily use. These panels form the main structure of the top, so knowing where the seams and natural fold lines sit helps you avoid creating sharp bends that weaken the material. When you understand how the fabric is shaped and tensioned, you can remove it more confidently without stressing the panels.
Window Sections And Visibility Features
Clear vinyl windows provide visibility and weather protection. These windows usually attach with zippers or snaps, and older hardware can feel stiff. Knowing how each window connects helps you release it gently without scratching or stretching the vinyl. Since these windows tend to show wear before the rest of the top, careful handling makes a noticeable difference in long-term clarity.
Support Frame And Attachment Points
Beneath the fabric is a lightweight frame that maintains the top's proper shape. Recognizing each mounting point prevents accidental bending when loosening hardware. A straight, undamaged frame makes reinstalling the top quicker and helps the panels sit cleanly without sagging. If your build includes a wiper cover, our 66-77 Ford Bronco soft top wiper cover installation guide is a helpful reference before you loosen any hardware in that area.
Seals, Snaps, And Mounting Hardware
Snaps, clamps, and edge seals hold the top securely in place. These fasteners keep the wind out and maintain proper tension. Understanding the order in which they release helps you avoid pulling the fabric in ways that cause it to stretch. Many classic Broncos still utilize older hardware, so gentle handling is essential to support both restoration quality and long-term durability. Careful handling like this supports overall Bronco restoration work and keeps your soft top system ready for the road.
Tools And Supplies You Will Need Before You Start
Having the right tools prepared ahead of time helps you remove your Early Bronco soft top safely and prevents lost hardware or accidental damage.
Basic Hand Tools For Soft Top Hardware
Most Early Bronco soft tops use simple hardware that can be removed with basic hand tools. A standard screwdriver set, a small socket set, and a soft pry tool are usually all you need. Keeping these tools nearby allows you to loosen clamps, snaps, and brackets without forcing any parts into place.
Cleaning Supplies For Fabric And Windows
Before removing the top, gather mild soap, a soft sponge, clean water, and microfiber towels. These help you clear away dirt or debris that might scratch the fabric or windows during removal. Light cleaning also makes folding easier and prevents grit from grinding into the vinyl once the top is stored.
Protective Covers, Blankets, Or Storage Bags
A thick blanket or soft storage sleeve is helpful once the top is off the Bronco. These coverings prevent the fabric and windows from rubbing against rough surfaces. Many enthusiasts prefer storing the folded top inside a breathable bag to keep dust away while avoiding trapped moisture. With the top off, many enthusiasts also plan future improvements, and our must-have upgrades for classic Broncos resource can help you decide what to tackle next.
Small Containers For Hardware And Fasteners
Removing a soft top involves dealing with numerous small components, including screws, snaps, and brackets. Keeping a labeled container or small storage box nearby helps you stay organized. This simple step saves time later and ensures nothing important goes missing when you reinstall the top.
Step-By-Step: How To Remove Your Bronco Soft Top Safely
If you are wondering how to remove Bronco soft top, the process is straightforward when you follow an organized plan. Taking your time with each step helps protect the fabric, frame, and hardware.
Unzip Or Unsnap The Side And Rear Windows First
First, remove the vinyl windows on the sides and back. Start by collapsing the front and rear bows that go from driver side to passenger side. Work slowly to avoid pulling against stuck zippers or snaps. If a zipper feels tight, clean the track with a soft cloth before continuing. Keeping the windows separately laid out on a smooth surface prevents scratches and makes folding easier later.
Detach The Main Fabric Panels
Once the windows are off, begin releasing the main fabric sections. Follow the seams and loosen each snap or clamp in sequence, allowing the material to come off evenly. Avoid tugging at corners or pulling one side more than the other. This helps you keep the shape intact and reduces the chance of stretching the vinyl.
Remove The Front Attachments
Begin loosening the fasteners at the windshield frame. These front attachments hold the soft top securely while driving, so releasing them first reduces tension across the rest of the top. Use gentle pressure to avoid stressing older hardware, especially if your Bronco still uses original brackets.
Remove remainder of bracketry
If you are completely removing the soft top, you can now begin removing the quarter panel mounting brackets as well as the tailgate mounting bracket, making sure to keep all mounting bolts/hardware together.
Matching Toms Offroad Soft Tops, Choosing The Right Kit For Removal And Storage
Before you remove the soft top from your Early Bronco, it's helpful to know precisely which kit you’re working with. We build and source our soft tops to fit the classic Bronco the right way, and understanding your kit makes removal, folding, and storage much easier.
Vinyl Soft Tops Designed For Early Bronco Restoration
Our vinyl soft tops are built for enthusiasts who want a clean, classic fit that stays true to the heritage of the Early Bronco. The material retains its shape well, making it predictable and straightforward to remove and fold. When you know you’re working with a vinyl top, you can follow the natural seams for easy folding while keeping stress off the panels.
Black Diamond Soft Top Kits For A Premium Finish
If your Bronco is running our Black Diamond kit, you will notice the textured surface that adds strength and a premium look. These tops include the necessary fabric, clear windows, and hardware for a complete setup. The material is slightly heavier, so a slow, even fold helps prevent deep creases from forming. Knowing you have a Black Diamond top gives you a clear plan for how much space and care to set aside during removal.
White Soft Tops For A Classic Look
For enthusiasts who love a vintage, period-correct finish, our White soft tops deliver that clean, classic look. Because lighter vinyl shows dirt more easily, it’s best to give the material a quick wipe before folding. Understanding this style helps you protect the bright finish while keeping the top ready for the next season.
Quarter Panel Inserts That Support Clean Fitment
Some of our kits include quarter panel inserts that help the soft top sit smoothly along the sides of your Bronco. These inserts add structure and maintain a tight profile. When you remove them, take your time and lay them flat so they keep their shape. Knowing whether your kit uses inserts helps you plan a cleaner and safer removal process.
Complete Kits That Include Frame, Hardware, And Windows
Many of our soft top options come as complete systems, including the frame, brackets, and windows. When everything is designed to work together, removal becomes a straightforward routine. Keeping the entire kit organized as one set makes storage easier and ensures a consistent, clean fit when reinstalling the top.
Reinstalling Your Soft Top When You’re Ready To Use It Again
When you’re ready to mount your soft top back onto your Early Bronco, a steady and simple approach helps you achieve a clean fit and keeps the material in good shape.
- Inspect The Fabric And Windows Before Installation: Lay the panels and windows out flat to check for dust, creases, or surface marks. A quick wipe keeps debris from getting trapped under the material, which helps the top sit smoothly once installed.
- Check The Frame And Mounting Points For Alignment: Look over the frame sections and body brackets to confirm everything is straight and clean. Proper alignment ensures the top pulls tight as it should and prevents the fabric from shifting out of place.
- Attach The Front Section First For Proper Tension: Start at the windshield frame to establish the correct tension for the rest of the top. Securing this front point first helps the fabric settle in the right direction as you move toward the rear.
- Reinstall The Side And Rear Windows With Care: Add the windows once the main fabric is securely in place. Zip or snap them slowly and check for folds or debris so the vinyl stays clear and the hardware operates smoothly.
- Lock Bows Into The Upright Position: Once material and windows are installed in their entirety, you can now lock the mounting bows into their upright position(s).
A careful reinstall helps your soft top stay in great shape and keeps your Bronco prepared for more classic, open-air adventures.
Final Thoughts
Removing and storing your Early Bronco soft top is simple when you follow a steady process and pay attention to the materials. Gentle handling, clean workspaces, and proper storage go a long way in preserving the vinyl and keeping the frame aligned. These steps help your top last longer and make reinstallation much easier when the season changes.
At TOMS OFFROAD, we support enthusiasts who want their Broncos to stay dependable, authentic, and ready for adventure. We have seen countless soft tops handled with care and reused year after year, and the results consistently show in how cleanly they fit.
Read Also:
- Bronco Wheels
- How Much Can A Ford Bronco Tow? Complete Towing Guide By Year
- Bronco Restoration 101: Everything You Need To Bring Your Classic Back To Life
Frequently Asked Questions About Bronco Soft Top Removal
What is the safest order for the Bronco soft top removal?
Start by lowering the mounting bows and remove the windows, followed by the main fabric and the frame. This sequence reduces tension and protects the material.
How do I avoid scratching the vinyl windows during removal?
Lay the windows on a clean surface and cover each one with a soft cloth. Avoid stacking them directly on top of one another without protection.
Do I need special tools to remove an Early Bronco soft top?
Most tops can be removed using basic hand tools, such as screwdrivers and small sockets. No specialty tools are required for standard kits.
How should I clean my soft top before storing it?
Use mild soap, water, and a soft sponge. Rinse the fabric well and let it dry completely before folding to prevent mold or creasing.
What is the best folding method for a Bronco soft top?
Follow the natural seams and avoid sharp bends. Wide, gentle folds keep the vinyl relaxed and prevent long-term damage.
Where should I store my soft top for long-term protection?
A cool, dry area away from direct sunlight is best. Heat and moisture can cause inserts to warp and weaken the fabric over time.
