MIC Hardtop, Replace and paint?

[2023bronco]

I am guessing that it will add outer structural integrity and cracking will not come through it. OPINIONS?

I don't think there's any way to know. If it gets lined and doesn't crack, was it the bedliner or a good top? If it gets lined and cracks, I guess you'd know the liner didn't help. And it's not just cracks but also bubbling (delamination). My cap developed both problems. IMHO, liner is a band aid.

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[ABorges]

Hi all, read a buch on the forum… and thank you all that contributed their pain/humor to this serious issue, but I have doubts on the subject, apologies for ruffling any wounded feathers.

It looks like I have the dreadful cracks on my hardtop, it has to be said, my truck sits under a nice roof to protect it from the weather, but i’ve not reach 2000Km on it yet *got it new on July, end of 2013 build* and I can see clear cracks on the sides, one code seems to be more problematic *area aft of the side window*. Today I looked at the top, and I can see what looks like bubbling up. I have an appointment with the dealer next week and I have the following question:

1. How is the replacement holding up once changed? ( Provided this is part of the warranty )
2. Those that have painted theirs, what procedures did you use? ( If I go to a shop, I would need to be very precise on the ask.)
3. Those that have painted their tops, any long term feedback on how they have held up? In other, does the paint improve the permeability of the tops?

I’m concerned that painting the top would not only invalidate warranty, but also expose it to more possible cracking?

The type of cracking looks like it’s a manufacturing process contamination, similar to any change in moisture/temperature in any composite build I have seen ( lot’s of airplane and boat composite build experience), where moisture is either trapped, or getting into the MIC cells, temp change or moisture change *expansion/contraction* type defects.

We have a harsh weather where I live, dry summers with >40C days, and wet winters with < -10C… Thus, very concerned with this problem.

Appreciate the feedback. TIA!!!

I replaced mine a little while ago so far so good. If it is under warranty I would get a new one. Once it is out of warranty I would look to getting it painted. Good luck!

 

[ABorges]

If (when) mine fails...I hope Anderson will make ne for the 2 door.
Painting....my guess the cracks will just make the paint crack.
Guessing here, but the best hold-together solution would be to go with a bed liner product. I am guessing that it will add outer structural integrity and cracking will not come through it. OPINIONS?

If the right bondo or the right body filler is used and it is done right it should work. Truck bed liner will do the trick, might add a lot of weight I would think.

 

[Markco]

Hi all, read a buch on the forum… and thank you all that contributed their pain/humor to this serious issue, but I have doubts on the subject, apologies for ruffling any wounded feathers.

It looks like I have the dreadful cracks on my hardtop, it has to be said, my truck sits under a nice roof to protect it from the weather, but i’ve not reach 2000Km on it yet *got it new on July, end of 2013 build* and I can see clear cracks on the sides, one code seems to be more problematic *area aft of the side window*. Today I looked at the top, and I can see what looks like bubbling up. I have an appointment with the dealer next week and I have the following question:

1. How is the replacement holding up once changed? ( Provided this is part of the warranty )
2. Those that have painted theirs, what procedures did you use? ( If I go to a shop, I would need to be very precise on the ask.)
3. Those that have painted their tops, any long term feedback on how they have held up? In other, does the paint improve the permeability of the tops?

I’m concerned that painting the top would not only invalidate warranty, but also expose it to more possible cracking?

The type of cracking looks like it’s a manufacturing process contamination, similar to any change in moisture/temperature in any composite build I have seen ( lot’s of airplane and boat composite build experience), where moisture is either trapped, or getting into the MIC cells, temp change or moisture change *expansion/contraction* type defects.

We have a harsh weather where I live, dry summers with >40C days, and wet winters with < -10C… Thus, very concerned with this problem.

Appreciate the feedback. TIA!!!

Im waiting a year for the dealer to replace mine.

 

[Dude1967]

Hi all, read a buch on the forum… and thank you all that contributed their pain/humor to this serious issue, but I have doubts on the subject, apologies for ruffling any wounded feathers.

It looks like I have the dreadful cracks on my hardtop, it has to be said, my truck sits under a nice roof to protect it from the weather, but i’ve not reach 2000Km on it yet *got it new on July, end of 2013 build* and I can see clear cracks on the sides, one code seems to be more problematic *area aft of the side window*. Today I looked at the top, and I can see what looks like bubbling up. I have an appointment with the dealer next week and I have the following question:

1. How is the replacement holding up once changed? ( Provided this is part of the warranty )
2. Those that have painted theirs, what procedures did you use? ( If I go to a shop, I would need to be very precise on the ask.)
3. Those that have painted their tops, any long term feedback on how they have held up? In other, does the paint improve the permeability of the tops?

I’m concerned that painting the top would not only invalidate warranty, but also expose it to more possible cracking?

The type of cracking looks like it’s a manufacturing process contamination, similar to any change in moisture/temperature in any composite build I have seen ( lot’s of airplane and boat composite build experience), where moisture is either trapped, or getting into the MIC cells, temp change or moisture change *expansion/contraction* type defects.

We have a harsh weather where I live, dry summers with >40C days, and wet winters with < -10C… Thus, very concerned with this problem.

Appreciate the feedback. TIA!!!

Get ready for a ride if you drive it daily...

 

[Bronc-ES]

wow, how did you get one so early???

typo! 2023….

 

[Bronc-ES]

Thank you for the *discouraging* messages, I agree, this will not be a fun ride. I do hope Ford does come up with a permanent FIX. And I say discouraging, not because of the messenger, but because of the outcome we are all facing…

I was considering the following, if / when I get my top gets replaced, take the top, set it in a paint oven, keep it at 70/80c for 6h, then spray it with a composite primer, this should provide plenty of bonding and rigidity, then paint. I need to see if the 2 part ppg is enough to get it to hold moisture out long term.
Those in cold wet winters, any progression on the problem during the winter months? I‘m worry about the night freeze expanding the cracks… any horrid experience in this regards?

Still have not heard from any long term feedback on those that have painted their tops.

On another question, since it was mentioned that it seems that cracks are more related to stress fracture? Is this the consensus?

 

[BigFootie]

My Mod Top turn a year old last week. No signs of any issues. I’m pretty sure the inner portion is the same cardboard design so maybe having a better overcoat helps. I will say that mine lives a sheltered life so there is that.

 

[2023bronco]

On another question, since it was mentioned that it seems that cracks are more related to stress fracture? Is this the consensus?

All I know is that the cracks in my top developed over time - about a year or so. Over only 4k miles. Never offroad. So, if those are stress fractures, the top is ridiculously brittle. Plus, there's the bubbling/delamination on the roof of the cap.

 

[2023bronco]

My Mod Top turn a year old last week. No signs of any issues. I’m pretty sure the inner portion is the same cardboard design so maybe having a better overcoat helps. I will say that mine lives a sheltered life so there is that.

I haven't seen any complaints by a mod top owner of cracking or delamination yet.

 

[Bronc-ES]

My Mod Top turn a year old last week. No signs of any issues.

What’s the difference with the MOD top and MIC top in the Fab Process? If I’m not overt thinking this, then the primer-paint coats would be a great refinement to the MIC process, and hopefully resolving ”possible“ humidity causing the bulging and cracks. I do like the texture look, and losing that is an ascetic loss I can live with, the cracks, less so..…

 

[BigFootie]

What’s the difference with the MOD top and MIC top in the Fab Process? If I’m not overt thinking this, then the primer-paint coats would be a great refinement to the MIC process, and hopefully resolving ”possible“ humidity causing the bulging and cracks. I do like the texture look, and losing that is an ascetic loss I can live with, the cracks, less so..…

I’m not sure. My understanding it’s noticeably heavier which would indicate it’s more than just paint. But it’s also my understanding it still uses the cardboard honeycomb structure.

 

[indio22]

What’s the difference with the MOD top and MIC top in the Fab Process? If I’m not overt thinking this, then the primer-paint coats would be a great refinement to the MIC process, and hopefully resolving ”possible“ humidity causing the bulging and cracks. I do like the texture look, and losing that is an ascetic loss I can live with, the cracks, less so..…

Someone in an earlier discussion told me the MOD top uses a different outer skin material than the MIC top.

 

[BigFootie]

Someone in an earlier discussion told me the MOD top uses a different outer skin material than the MIC top.

Definitely nice and smooth and not textured. Not sure if it’s an additional layer or just a different outer layer. The inside is still a hot mess. In any case, the 2 door has to be a completely separate process due to the gunners hatch.

 

[2023bronco]

Someone in an earlier discussion told me the MOD top uses a different outer skin material than the MIC top.

I've heard that the mod top doesn't use the problematic cardboard honeycomb inner structure. But that is only what I have heard and is worth as much as rumors that zombies have taken over Ohio and are eating all the children.*

*This is called "satire." It is not true.

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