How to remove deuce soft top

[hambo]

Hey SS,
I've been trying to remove the softtop off my new to me deuce and a half and I cant figure out how to remove the front windshield part of it. Could anyone give me any pointers on how to get it off?

 

[Recovry4x4]

It slides to the side out the channel. Can be a PITA for sure. FWIW its the same way the channel is behind the door glass.

 

[hambo]

So how do I slide it out after I untie the back part and undo the turn buttons on the sides?

 

[RAYZER]

Slide the sides up and out first.

 

[Recovry4x4]

Well, you asked about how to unhook it from the windshield, I assumed (incorrectly) you had already done the other stuff. I believe there is a more detailed instruction in the -10 TM but here are the cliffnotes. Undo rope or supercord from the back. Undo twistlocks and slide over the studs. Slide top up and off the channels behind the door glass then fold top over hood and slide off to one side or the other.

Also, consider looking at a few of the threads at the bottom of this page.

 

[Warthog]

A good dousing of PB blaster, WD-40 or your favorite penetrating fluid may be called for on the windshield track. Many times the track is rusted.

 

[hambo]

Okay. Thanks everyone for the advice. I'll try it tomorrow. Is the top relatively easy to get back on once its off?

 

[Warthog]

slides off. slides back on. Helps to have two people.

 

[Digger09]

Only slides off one way also. Theres a stop on one end.

 

[Floridianson]

Slide to drivers side. I have used a rifle brass brush and all my extension's to clean track in windshield and soft top frame work by doors. Lube the three slides on the soft top with something. I use any oil I can grab.

 

[DieselBob]

Now that is a good idea. I never gave that a thought for cleaning that channel. I'm going to have to replace my outer frame soon though because about half that channel is gone from rust.

 

[m16ty]

In my opinion, other than the weight, a hardtop is much easier to remove and install.

 

[HDN]

I tried to get the soft top off my cab today. I don't think it's been removed for at least 15 years. The super rope is all rotted away so only the channels and snap-turning thingies are keeping the top on the truck. This thread and the M35 TM I have were helpful!

It slides to the side out the channel. Can be a PITA for sure. FWIW its the same way the channel is behind the door glass.

I'll add some clarification here: The channels on the sides are different from the one at the top of the windshield. The plastic rail on the passenger side was stuck, but I managed to break it free with a screwdriver and a hammer. Then it slid up and out with the driverside rail with a little bit of work. The channels were tight, so at least I knew the top wasn't going anywhere

That windshield rail I couldn't free up. The plastic rail on mine is on the front edge of the windshield in three four sections and it wraps around the channel like ying does with yang. I tried prying at the seams with a screwdriver and a putty knife and really didn't get far. The outer edges are freed up but I can't slide anything back and forth. It's amazing how rust sticks to plastic

Slide to drivers side. I have used a rifle brass brush and all my extension's to clean track in windshield and soft top frame work by doors. Lube the three slides on the soft top with something. I use any oil I can grab.

I bought some wire pipe cleaning brushes today from Harbor Freight, so I hope I can make them do the trick! I'll hit the channel with WD-40 and hope that helps - thanks for the tip! I think if I could take the top off once or twice a year anyway things won't get so bad!

I got the top off the truck far enough it was flipped over the windshield onto the hood and I could see plenty of corrosion on the channels that go over the windows and the top of the windshield frame Now it seems I have another project! Maybe for next year at a new home with a better shop - so I hope!