On my 3rd MIC Top, Any Suggestions?

[contented]

Hi All,

Since purchasing my 4dr badlands SAS in 2021, I’ve had my MIC too completely replaced 2 times, along with a few other replacements of the front 3 panels due to the typical issues seen on this forum - cracking, honeycomb, warping, fading. I live in California where there isn’t significant temperature change that could cause the material to expand and contract. This is purely a manufacturer problem.

Thankfully, each replacement has been covered under warranty. However, my factory warranty coverage has concluded, and of course im now dealing with honeycomb all over, and cracking on the middle panel.

I’ve contacted my local dealer about this who in the past has covered the issues without any pushback. Being out of warranty is another story. Originally, I was told that I’d need to pay around $2,000 per panel. After some discussing with my service advisor, he quoted me $700 just for the middle panel, which actually isn’t a bad deal in my eyes. I did inquire about purchasing a MOD top, to which they said Ford will not sell separate from the vehicle itself.

While I’m thankful my local dealer is willing to help me out, I just don’t think it makes sense to purchase something I know will need to be replaced in the near future when the same issues arise. However, if that’s my best option then so be it.

I really love this vehicle and the way it drives, but am feeling like this roof issue is an endless loop. I’m open to considering other vehicles and walking away from my bronco just to avoid the consistent roof problems.

With that in mind, has anyone else been in this position? If so, how did you address it? Im not really a fan of any of the aftermarket options out there.

Our Bronco is a 2022 Badsquatch and was delivered w/ a soft top. We purchased our hardtop during the time period when Ford offered MIC tops to certain customers. Mistakenly thinking all issues had been resolved, we bought one (6/2024). In hindsight, a mistake. After eighteen months and several trips to Moab ours started to crack underneath the rear side windows. Don’t laugh, but I covered the cracks w/ clear packing tape, if for no other reason than to keep water out. Cracking hasn’t gotten any worse. Go figure. I did add a very stout Goat Fab Cross Brace Stiffener. Certainly eliminated some squeaking.

I remind myself of the saying that insanity is doing the same thing over and over expecting different results. Keeping in mind experience of others here, In my case, I’ve decided if mine deteriorates to the point of being unusable, I’ll suck it up and buy a Turn Offroad hardtop and get it painted to match the body. Should I have to do that? Absolutely not, but it is what it is. No more Ford hardtops.

Good luck on whatever you decide.

Sponsored

 

[Direvarg]

Hasn’t happened to me yet but I was thinking of replacing my roof with the Anderson composites if it does. Problem is it’s like $7k and that’s just crazy expensive

 

[Fatfireman]

They have been for a long time. Just order it like any other part.
Cost will probably vary depending on dealer, but they aren’t cheap at all. Last time I looked they were still $8k+ and they won’t come painted, only primered.

Got it, Thanks. To me that confirms I made the right choice trading in.

 

[Fatfireman]

So no one has said: "Get a softtop?"
The only way to fly. I'm so sad, I rarely see a hard top with panels removed. You're missing out, folks.

Pretty fair point.

 

[Blackcat]

Had my MIC replaced right before the 3/36 warranty expired. That said, I fully expcet the 'new' top to crack and will just get a soft top.

 

[Cordycord]

I saw someone on this forum going for the Heritage look with their 2 door. They had their top painted in Raptor Liner, with a painter that knew how to reduce the textured look. I'd honestly consider hitting it with Raptor Liner--by a pro or in your back yard, based on your budget.

 

[Cordycord]

https://www.extremeterrain.com/bronco-rear-roll-cage-brace-single-arched-bare-sx-fb-rrcb-a.html

 

[fpostgate]

So no one has said: "Get a softtop?"
The only way to fly. I'm so sad, I rarely see a hard top with panels removed. You're missing out, folks.

This is even worse. I have a soft top in the garage still packaged from the factory for my '24 7MT. I got to put it on this spring!

 

[Tonka Bronka]

Hi All,

Since purchasing my 4dr badlands SAS in 2021, I’ve had my MIC too completely replaced 2 times, along with a few other replacements of the front 3 panels due to the typical issues seen on this forum - cracking, honeycomb, warping, fading. I live in California where there isn’t significant temperature change that could cause the material to expand and contract. This is purely a manufacturer problem.

Thankfully, each replacement has been covered under warranty. However, my factory warranty coverage has concluded, and of course im now dealing with honeycomb all over, and cracking on the middle panel.

I’ve contacted my local dealer about this who in the past has covered the issues without any pushback. Being out of warranty is another story. Originally, I was told that I’d need to pay around $2,000 per panel. After some discussing with my service advisor, he quoted me $700 just for the middle panel, which actually isn’t a bad deal in my eyes. I did inquire about purchasing a MOD top, to which they said Ford will not sell separate from the vehicle itself.

While I’m thankful my local dealer is willing to help me out, I just don’t think it makes sense to purchase something I know will need to be replaced in the near future when the same issues arise. However, if that’s my best option then so be it.

I really love this vehicle and the way it drives, but am feeling like this roof issue is an endless loop. I’m open to considering other vehicles and walking away from my bronco just to avoid the consistent roof problems.

With that in mind, has anyone else been in this position? If so, how did you address it? Im not really a fan of any of the aftermarket options out there.

100% serious, the factory soft top has been awesome. Almost 5 years old and not one problem. Opens and closes in seconds, noise is not an issue.

 

[JSW377]

This is even worse. I have a soft top in the garage still packaged from the factory for my '24 7MT. I got to put it on this spring!

Hey guys I don’t have a dog in this hunt YET, but I would get in touch with this lawyer and use the words “CLASS ACTION” this is all on FORD! Stop spending $$ that are totally on Ford!
I have zero affiliation with any lawyer but if my 25 4 dr starts showing issues bet the house I’m going to call a lawyer. Ford is playing a money game! How much will it cost us before they get hammered!! This is way beyond arbitration!! Your stress and happiness are valuable. Your not getting squat for that!!

 

[Tonka Bronka]

So no one has said: "Get a softtop?"
The only way to fly. I'm so sad, I rarely see a hard top with panels removed. You're missing out, folks.

You beat me to it! It is the only way to fly!

 

[Ape Factory]

The body flex is a key contributor.

Get the FP B&C brace kit that increases body rigity by 50% according to Fords claims on Raptors. Alsomgets rid of the various creaks and rattles.

Smooth texture flexible euro gravel guard and a color coat should result in a great looking tomfor a long time.

I don't buy that theory. There are plenty of BRaptors with failed tops. Ironically there was another BRaptor at the dealership same time as mine, having the entire top replaced. The other one was a 24. My '23 had cracks in the top probably by around 10K miles.

I will say this....I have the Rockworkx thumb screws and I just barely snug them down. No more torquing them tight so that mating surface doesn't massively distort. Top doesn't make a squeak.

Looking at where the crack form in relation to the mounting points, I really don't think one has to do with the other though. It's all due to improper manufacturing.

 

[Ape Factory]

So no one has said: "Get a softtop?"
The only way to fly. I'm so sad, I rarely see a hard top with panels removed. You're missing out, folks.

I take my hard top off every chance I get. I've done six hour trips with the top off and regularly drive daily, weather permitting, to work with it off as well. I'll admit I have yet to see another Bronco in town do the same. This'll change when summer hits and it's 110 degrees for three months straight. I call it....Texas winter.

 

[23OBX2.7]

I don't buy that theory. There are plenty of BRaptors with failed tops. Ironically there was another BRaptor at the dealership same time as mine, having the entire top replaced. The other one was a 24. My '23 had cracks in the top probably by around 10K miles.

I will say this....I have the Rockworkx thumb screws and I just barely snug them down. No more torquing them tight so that mating surface doesn't massively distort. Top doesn't make a squeak.

Looking at where the crack form in relation to the mounting points, I really don't think one has to do with the other though. It's all due to improper manufacturing.

Interesting...glad I got soft top.

 

[Solfive]

I don't buy that theory. There are plenty of BRaptors with failed tops. Ironically there was another BRaptor at the dealership same time as mine, having the entire top replaced. The other one was a 24. My '23 had cracks in the top probably by around 10K miles.

I will say this....I have the Rockworkx thumb screws and I just barely snug them down. No more torquing them tight so that mating surface doesn't massively distort. Top doesn't make a squeak.

Looking at where the crack form in relation to the mounting points, I really don't think one has to do with the other though. It's all due to improper manufacturing.

Agreed, and a million jeeps without hardtop cracks running around for decades. I’m on my 3rd replacement top on a two door and they’ve actually been progressively worse, upon delivery, than the previous top. Fun times!

Sponsored