Soft top plastic window split in cold weather

[Kevinboy]

I’ll start out by saying that I’m a first time poster, but have been a daily reader of the forum, and have learned so much and many thanks to everyone for their knowledge and support. Now having said that, I walked out into the garage this morning and a shadow caught my eye on soft top passenger side plastic window and lo and behold it is split…. dam it.

I panicked and immediately went to the web and it seems that Ford often times denies claim because it’s cold related….. WTF is this true. Fellow members please chime in on your experience so I’m armed before I show up at dealer. Many thanks in advance but I’m ready for the should have gotten a hardtop lol. BTW its a year and a half old with 9k miles and no other issues at all.

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[gmannerino]

I've never seen a soft window just split like that. To confirm, it was parked inside the garage with no issues before the night?

 

[zyglyrox]

I would assume it got opened in the colder weather and that’s why it cracked

I had our 4dr down in -25 temps in Chicago and it did alright, no real insulation.

 

[Kevinboy]

The bronco is garage kept but I do have to get into back even when it’s cold but had no idea this could happen

 

[Kevinboy]

Is there a part number just for that drivers side section of roof in case I have to buy it myself. Mr Ducati I know you’re lurking

 

[2023bronco]

Don't blame yourself for not getting a hard top. The MIC tops crack in the cold (and hot, and lukewarm, etc.) too.

 

[EgreenBadSquatch]

I got an aftermarket hardtop. I tried to sell the soft top but no buyers. The one thing I kept was the windows thinking I’d see someone need some eventually. Now they just take up space in my garage.

 

[BlueBronco]

How cold does it get in your garage??

 

[Z because X was taken]

Wow, My OEM soft top survived since 22 in Michigan winters with no issues. I have woken up to 8 inches of snow on the top and negative air temp more times than I can count and have not seen this. I just had my OEM replaced with the ETOP, its sitting in the shed for sale if your'e interested

 

[23OBX2.7]

Warranty. Do not share that you opened top when cold, or any info at all just say parked in garage and it cracked all by itself.

Even if they screw you over by refusing warranty an upholstery shop can sew a new and better one in cheap, or you can go with hard acrylic which should cost no more than $60 for panel and 1 hr labor.

 

[zyglyrox]

I think when I last looked the back sections were like $1800 as they weren’t sold separately.

Hey @Ducati1098, can you held a memba’ out?

 

[Ducati1098]

Is there a part number just for that drivers side section of roof in case I have to buy it myself. Mr Ducati I know you’re lurking

I think when I last looked the back sections were like $1800 as they weren’t sold separately.

Hey @Ducati1098, can you held a memba’ out?

Still not available separately. Have to get both side. Lots of part numbers though depending on options, so I’d need a VIN to be more specific on price

Edit: Nevermind, looks like they might be available separately, but I’d still need a VIN

 

[Bee Bop]

How cold was it? I have been through five winters with my soft top and it sits outside 24/7 and My windows have not split. I have the IAG struts which actually opens the top higher that the prop rod. I would lean to a manufacturing defect.

 

[Dan00Hawk]

Owner's Manual states not to lift the back cargo area portion of the soft top when temps are near freezing or below. This is because the plastic windows need to flex and fold when opening the cargo area. When cold, they will become stiff and brittle. Some dealers may deny warranty, and others may be accommodating, just like with many other issues.

Most folks don't think about it, unfortunately. Sorry this happened to you , and hopefully you can find some used ones for a reasonable price.

 

[23OBX2.7]

Its just a super cheap clear plastic need a better grade.....did they ever cheap put haha.

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