Check your hard tops for bubbles!

[Dadsquatch]

Unfortunately the bubbling on the rear shell is “normal”. Those that say they don’t have it just can’t see it. It only appears in certain lighting at certain angles (low level light / partially shaded). You can’t see it in full sunlight. Check it in your garage with the garage door open looking front to back. I’m on my 4th hardtop between the cracking and bubbling……

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[2023bronco]

Unfortunately the bubbling on the rear shell is “normal”. Those that say they don’t have it just can’t see it. It only appears in certain lighting at certain angles (low level light / partially shaded). You can’t see it in full sunlight. Check it in your garage with the garage door open looking front to back. I’m on my 4th hardtop between the cracking and bubbling……

Same with the hairline cracks under/beside the windows. Dust some talcum powder around the window and they will appear. Mine are visible a little while after I wash the vehicle - I suspect the minerals in the water dries out in the cracks and makes them visible.

As for the bubbling, slide the palm of your hand over the top and you'll feel it even if you can't see it.

 

[MayhemMike]

My question is back when the Bronco was released one of the hold up points was the inability to manufacture MIC tops due the the contractors failure. It was reported Ford took away the MOD top part of the contract from the original contractor and hired a new contractor to build those tops. It has been three years and MOD tops are barely showing up on special edition Broncos. Anyone have the answer to what is the deal with MOD production?

 

[lakesinai]

I have a 2022 ford badlands 4 door, 21,000 miles. May 2024 i noticed my real hard top panel had several bubbles. My dealer quickly ordered then replaced my rear panel. 1 month later this replaced rear panel is starting to show bubbles. Just wanted to give other owners a heads-up.
See pictures below first picture is original panel 2nd picture is of the 1 month old replacement panel.

Very wierd. So many of these tops are just fine, like my 2021 which is flawless since October 2021, yet there are these occasional bad runs. Would love to know what causes these issues, and why they keep happening.

 

[Foxbody Barra]

Old news. I wrapped mine and will probably paint. Probably the worst quality part on the Bronco. Sad @Ford Motor Company

(76) UPDATE #2 Hard Top Buckling Normal or Warranty? | Bronco6G - 2021+ Ford Bronco & Bronco Raptor Forum, News, Blog & Owners Community

The account Ford Motor Company is virtually useless in this regard. He's just here to make you feel better, he doesn't have any power to actually handle anything.

 

[heavyD]

My question is back when the Bronco was released one of the hold up points was the inability to manufacture MIC tops due the the contractors failure. It was reported Ford took away the MOD top part of the contract from the original contractor and hired a new contractor to build those tops. It has been three years and MOD tops are barely showing up on special edition Broncos. Anyone have the answer to what is the deal with MOD production?

I recall reading that they used another supplier for these over Webasto but it is interesting that this other manufacturer is having similar initial issues to Webasto in that they can't meet demand or maybe just can't build enough that pass final inspection. So strange how all these years after release, Ford still can't get a grip on hard tops.

 

[DUSTYcazOREGON]

I have a 2022 ford badlands 4 door, 21,000 miles. May 2024 i noticed my real hard top panel had several bubbles. My dealer quickly ordered then replaced my rear panel. 1 month later this replaced rear panel is starting to show bubbles. Just wanted to give other owners a heads-up.
See pictures below first picture is original panel 2nd picture is of the 1 month old replacement panel.

@Ford Motor Company
Why do you not resolve this hard top issue once and for all?! Sending out replacement hardtops of the same material and same design is obviously not working? I am a long time and multiple FORD owner. I love my Bronco and plan to keep it for MANY years. Do I need to worry about this MIC top forever? Fix the issue and openly recognize that there is a problem and offer free replacements to the original owner for the lifetime of ownership! But.....fix the problem! You need a new vendor, new materials, new design.

 

[DUSTYcazOREGON]

Line-X'd 2 years ago... no issues yet

Looks great! Did they remove the windows to do that? Spray it while it was on the Bronco? Is it abrasive to where it tears up a wash mitt? Thank you!

 

[Mjasi3]

I saw a heritage with a painted top. The top looked really nice. Has there been any issues with the painted tops vs MIC? I assume its also manufactured the same way. Also for the announcement of the black edition Raptor I thought I read something about a new top... or Manu... ???

 

[_lariat]

Line-X'd 2 years ago... no issues yet

Got any more pictures? May honestly look into this and just get the headache out of the way.

 

[vrtical]

I saw a heritage with a painted top. The top looked really nice. Has there been any issues with the painted tops vs MIC? I assume its also manufactured the same way. Also for the announcement of the black edition Raptor I thought I read something about a new top... or Manu... ???

Those are MOD top construction.

 

[Bmike]

I have a 2023 2 door outer banks. My top looks great still.

 

[Bill K]

Line-X'd 2 years ago... no issues yet

What did that cost you, and did they need to remove the top to apply?

 

[Dude1967]

Unfortunately the bubbling on the rear shell is “normal”. Those that say they don’t have it just can’t see it. It only appears in certain lighting at certain angles (low level light / partially shaded). You can’t see it in full sunlight. Check it in your garage with the garage door open looking front to back. I’m on my 4th hardtop between the cracking and bubbling……

We have the "experience" for spotting such said defects!!

 

[jtim47Bronco]

Line-X'd 2 years ago... no issues yet

what did lineX coating cost? I live in Seattle area.

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