Armadillo Designs Aluminum Hardtop

[Hotshot Offroad]

I saw some water marks on the inside of the hatch. So I'm guessing it's all from the hatch somewhere

We had this issue when ours arrived as well. We dont get rain often in AZ, but when it rains it usually RAINS. and on a big storm we had right before SEMA we pulled the truck in to do some work in the rear and discovered a ton of water back there. We found it to be the rear window during a pressure test. The way we fixed it was to put some silicone along the inside of the hatch where the glass gets mounted. When we were inspecting things it seems as if silicon was either forgotten in some areas, or BARELY any got used on some areas. So we ran some ourselves. It was worth doing it this way then to wait for any sort of replacements or anything like that. Quick and simple. So far zero issues.

We notified Fabian and the team and they have been made aware of this situation and said they wold be putting some more focus on these rear windows. It seems to only be a problem as of recently. But definitely speak to them if you havent!

Sponsored

 

[rayofsi]

We had this issue when ours arrived as well. We dont get rain often in AZ, but when it rains it usually RAINS. and on a big storm we had right before SEMA we pulled the truck in to do some work in the rear and discovered a ton of water back there. We found it to be the rear window during a pressure test. The way we fixed it was to put some silicone along the inside of the hatch where the glass gets mounted. When we were inspecting things it seems as if silicon was either forgotten in some areas, or BARELY any got used on some areas. So we ran some ourselves. It was worth doing it this way then to wait for any sort of replacements or anything like that. Quick and simple. So far zero issues.

We notified Fabian and the team and they have been made aware of this situation and said they wold be putting some more focus on these rear windows. It seems to only be a problem as of recently. But definitely speak to them if you havent!

thanks, fabian replied saying to put sikaflex 221 along the outside, will try that as that is what they use in the assembly itself.
it hasn't rained much lately, but the last 2 times, it did pour here as well.

 

[Emwun Garand]

We had water get inside ours too after a heavy rain. Only ours leaked inside the cabin right as we moved the vehicle. Also had some small leaking at all four of the locks on the side gull window locks.

Opened and closed the gull windows and locked them down and those leaks stopped.
As for the cabin leak, we found that if you open the swing gate, water will pour out onto the ground, and won't get everywhere in the cabin upon movement.

Still not very thrilled about the idea of water pooling inside the frame of the top, but what can I do about it. She's currently not garaged, and the driveway is about a 25* incline, so I think it's just getting trapped on something in there. Opening the gate drains it and no issues once that's done.

 

[Lucky Nut]

Is this problem only on the 4 door slant backs?

 

[Hotshot Offroad]

thanks, fabian replied saying to put sikaflex 221 along the outside, will try that as that is what they use in the assembly itself.
it hasn't rained much lately, but the last 2 times, it did pour here as well.

That sealant will certainly help. What I will say is that it was pretty tough to get into the cracks on the outside so id make sure you have something slim that can push the sealant down in there. Because it was way too difficult trying to get our sealant down in there from the outside.

 

[archerscreek]

We had water get inside ours too after a heavy rain. Only ours leaked inside the cabin right as we moved the vehicle. Also had some small leaking at all four of the locks on the side gull window locks.

Opened and closed the gull windows and locked them down and those leaks stopped.
As for the cabin leak, we found that if you open the swing gate, water will pour out onto the ground, and won't get everywhere in the cabin upon movement.

Still not very thrilled about the idea of water pooling inside the frame of the top, but what can I do about it. She's currently not garaged, and the driveway is about a 25* incline, so I think it's just getting trapped on something in there. Opening the gate drains it and no issues once that's done.

I priced a 2 door Armadillo painted top with rear windows and it was $8000! $8000?!? For a top that leaks? No thanks. 30 years ago I paid a few hundred dollars for a truck topper that had windows and it never leaked. As Vince Lombardi said, “WTH is going on out there?” This aftermarket area needs competition BAD!

 

[rayofsi]

I priced a 2 door Armadillo painted top with rear windows and it was $8000! $8000?!? For a top that leaks? No thanks. 30 years ago I paid a few hundred dollars for a truck topper that had windows and it never leaked. As Vince Lombardi said, “WTH is going on out there?” This aftermarket area needs competition BAD!

definitely, truck bed cabs are so much cheaper!

 

[EasternSierra]

Not yet, but coming next week. I brought my Bronco in at the end of the day. They're installing the top and a few other things too, plus they're closed for 4 days over the Christmas weekend. I may not have it back before Monday.

Unfortunately, I forgot to get a photo of the top. It looks great!

Well, this is a body shop and they suddenly got really busy over the holidays. I wonder why.....



Actually, they're also installing heated headlights, hood struts, and a rear drop-down shelf. I just found out this morning that the last two have to be modified to be compatible with the top, so now they're doing that.

I expect to have my Bronco back tomorrow. Photos will follow!

 

[Ninjak]

I priced a 2 door Armadillo painted top with rear windows and it was $8000! $8000?!? For a top that leaks? No thanks. 30 years ago I paid a few hundred dollars for a truck topper that had windows and it never leaked. As Vince Lombardi said, “WTH is going on out there?” This aftermarket area needs competition BAD!

Well prices have gone up as with everything else. I agree with that, but the top leaks?? Hmm, I would say no to that. As the 1st person to receive their top on the SE coast, hell, the East coast, My top has been on TWO vehicles and not one leak, sag, or issue.

Maybe something happened with these last builds, but that sounds more like a QC issue, and that can be rectified. The design of the top is solid.

 

[Pseudoko]

I had a leak in mine but it’s different from what you had. It was a quick easy fix that Fabian shared with me. On the top panels it just involved making a couple of cuts on the gasket to prevent water from pooling. No more leaks even with the heavy rain California got recently.

 

[SierraBronco]

I had a leak in mine but it’s different from what you had. It was a quick easy fix that Fabian shared with me. On the top panels it just involved making a couple of cuts on the gasket to prevent water from pooling. No more leaks even with the heavy rain California got recently.

Mine recently did the same. Holy shit that was a lot of water

 

[Pseudoko]

Mine recently did the same. Holy shit that was a lot of water

lol yeah I told Fabian it looked like I peed myself since the water landed in my lap all good though . The fix for this type of leak worked so still super happy with this top.

 

[rayofsi]

lol yeah I told Fabian it looked like I peed myself since the water landed in my lap all good though . The fix for this type of leak worked so still super happy with this top.

i wonder if the fix is something that everyone should do, or is this something that only affects some tops.

 

[deep-bronco]

Well, this is a body shop and they suddenly got really busy over the holidays. I wonder why.....



Actually, they're also installing heated headlights, hood struts, and a rear drop-down shelf. I just found out this morning that the last two have to be modified to be compatible with the top, so now they're doing that.

I expect to have my Bronco back tomorrow. Photos will follow!

Look forward to seeing the post-install photos! Do you mind sharing the contact of the shop that's doing the install for you? If you had a good experience with this shop, I will DM you for more details. Appreciate the help!

 

[Dtrimpi87]

lol yeah I told Fabian it looked like I peed myself since the water landed in my lap all good though . The fix for this type of leak worked so still super happy with this top.

Can you share more info on this leak issue? Maybe some pictures of the cuts you made and where the water was pooling?

Sponsored