Are these the dreaded hard top cracks?

[GroovyGeek]

By chance... have you been running some trails and they could be some brush / tree branch striping?

The first image is definitely cracks. If you run a needle on the surface you can feel it catch on the crack.

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[GroovyGeek]

The correct move is to get a new one, sell it immediately for lots of money, and buy a different top. Hopefully at some point there will be more top options, but it seems pretty obvious at some point all of these factory hard tops r gonna fail… no getting around laminated cardboard. Might as well make bank on it while you can.

I have considered that. It is a bit complicated to execute logistically because the 3rd party ones are on a few month lead time, so there is.some chance of supply normalizing and resale values tanking. I just purchased a 8 year/100k extended warranty so I have a few replacements to go through

 

[BigBlue7]

I have considered that. It is a bit complicated to execute logistically because the 3rd party ones are on a few month lead time, so there is.some chance of supply normalizing and resale values tanking. I just purchased a 8 year/100k extended warranty so I have a few replacements to go through

Hard top is only covered on the original bumper to bumper - not through any extended service plan

 

[2023bronco]

I have considered that. It is a bit complicated to execute logistically because the 3rd party ones are on a few month lead time, so there is.some chance of supply normalizing and resale values tanking. I just purchased a 8 year/100k extended warranty so I have a few replacements to go through

Hate to tell you this, but the top isn't covered under the extended warranty, AFAIK. I have a 10 yr/100k. If it was covered, I wouldn't have been so insistent to get it fixed now.

 

[2023bronco]

I have considered that. It is a bit complicated to execute logistically because the 3rd party ones are on a few month lead time, so there is.some chance of supply normalizing and resale values tanking. I just purchased a 8 year/100k extended warranty so I have a few replacements to go through

Yeah, I've thought about all that too. But I might just order a Turn Offroad or Anderson and swap once it comes in. Damn shame to have a $60k ticking timebomb on your roof.

 

[Gtrekker]

The first image is definitely cracks. If you run a needle on the surface you can feel it catch on the crack.

I gotcha, just trying to offer a better cause...

So in reference to hard tops. Have you taken yours off at anytime, do you have a rack on top?

Mine is a 1st build version with no issues yet. It's never been off, garage kept and haven't seen extreme weather.

My warranty is due to end soon so starting to consider the extended warranty.

Thoughts anyone....

 

[Black_Stallion13]

I have considered that. It is a bit complicated to execute logistically because the 3rd party ones are on a few month lead time, so there is.some chance of supply normalizing and resale values tanking. I just purchased a 8 year/100k extended warranty so I have a few replacements to go through

Yeah to me the only real options are the Trektop and maybe Rally Top since they are only a few-month lead time. I sold my hardtop for $7k awhile back and used the money to buy the Bestop and a ton of other stuff to finish my build. I was not a fan of the idea of the Bestop at all until I saw a couple people with them in person… one of those things that is a lot nicer when you see it up close. Seem to be quite a few for sale for around $1000 on marketplace too now. I’m gonna rock it until more hardtop options at (hopefully) reasonable prices are available, but the soft top does have its pros in the meantime.

 

[GroovyGeek]

I gotcha, just trying to offer a better cause...

So in reference to hard tops. Have you taken yours off at anytime, do you have a rack on top?

Mine is a 1st build version with no issues yet. It's never been off, garage kept and haven't seen extreme weather.

My warranty is due to end soon so starting to consider the extended warranty.

Thoughts anyone....

Never taken it off, never will. After driving a soft top Wrangler for 10 years I have had my fix of topless driving and the NUMEROUS downsides for my style of use are simply not worth it. In fact I wish the Bronco was a fixed top vehicle. I havent even take off the panels except for installing rain gutters and have no plans to take them off again. If all Bimini top deaigns for the Bronco did not suck as badly I may have considered taking the panels off occasionally , but for the moment this is strictly a fixed top vehicle for me.

WRT extended warranty - apparently it does not cover hard tops, see above. I can smell a class action lawsuit from a mile away if these things start failing routinely past the original warranty. Some lawyer is going to bet rich and we are going to be left holding the bag with a few hundred dollars of compensation

 

[NORCALGXP]

Yeah, I've thought about all that too. But I might just order a Turn Offroad or Anderson and swap once it comes in. Damn shame to have a $60k ticking timebomb on your roof.

Don't forget about Advanced Fiberglass Concepts top.

 

[Gtrekker]

Never taken it off, never will. After driving a soft top Wrangler for 10 years I have had my fix of topless driving and the NUMEROUS downsides for my style of use are simply not worth it. In fact I wish the Bronco was a fixed top vehicle. I havent even take off the panels except for installing rain gutters and have no plans to take them off again. If all Bimini top deaigns for the Bronco did not suck as badly I may have considered taking the panels off occasionally , but for the moment this is strictly a fixed top vehicle for me.

WRT extended warranty - apparently it does not cover hard tops, see above. I can smell a class action lawsuit from a mile away if these things start failing routinely past the original warranty. Some lawyer is going to bet rich and we are going to be left holding the bag with a few hundred dollars of compensation

Yeah, agree with all the above...
The bimini tops are sad. I had a '78 Bronco back in the day and wished the G6s had a similar roof n cap. Had a top / sun shade the secured to the top of the cab n corner of the fenders. No we get velco, straps n gaps...

Good luck with your top....

Just a thought, if you have the cap sanded, n prepped. You could treat the found cracks and paint it.

 

[OrangecrushBronco]

The Webasto gremlins seem to have finally caught up with me. Are these the dreaded hard top cracks? What is the general consensus - get them resolved immediately so I have a chance to ensure they they don't come back before the warranty runs out, or wait to get to 30kmi (I am at 18k right now) and then request warranty service?

A local dealership has had a S.O. on for a loooong time on mine. It doesn't leak so I'm not super worried as long as it get replaced. So long as the service order is in while under warranty I am told you should be fine. I have been waiting to take my top of because I don't want Ford to use any excuse to wiggle out of replacing it.

 

[Ducati1098]

23-7174 is the latest GSB now, but they should be able to find it either way.

 

[GroovyGeek]

23-7174 is the latest GSB now, but they should be able to find it either way.

Perfect timing, I have a Monday appointment

 

[Dude1967]

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