UPDATE: Hardtops need to be redesigned! Cracking and bubbling on my second hardtop replacement

[Rydfree]

I had mine replaced under warranty recently. I learned that Ford doesn’t send new tops with glass so the dealer had to transfer my glass to the new top.

I feel like something went wrong with the new top or glass transfer because wind noise from one side of the truck is noticeably worse than the right AND worse than the old top. I just don’t see any obvious reason.

I picked up my Bronco last week from getting the 4th top under warranty. I kept saying something just did not sound right and finally found it today. Now another trip back on my next off day

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[Dan-O]

I picked up my Bronco last week from getting the 4th top under warranty. I kept saying something just did not sound right and finally found it today. Now another trip back on my next off day

[/QUOTE
Wow….. glad you made it home with out it falling out. That’s some crazy bad work!!

 

[Blakshukvw]

I don’t get it. My 23 has no issues with the honeycombing or anything. Of course it’s always been parked in garage, which I think should be the case with any such vehicle. Do most of you having this issue park outside or drive your broncos in very cold climates where the top sees a lot of expansion and contraction?

 

[harpo]

I don’t get it. My 23 has no issues with the honeycombing or anything. Of course it’s always been parked in garage, which I think should be the case with any such vehicle. Do most of you having this issue park outside or drive your broncos in very cold climates where the top sees a lot of expansion and contraction?

my 22 was fine till sometime this year. I look for cracks occasionally (3 to 6 month intervals) and finally saw some last week.

Some of the other hard top cracking threads show the cracking affects all kinds, all locations, all climates. Garage queen tops crack too.

 

[Rydfree]

I don’t get it. My 23 has no issues with the honeycombing or anything. Of course it’s always been parked in garage, which I think should be the case with any such vehicle. Do most of you having this issue park outside or drive your broncos in very cold climates where the top sees a lot of expansion and contraction?

Some are cracked and warped while in the crate they are shipped in, lol.

 

[MannyG20]

A tale as old as time…….

 

[Nibroc99]

Funny, my 2022 wildtrak 4dr also just started showing signs of cracking. We had a fairly harsh winter but it was covered whenever it snowed, so no snow brushes had to touch the roof.

 

[Montana Bronco]

I don’t get it. My 23 has no issues with the honeycombing or anything. Of course it’s always been parked in garage, which I think should be the case with any such vehicle. Do most of you having this issue park outside or drive your broncos in very cold climates where the top sees a lot of expansion and contraction?

I live in Montana so it gets very cold here. Parked outside much of the time.

Zero cracks. 2023 Bronco.

 

[Desmolicious]

I still don't get it. How is Jeep able to supply Wranglers with hard tops for decades now with no issues, but Ford can't figure this out?

 

[RlsTheBracken]

I don’t get it. My 23 has no issues with the honeycombing or anything. Of course it’s always been parked in garage, which I think should be the case with any such vehicle. Do most of you having this issue park outside or drive your broncos in very cold climates where the top sees a lot of expansion and contraction?

Didn’t understand either - until my 23 cracked in February. Always garaged, Colorado had no winter this year. Ford wouldn’t replace the rear cap (not enough honeycombing) and I only have 3k left on my 3/36, so I got the front panel replacements and drove straight from the dealer to Line-X.

 

[Imaginary Friend]

I still don't get it. How is Jeep able to supply Wranglers with hard tops for decades now with no issues, but Ford can't figure this out?

Jeep has never used 'revolutionary' cardboard core hardtop construction.

 

[BigFootie]

Jeep has never used 'revolutionary' cardboard core hardtop construction.

Exactly, completely different construction.

 

[J-Lugster]

I still don't get it. How is Jeep able to supply Wranglers with hard tops for decades now with no issues, but Ford can't figure this out?

The Jeep tops use a more traditional manufacturing method so are heavier.

Ford opted for supposed state of the art technology in the manufacturing to reduce weight for fuel ratings and EPA etc. As a resulted the MIC tops are lighter.

I'd rather have a heavier top that didn't fail.

 

[Dude1967]

The Jeep tops use a more traditional manufacturing method so are heavier.

Ford opted for supposed state of the art technology in the manufacturing to reduce weight for fuel ratings and EPA etc. As a resulted the MIC tops are lighter.

I'd rather have a heavier top that didn't fail.

Nailed it right there.

 

[Kiddo44pct]

The Jeep tops use a more traditional manufacturing method so are heavier.

Ford opted for supposed state of the art technology in the manufacturing to reduce weight for fuel ratings and EPA etc. As a resulted the MIC tops are lighter.

I'd rather have a heavier top that didn't fail.

I just got back from Utah and while there rented a 26 Jeep Sahara( wanted the Rubicon but somebody was a bit faster..lol)..I have to say the top was super light (it was white top) and was very solid..kept thinking why Ford couldn't get it right...also the radio which was stock was light years ahead of my 23 Sub delete...
But I still love my 23 Black Diamond Bronco..

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