What are these plastic tabs?

[Sparkie]

Exactly. They are their for reducing shock/vibration during transport. They are meant to be removed.

I had the same tabs when I picked up my Bronco. The dealership didn't know what to do with them. (They don't have much experience with Broncos.) Thanks to so many users in this forum, I explained if they double check with Ford, the tags could be removed.

Since that day, my Bronco and I have experienced many rough bounces. The windows are still intact.

Is is possible the tags are an assembly/production "leftover" from the mid-year switchover of removable to fixed windows? Then for some clerical reason, nobody from Detroit remembered to update the dealership PDI work instructions?

(Maybe forum users with removable windows, or @Ducati1098 and others with Ford service experience might be able tell us the original intent of these tags.)

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[Ducati1098]

I had the same tabs when I picked up my Bronco. The dealership didn't know what to do with them. (They don't have much experience with Broncos.) Thanks to so many users in this forum, I explained if they double check with Ford, the tags could be removed.

Since that day, my Bronco and I have experienced many rough bounces. The windows are still intact.

Is is possible the tags are an assembly/production "leftover" from the mid-year switchover of removable to fixed windows? Then for some clerical reason, nobody from Detroit remembered to update the dealership PDI work instructions?

(Maybe forum users with removable windows, or @Ducati1098 and others with Ford service experience might be able tell us the original intent of these tags.)

I'm pretty sure they're just for alignment when installing the window. I'm not 100% certain though.
It wouldn't have anything to do with shock or vibration though because the windows are already glued in and completely cured I'm sure before transport.

 

[Sparkie]

I'm pretty sure they're just for alignment when installing the window. I'm not 100% certain though.
It wouldn't have anything to do with shock or vibration though because the windows are already glued in and completely cured I'm sure before transport.

Thank you.
I agree. Plus, the still intact windows provide very strong supporting evidence to your point.

 

[UncleBrad]

I'm pretty sure they're just for alignment when installing the window. I'm not 100% certain though.
It wouldn't have anything to do with shock or vibration though because the windows are already glued in and completely cured I'm sure before transport.

It's my understanding that the adhesive isn't always entirely set when the vehicle is loaded for transportation. The clips help to keep the glass seated, and not move during the trip. On trucks, tie-downs are used to compress the suspension. Shock & vibration can then work the windows loose if the adhesive has not entirely set up (which can take a few days for conditions like this). Like the application of the white plastic sheeting over painted surfaces, it's cheap protection and implemented as part of the transportation process. Once the glue has set, window alignment is not an issue.

 

[UncleBrad]

I had the same tabs when I picked up my Bronco. The dealership didn't know what to do with them. (They don't have much experience with Broncos.) Thanks to so many users in this forum, I explained if they double check with Ford, the tags could be removed.

Since that day, my Bronco and I have experienced many rough bounces. The windows are still intact.

Is is possible the tags are an assembly/production "leftover" from the mid-year switchover of removable to fixed windows? Then for some clerical reason, nobody from Detroit remembered to update the dealership PDI work instructions?

(Maybe forum users with removable windows, or @Ducati1098 and others with Ford service experience might be able tell us the original intent of these tags.)

Since that day, the window adhesive had cured, and the window will stay seated.

 

[Ducati1098]

It's my understanding that the adhesive isn't always entirely set when the vehicle is loaded for transportation. The clips help to keep the glass seated, and not move during the trip. On trucks, tie-downs are used to compress the suspension. Shock & vibration can then work the windows loose if the adhesive has not entirely set up (which can take a few days for conditions like this). Like the application of the white plastic sheeting over painted surfaces, it's cheap protection and implemented as part of the transportation process. Once the glue has set, window alignment is not an issue.

If this was the case, wouldn't you see these same things on the MIC tops? It's only the painted tops, which makes me assume it's to perfectly align the window and protect the paint. But who knows. Just a guess

 

[BroncoChallenger]

That's not just a Super Duty thing, it's a Ford thing.
Look at most Ford vehicles and you'll find rubber bands in multiple spots. I think they're used to hold harnesses together before they're assembled on the vehicle. Pretty common.

No, these definitely AREN'T to hold harnesses in place. I have seen them on several, but my FIL's had one running from the battery hold-down to the fuse box, holding NOTHING IN PLACE. Another wrapped around a hood hinge. And we found one days later on the bracket below the fuel tank. None of these rubber bands were holding ANYTHING or in a place where they would hold anything. According to the service manager who found several of them, it's common on anything from the Kentucky plant, they have rubber bands in various places that have no business being there.

 

[Ducati1098]

No, these definitely AREN'T to hold harnesses in place. I have seen them on several, but my FIL's had one running from the battery hold-down to the fuse box, holding NOTHING IN PLACE. Another wrapped around a hood hinge. And we found one days later on the bracket below the fuel tank. None of these rubber bands were holding ANYTHING or in a place where they would hold anything. According to the service manager who found several of them, it's common on anything from the Kentucky plant, they have rubber bands in various places that have no business being there.

Well I'm sure there's a reason lol they aren't just putting rubber bands on things for fun.
Like i said, the large majority of the ones I've seen have been on harnesses or other similar things, so it makes sense they were holding something prior to assembly.
Either way, it happens on most Ford vehicles.

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