2022 Wildtrak Hardtop Finally Bit the Dust When Putting it Back On

[AJITO]

Just like the title says.
I have been having intermittent issues with the Top Lift Pro Venture 2.
First it was the plastic fastener knobs cracking and breaking, then it was the stainless braided cable that came right off when using the lifter.
Both times were when I went to put it back on. Both times caused the rear glass top part to shift, and almost fall to the ground.

Well, I guess my luck finally ran out.
After a winter of the hardtop leaking constantly, I was already looking for a replacement. But now I have a newborn child, I can’t even financially cover the cost of even the back replacement of this top.
after trying to reinstall today, I was already having issues with the arms moving from the weight shifting using the lifter.
When I tried to tighten it down, one of the other arms shifted and the top almost came down directly on my shoulder and body.

After narrowly cheating death or dismemberment, the top is now broken, and the glass (and anything attached) is completely shattered.
Is there anything I can do to replace the glass or the back part of the hardtop?
I obviously will need to now use my rain cover, but I am just heart broken about this whole mess. Needless to say, I am also hoping maybe I can trade in this Venture Pro lifter for something a little bit better and safer.

I literally saw my life flash before my eyes, as I have never had the hardtop completely fall off the back the way it did.
Using the lifter, I have had it shift multiple times, but never this bad where it just completely fell off the lifter.
is there anything I can do to ease the pain of having to buy a complete new Hardtop?

-AJ

@Ford

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[Beach_Bum]

The top looks fine except for the rear glass. Probably can get just the rear glass replaced. Contact your insurance.

Next time remove the metal MOLLE panels that cover the rear windows. The added weight might have contributed to the rear cap being unstable.

 

[BigFootie]

The top looks fine except for the rear glass. Probably can get just the rear glass replaced. Contact your insurance.

Next time remove the metal MOLLE panels that cover the rear windows. The added weight might have contributed to the rear cap being unstable.

I agree. Rear glass and you should be good go.

 

[Newbie]

Time for a slantback:

https://www.bestop.com/products/trektop-21-25-bronco-4-door-black-diamond/?sku=5687335

 

[3People1Body]

Armadillo tops are really nice, but $7k.

 

[23BDBigSean]

Soft top for the win

 

[JL8jeff]

Check FB Marketplace and Ebay. Lots of rear glass on Ebay, it just depends on if any of them are close enough to go get vs shipping. I see a complete 4 door top with all the panels near me on FB for $2500.

 

[Iceman62]

[email protected] sux...another reason I'll never remove mine, also being old too. Time to upgrade!

 

[Brian_B]

Ouch

 

[Felix808]

Glad you are alright. As mentioned the extra weight didn't help with a lift that was giving you warnings that it was not up to the task. It looks like performing the operation on level ground might have helped as well. I would take it to an automotive glass company as mentioned & you should be able to salvage it. If the top is damaged you can probably use some marine fiberglass resin to patch it. Good luck with it

 

[G1D1UP]

This is a sign! 13 years of bad luck can't touch you now. If you are religious or worship pencil erasers... it doesn't matter. Save that huge insurance glass deductible and listen to the voices in your head! Tax season is over. It's time to do irresponsible things now and go purchase a Bronc Raptor! It will make you feel good. Rear glass included!

i

 

[HCGxKaLiBeR]

Yeah it's prob the molly panels. Those things are heavy. I'm guessing 25 lb each side?

I have a regular Top Lift Pro. Though mine is a 2 door, top is slightly heavier.
The top sags when resting on the lift. I feel like if there is any heavier the arm on the lift would snap or the entire thing would tip over..

My rear glass was replaced by the dealer when one of the defrogger fell off.
To my knowledge, the rear glass comes with the defrogger and hinges. But you will need to re-install the rear wiper motor, motor covers, hinge covers and reuse the weather strips.

 

[BigMeatsBronco]

While i'm glad you're not injured, the parts here that need replaced are inexpensive compared to a broken bone or some stitches...First I noticed the heavy molle panels still attached. Then, I looked at your fancy carbon fiber fender fairs, bubbled out APG fenders, and then the fancy seats caught my left eye....So your well off enough to splurge on $10,000+ fenders and seats that cost nearly the same, but here you are whining about a few scratches and broken glass.... literally only $300 on car-part.com

Ohh, and nobody's gonna trade you anything for that piece-of-junk top-lifter, you got.

Just call allstate and make a claim.

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