What I can now use to remove my 86 top. Once you've got everything off and greased and tapped and dyed, you too can do this. Go slow and manual the first time, with lots of lubricant, or you may strip things.

This is the much sought after 3/8" drive six point 8mm socket, get your own this one's mine ! Actually, initially you'll want to work in 1/4" drive with a 1/4" drive socket, slow and carefully.

First pull the center bolt cover trim off with a philips.

Then the upper side bolt cover trim pieces come off, again with a philips.

Then the long rear side bolt cover trim pieces come off with philips too. You're carefully stashing the screws and trim right ?

Now off come the 8mm bolts. Mine have been removed several times and have been dyed, with the holes also being tapped and loaded with grease. If this is your first time, don't use a screw gun like this in case you strip threads.

The side ones come off next. Pay attention to how these brackets go on for reassembly.

These can be put on backwards if you don't note how they come off for later. It will make reinstalling the trim cover pieces a whole lot easier.

Here's a shot of the two lengths of bolts used. Both are M6 X 1 Metric and take an 8mm socket on their heads.

Apart from the actual top, you'll have to store this stuff too, away from harm and ready for reassembly.

Unless, like me, and you scored duplicate everything in a yard (for free no less) , you won't want to lose a single screw, bolt or bracket. I use good old Ziploc bags to hold stuff like this short term.

Now all you need is one of your bruiser brothers or buddies to help you lift the sucker off. Up until now, greased, this has taken 7 minutes so far. Always sit the top on two slats of wood to protect it from warpage.

Here's a suitably flat surface. I just slapped two 1X3s down and lowered the top onto them for storage. The junk on top, to stop it from blowing away, is optional.

A little oomph from you and your brother/buddy and here's your reward... a huge rolling Ford bucket to catch rain water in. Next year a soft top is high on the priority list.