Putco Element Sky View (clear top lid panel) decided to do it!!

[604Bronco]

Going to be hot in the Summer months, but looks nice.

If the PPF doesn't work long-term, you might be able to find some sort of plastic plug that snaps into cover them instead. Ya, it won't be clear but I'm not sure you'll ever see/notice them.

Sponsored

 

[Coralhead]

Let us know how loud it is in a heavy rain. Curious on that since it is just a plastic cover...

 

[XCR440]

So I'm relatively new to the world of Bronco aftermarket stuff. Does anyone have longer term use of one of these with regards to things like water proofness and what not? How is wind noise versus having the factory panels in?

It's honestly kind of a neat option and I could see swapping this in and out with the stock panels at times depending on use, but wonder what sacrifices you're making, especially considering it is a $1600+ part.

I've had mine for a while (over a year it was on my 23 originally). Wind noise is terrible, rain and other doesn't bother me, seals well for water, but I don't run it in the summer as I just run top off if its nice (and it adds a good bit of heat from the sun), but I do put it on a few times in the winter when its dreary, but usually a couple weeks and I'm tired of listening to it so I go back to the factory panels.

 

[swooshdave]

Was hoping that this thread meant these mealymouths decided to produce a 2DR version, which they've been promising since 2023.

I think they are waiting until more than three people buy a 2 door.

 

[Karl_in_Chicago]

I have to admit, the price stunned me. I’m not sure what I was expecting this to cost, but it wasn’t $1600. I’ll be curious to watch your longer term reviews. Love the look. I have a 2 door, so not an option now.

Yikes! For that kind of $$ it *should* come with an actual Maybach handle, too. OP - it definitely does look good and addresses the "darkness" issue, hope it serves you well and thanks for sharing.

 

[swooshdave]

Yikes! For that kind of $$ it *should* come with an actual Maybach handle, too. OP - it definitely does look good and addresses the "darkness" issue, hope it serves you well and thanks for sharing.

If you think that's expensive why not go shop for the same parts from Ford.

 

[swooshdave]

I'd be tempted to to fill the divots with silicone (not the kind out of a tube) and let it set up. I was going to say epoxy but that would be heavy and relatively permanent.

At least with the silicone you might be able to dig it out to get to the fasteners.

https://www.amazon.com/JDiction-Silicone-Molds-Making-Manual/dp/B08ZCDT63L

 

[Karl_in_Chicago]

If you think that's expensive why not go shop for the same parts from Ford.

Which parts? The clear tops or the Maybach handle?

 

[swooshdave]

Which parts? The clear tops or the Maybach handle?

Did Ford buy Maybach when I wasn’t looking?

 

[Karl_in_Chicago]

Did Ford buy Maybach when I wasn’t looking?

I guess I didn't understand why you told me to go shop for the same parts from Ford then? I didn't think they sold either but was just reading what you wrote.

 

[ColoradoKid26]

I've had mine for a while (over a year it was on my 23 originally). Wind noise is terrible, rain and other doesn't bother me, seals well for water, but I don't run it in the summer as I just run top off if its nice (and it adds a good bit of heat from the sun), but I do put it on a few times in the winter when its dreary, but usually a couple weeks and I'm tired of listening to it so I go back to the factory panels.

I'd love to spring for this and the price is not too crazy, but knowing that the wind noise is terrible will keep me searching for other options.

 

[BigBlue7]

What's their warranty like for it getting hazy or yellowing. Bound to happen with that type material

 

[BlueWaffle]

I'd love to spring for this and the price is not too crazy, but knowing that the wind noise is terrible will keep me searching for other options.

There arent going to be any options that keep factory level wind noise.

This IS just a single thin piece of plastic after all.. compared to the factory front panels that are double walled, full of cardboard, AND have sound deadening glued to the bottom...

 

[Red Dawn]

Competition is a wonderful thing. There is a lot of money to be made for the vendor who takes the risk and puts out a quality, resonalbly priced option, hoping it happens soon. Not having a sun roof was a reason my wife hesitated to trade in the Bronco Sport.

 

[nolimits]

Interesting.

In bridge construction, we have a similar translucent panel we can install between the girders to provide a form for the concrete deck slab that later gets reinforced & poured.

Alternates are using metal deck pans or traditional wood forming. The translucent and metal deck pans have the advantage of being left in place and are generally faster, easier and safer since you avoid having to strip them down.

Many DOT’s won’t allow metal because they want to retain their ability to inspect the concrete from underneath after construction is complete. Then it becomes a cat & mouse game on price. While you save a lot of labor, the material costs are very high. Usually wood wins out although there are scenarios where cost isn’t the primary driver and/or the project specifics make translucent more economical.

All that to say, I would absolutely expect these to be expensive. More than most people would expect at least.

Sponsored