4 door soft top windows cracking

[Loganbachson]

As I write this post I have 53,000 happy miles on my 22 Basesquatch. I use this thing, I don’t abuse it by any means. But I do give it a run for its money.
I noticed this last week that where the back windows crease in the side windows when you open the back glass on the soft top, there’s a crack forming at the crease.
I’m not sure if this is a common issue. I haven’t seen anyone really reporting on it.

I’ve tried to get in contact with my local dealers and they say they’ve never seen it before and tell me I’m just out of luck when it comes to any warranty work since I’m over 36,000 miles.
This car is just over 2 years old since I bought it late 2022. This should not be a problem you have in your early years of ownership. Jeep soft tops last at least a decade before you have any issues like this. I’ll attach photos below.
There are superficial scratches on the window but those are very surface level and don’t even gouge it any where. Also those are early on scratches.

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[broadicustomworks]

Have you opened the rear hatch in sub-40 degree weather?
Not a joke, serious question.
Yes, they SHOULD be more robust and allow users to open the back in all seasons. But the design engineers said "nope".

 

[zyglyrox]

I never opened the hatch in cold temps. Was worried this might happen.

 

[tock13]

Man, sorry to see that already.

I’m surprised there isn’t more instances of this issue based on how the side windows get abused every time the hatch is opened.

It is a crap design and an engineering failure. I heard Bestop makes the OEM top, you would think they would know better.

Ford should have copied jeep for both their hard and soft top designs.

 

[Loganbachson]

Have you opened the rear hatch in sub-40 degree weather?
Not a joke, serious question.
Yes, they SHOULD be more robust and allow users to open the back in all seasons. But the design engineers said "nope".

I did use the car during the polar vortex back in December of 2022. But it’s been in Florida and California the past 2 years.
The other side is showing signs it may crack soon too.

 

[Loganbachson]

Man, sorry to see that already.

I’m surprised there isn’t more instances of this issue based on how the side windows get abused every time the hatch is opened.

It is a crap design and an engineering failure. I heard Bestop makes the OEM top, you would think they would know better.

Ford should have copied jeep for both their hard and soft top designs.

I couldn’t agree more. The way the jeep top rolls up in the back to access it is just a better design than hinging the whole thing.

 

[broadicustomworks]

I did use the car during the polar vortex back in December of 2022. But it’s been in Florida and California the past 2 years.
The other side is showing signs it may crack soon too.

Sounds like just failure then due to age/use.
UV, I am sure, probably helped that along as it has a detrimental effect over time on all kinds of things. Especially plastics, dyes, and candy paint.
Like @tock13 said, that unnatural creasing of this plastic window every time you use it just works it over time.
We all went into this (or should have) knowing it is an eventual "consumable" for those windows. I guess some sooner than others.
Good luck, Logan.
It's either replace with more OEM or go with a different style soft top altogether, unfortunately.

 

[Sparkie]

I live in the northeast. I've had several convertible cars with vinyl rear windows. Between the UV exposure, "flexing and folding" as the top went down, and cold weather, I needed to replace them after a few years. It's something I accepted with the joy of owning a ragtop.

In other threads, I hear about people in this forum keeping their soft top on all year long. Indeed, I am jealous. As you can see from the photo below, I ordered the HE Bronco for its looks and practicality.

I don't yet have a soft top because I am waiting for @Bestop_Team to release their existing Bronco tops in white or pebble beige! (Crystal, are you listening?)

 

[Tdub0527]

This happened to me after about 2 years. At the time I did some research and found while not common it has happened to others. I live in Minnesota and was opening it in pretty cold weather though. Also not sure how the IAG struts impacted this. I now only lift up the soft top if it’s necessary.

 

[Bestop_Team]

I completely understand your frustration and hear you loud and clear. However, Bestop is not the manufacturer of the Ford OE Hardtops or Soft Tops, so while I respect all perspectives on the design, we don’t have a role in its development. I truly wish I could help in that regard, but unfortunately, it's out of our hands. That said, I’m always here to listen and appreciate your feedback!

~Crystal@Bestop
www.bestop.com

 

[Imaginary Friend]

Man, sorry to see that already.

I’m surprised there isn’t more instances of this issue based on how the side windows get abused every time the hatch is opened.

It is a crap design and an engineering failure. I heard Bestop makes the OEM top, you would think they would know better.

Ford should have copied jeep for both their hard and soft top designs.

This.

The flip-up rear of the OEM soft top is flat out dumb.

 

[Sparkie]

I completely understand your frustration and hear you loud and clear. However, Bestop is not the manufacturer of the Ford OE Hardtops or Soft Tops, so while I respect all perspectives on the design, we don’t have a role in its development. I truly wish I could help in that regard, but unfortunately, it's out of our hands. That said, I’m always here to listen and appreciate your feedback!

~Crystal@Bestop
www.bestop.com

Good morning Crystal,

I believe the complaints are aimed at Ford, not your company.
I have only heard good things about @Bestop_Team .
In fact, Bestop is the reason I did not opt for the soft top when I ordered my Bronco from Ford last October.
Indeed, I wish to order the Trektop Slantback top for my 2 door Bronco, but not the current singular choice of black.
Please do let us know when @Bestop_Team releases the Bronco Trektop in white or tan.

 

[Bestop_Team]

Good morning Crystal,

I believe the complaints are aimed at Ford, not your company.
I have only heard good things about @Bestop_Team .
In fact, Bestop is the reason I did not opt for the soft top when I ordered my Bronco from Ford last October.
Indeed, I wish to order the Trektop Slantback top for my 2 door Bronco, but not the current singular choice of black.
Please do let us know when @Bestop_Team releases the Bronco Trektop in white or tan.

Thank you! I really appreciate your kind words and the clarification. I’m excited to hear that you’re interested in the Trektop for your 2-door Bronco! While there aren’t any current plans to offer it in white or tan, I’ll definitely add your request to my “What Customers Are Saying/Wanting” list and share it with the team as more feedback comes in. Thanks again for your input—I truly appreciate it!

~Crystal@Bestop
www.bestop.com

 

[Headsong]

Shocked to hear that BT doesn't make the OEM softtops....we sure thought you did! Also glad!!!!!!

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