ADV Advanced Fiberglass Concepts Hardtop -- Cross Section Look at Material & Construction

coachsam14 · Jul 2, 2023

I was on the same side of town where Advanced Fiberglass Concepts is located and decided to stop in to see their aftermarket hardtop in person. I was greeted by John and he was more than happy to show the hardtop that was installed on his Bronco and share some additional insights. I was impressed to see the attention to detail and quality that is going into this aftermarket hardtop. John was able to show me cutouts of the AFC top versus, OEM and a competitor's and it was clear to see that this hard top is all quality.

I have decided to move forward with my hardtop purchase after seeing it in person and learning a lot more about the construction. John at Advanced is passionate and detailed about what they're doing and I'm happy to support this local business.

I'm posting a few photos so you can see the difference between the hardtop options that are out there.

604Bronco · Jul 2, 2023

Can’t wait for my @ADV Fiberglass hardtop!

Zombie Salamander · Jul 2, 2023

I wish AFC would offer a 2-door version.

j_marinelli · Jul 2, 2023

Thank you for sharing the photos. This is a great visualization on showing what's on the inside. I'd love to know who the competitor is but understand its best to leave their name out.

If (or rather when) my hardtop ever fails and needs to be replaced, looks like @ADV Fiberglass is the clear winner.

BroncoBoy22 · Jul 2, 2023

Cool cut outs!

604Bronco · Jul 2, 2023

j_marinelli said:
Thank you for sharing the photos. This is a great visualization on showing what's on the inside. I'd love to know who the competitor is but understand its best to leave their name out.

If (or rather when) my hardtop ever fails and needs to be replaced, looks like @ADV Fiberglass is the clear winner.

I’m going to assume it’s the other “well known” aftermarket hardtop that’s out.

Gettyup · Jul 2, 2023

coachsam14 said:
I was on the same side of town where Advanced Fiberglass Concepts is located and decided to stop in to see their aftermarket hardtop in person. I was greeted by John and he was more than happy to show the hardtop that was installed on his Bronco and share some additional insights. I was impressed to see the attention to detail and quality that is going into this aftermarket hardtop. John was able to show me cutouts of the AFC top versus, OEM and a competitor's and it was clear to see that this hard top is all quality.

Thanks for the info.

I have decided to move forward with my hardtop purchase after seeing it in person and learning a lot more about the construction. John at Advanced is passionate and detailed about what they're doing and I'm happy to support this local business.

I'm posting a few photos so you can see the difference between the hardtop options that are out there.

cracKen · Jul 2, 2023

The oem one looks like a cheap 10$ ikea table. Surprising how thin the outside material is.

Red Squatch · Jul 2, 2023

Makes me wonder what the inside of the modular top looks like

Toccoa · Jul 2, 2023

Red Squatch said:
Makes me wonder what the inside of the modular top looks like

Probably same as MIC. Mod just has a smooth painted finish, removable windows, and a gunner’s hatch on the 2DR (unless they dropped that feature).

indio22 · Jul 3, 2023

coachsam14 said:
I was on the same side of town where Advanced Fiberglass Concepts is located and decided to stop in to see their aftermarket hardtop in person. I was greeted by John and he was more than happy to show the hardtop that was installed on his Bronco and share some additional insights. I was impressed to see the attention to detail and quality that is going into this aftermarket hardtop. John was able to show me cutouts of the AFC top versus, OEM and a competitor's and it was clear to see that this hard top is all quality.

I have decided to move forward with my hardtop purchase after seeing it in person and learning a lot more about the construction. John at Advanced is passionate and detailed about what they're doing and I'm happy to support this local business.

I'm posting a few photos so you can see the difference between the hardtop options that are out there.

How do those construction methods shown in the cross section photo, compare with the current Jeep Wrangler top? Or for that matter my 25 year old TJ or 38 year old CJ-7 tops? (Both of which are still going strong after years of abuse.)

Red Squatch · Jul 3, 2023

Toccoa said:
Probably same as MIC. Mod just has a smooth painted finish, removable windows, and a gunner’s hatch on the 2DR (unless they dropped that feature).

Not sure about that, we know it's heavier and quieter from reviews but is the soundproofing just better or is it a different design?

710-oil-614 · Jul 3, 2023

Piggybacking off of this thread - I am looking at a Bronco that has the dual top package. I have zero desire or use for the MIC top.

Is there a market to sell a MIC top? What would be a fair asking price for one that was new off of your vehicle?

lakesinai · Jul 3, 2023

coachsam14 said:
I was on the same side of town where Advanced Fiberglass Concepts is located and decided to stop in to see their aftermarket hardtop in person. I was greeted by John and he was more than happy to show the hardtop that was installed on his Bronco and share some additional insights. I was impressed to see the attention to detail and quality that is going into this aftermarket hardtop. John was able to show me cutouts of the AFC top versus, OEM and a competitor's and it was clear to see that this hard top is all quality.

I have decided to move forward with my hardtop purchase after seeing it in person and learning a lot more about the construction. John at Advanced is passionate and detailed about what they're doing and I'm happy to support this local business.

I'm posting a few photos so you can see the difference between the hardtop options that are out there.

That definately seems like a superior product, if you're willing to live without the openness of the mid-panel. The foam is well encapsulated without voids. Whats the layup on the exterior skins? Fiberglass mat/cloth with resin? Are the panels light enough for removal? Ford's panel is designed for light weight, I think.

BroncoBoy22 · Jul 3, 2023

Red Squatch said:
Not sure about that, we know it's heavier and quieter from reviews but is the soundproofing just better or is it a different design?

Originally the Mod tops were of a different material. SMC I believe. Who knows if that is still the case. If I had to guess I would say the Mod top construction is more close or similar to Anderson’s top than the MIC top

ADV Advanced Fiberglass Concepts Hardtop -- Cross Section Look at Material & Construction

coachsam14

Member

604Bronco

Well-Known Member

Zombie Salamander

Active Member

j_marinelli

Well-Known Member

BroncoBoy22

Well-Known Member

604Bronco

Well-Known Member

Gettyup

Well-Known Member

cracKen

Well-Known Member

Red Squatch

Well-Known Member

Toccoa

Well-Known Member

indio22

Well-Known Member

Red Squatch

Well-Known Member

710-oil-614

Well-Known Member

lakesinai

Well-Known Member

BroncoBoy22

Well-Known Member

Similar threads