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removing back of 1st gens

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Old 05-06-2003, 09:50 PM
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removing back of 1st gens

is there any reason NOT to do this? i know other types of vehicles that have this system have had problems with seals etc? some input would be nice

thanks a bunch
kelly
Old 05-06-2003, 09:54 PM
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i had my top off my 87 4 funner several times , i had no problems with leaks , be sure to wipe down the gasket and the channel and there shouldnt be any problems . check your seal for cracks and rips or tears to keep leaks to a minimum.

airrikk17
Old 05-06-2003, 10:00 PM
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I got my 87 Runner a couple years ago and still haven't taken the top off mostly because my dad keeps screaming at me that it wont seal again and it will leak like crazy.
I have looked at the seal on top and it looks in pretty sad shape, i.e. lots of little cracks and such. I also know of a place where some drops of water make it in on my passenger side . Does anyone know where I could get a replacement seal so I can stop the leaks and tell my dad to take a hike and not worry about it resealing poorly?
Old 05-06-2003, 10:06 PM
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same situation here. i havent checked the seal but ill have a friend over and were gonna go wheeling and im like dad im gonna take the back off and hes like "i woudlnt do that if i were you. its not a good idea" so eh ya, like he said, any one know where to get a new seal just in case
Old 05-07-2003, 07:35 AM
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I've removed it and replaced it about a dozen times on my '85. The very first time, the seals were stuck to the sheetmetal pretty well,but they came apart without tearing. I never had any problem with the top not resealing. If you follow the bolt sequence in the manual (tighten bolts 1 and 3...loosen bolt 6, do the hokey pokey, clap twice...) it seals right up. It's all OEM, remember. It's made to be taken off and replaced. If you haven't removed it, you sure are missing out. You might want to remove the doors now and then too--a real thrill.

I replaced my factory hardtop with a light, aluminum pickup shell so I wouldn't have to keep the electric back window working. It's also lighter and easier to remove/replace. I probably take it off and on 15 times a year now.

Eric
Old 05-07-2003, 10:45 AM
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Here's another post saying take it off. If its the first time do it carefully as not to tear the seals but once its off put it on a tarp or concrete, dont drag or set it on the main part which will flatten the seals. My top comes off all summer and goes back on without leaking.
Old 05-07-2003, 12:18 PM
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I have taken my top several times. First time it took a while.
The gasket was stuck to the body.
I cleaned up the gasket real good and shot some white lithium grease on there and it stays nice and soft.
Old 05-07-2003, 12:50 PM
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I had an old '82 bronco that I took the top off all the time. I never had a problem with it not sealing up. The only problem I had was keeping track of the bolts when I took them out
Old 05-07-2003, 03:26 PM
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take it off, take it off .. You don't know what you're missing. Just follow the instructions in the manual when you put it back on, it's pretty specific on the order to install.

Salue
Old 05-07-2003, 04:46 PM
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If I had a 1st gen, I would have that ˟˟˟˟ off all the time. What's the point of having a 1st gen if you don't take the back off? You sure don't compare to a 2nd or 3rd gen for comfort and ease of entry...the removable back is supposed to make up for that!!
Old 05-07-2003, 07:51 PM
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I take mine off all the time. My seals are falling off and missing in places. I'm also missing about 3 or 4 bolts. Everything seals up just fine, no leaks.
Old 05-08-2003, 08:21 PM
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just wanted to tell everyone i took it off tonight, thanks for answering my question, the truck looks great. however now the "Back Door" light is constantly on... anyone know what to do so its not lit up?
Old 05-08-2003, 09:25 PM
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You can always get a can-back for it

http://www.performanceproducts.com/P...producttype=20


I think these look sweet!
Old 05-09-2003, 04:25 AM
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just wanted to tell everyone i took it off tonight, thanks for answering my question, the truck looks great. however now the "Back Door" light is constantly on... anyone know what to do so its not lit up?


Make sure your back window is all the way down.
Push the lock button on the tail gate to the lock position.

Hope this helps


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