Anderson Composites Hardtop Installed - Review, Tips, and Pics

[Area51BS]

Cross that one off my list of potential tops.

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[Techun]

For $6k I would want something that fits together properly. I guess we're all just screwed and stuck with the junk we get for tops.

 

[Cux211]

Cross that one off my list of potential tops.

Agreed, guess I’m down to tor or armadillo

 

[Area51BS]

For $6k I would want something that fits together properly. I guess we're all just screwed and stuck with the junk we get for tops.

No, ADV is about to deliver!

 

[dhitesman]

Really encourage everyone to look at the youtube vids / other reviews and not rely on my poor photography in making a decision. My only fit / finish complaint is the rear window alignment which ultimately can be adjusted. Overall I'm happy with the purchase!

 

[Brave Man]

Really encourage everyone to look at the youtube vids / other reviews and not rely on my poor photography in making a decision. My only fit / finish complaint is the rear window alignment which ultimately can be adjusted. Overall I'm happy with the purchase!

We can all be critical of minor issues/irritants here and there, but overall
this is a great product for those that are looking for an OEM-like looking top with better insulation and sound proofing qualities, only difference is the texture and that is not an issue for me.

 

[7spdbadlands]

The gap differences in the rear window definitely do not mimmick the factory hard top. Not sure why they claimed that it does. I've never seen gaps that extreme in any of the factory hard tops that I've seen. Looks to me that the rear edges around the glass shrunk while in their mold/form and they just brushed it off as "good enough". That glass should 100% be centered in its frame and should not be poking out further than the top

 

[adcam]

The gap differences in the rear window definitely do not mimmick the factory hard top. Not sure why they claimed that it does. I've never seen gaps that extreme in any of the factory hard tops that I've seen. Looks to me that the rear edges around the glass shrunk while in their mold/form and they just brushed it off as "good enough". That glass should 100% be centered in its frame and should not be poking out further than the top

I’ve been enjoying my AC top since May 2023. Sure beats waiting more than 2 years for the ADV one. No problems with rear window gap.

 

[DUSTYcazOREGON]

In December, 2023 I installed the Anderson Composites Hardtop ordered in April, 2023. Overall, very pleased with the top and impressed with the significant wind noise reduction from my factory soft top. As seen in one pic, I have a 50" Baja Designs roof light bar (purchased from 4x4TruckLEDs.com - love those guys) with an AeroLidz light cover. The cover helped significantly with wind noise, but it remained quite loud. The hard top made a huge impact.

A few notes based on my experience:
- Very simple install - was able to do mostly myself, with my wife and daughter easily helping lift the rear piece onto the Bronco
- Adjustment of the latch bolts was required to effectively latch (loosened)
- Every 6-8 weeks I've had to tighten the latch bolts to reduce increasing wind noise. Makes a big difference, but unsure how that will impact ease of latching / unlatching when removing panels (Flagstaff has been cold! Will update post as the weather warms...)
- Pictures illustrate non-uniform gaps of rear window. Anderson customer service says this can be adjusted by reinstalling the window latches, but advises customers not to do so. I haven't yet tried. (They also offered to send me a 'wind reduction kit' when I mentioned wind noise on initial install, but never sent. Not sure what that kit entails.)
- Pictures also show underside gap in rubber trim - Anderson says this is normal and mirrors OEM tops
- While I had no complaints about the soft top, this hard top was really nice to have in the snow - easier snow clearing and more clear view through the glass windows

Of note, the surface is extremely rough. I washed it today (first time since install!) and the dirt required a good amount of scrubbing to loosen on the surface.

BIGGEST LEARNING: The rough surface absolutely tore up my white wash mitt. No amount of pressure-washing could loosen the white fluff from the rough surface and pieces dropped to / are stuck on the rough surface of my AMP running boards, which were extended for washing purposes. On the bright side - all that pressure washing and no evidence of any leaks!

Overall, pleased with the purchase and have learned a hard lesson to use a soft brush on the top instead of my wash mitt. I think I'll be reminded of this mistake for months to come...

Hopefully this is helpful. Feel free to ping me with any questions.

This was my top of choice but now I may need to re-think it. Window crooked and it's so rough that it tears up wash mitts and leaves that crap all over it.....NOPE. I am very particular with my vehicles and that "lint" stuck to it forever....possible deal breaker.

 

[BroncoBoy22]

Can’t wait to get mine next week! Congrats OP!

 

[Kyleshemesh]

I received mine a couple days ago as well, the latches were a tight and hard to turn but I didn't lose them. Everything is flush and there are no quality defects. I think the key is not to losen the latches.

Well worth the wait though, the headliner is so nice. That's the first thing that everyone points out.

 

[SubmarineNuke]

and I'm still waiting on my white top...

 

[DUSTYcazOREGON]

Really encourage everyone to look at the youtube vids / other reviews and not rely on my poor photography in making a decision. My only fit / finish complaint is the rear window alignment which ultimately can be adjusted. Overall I'm happy with the purchase!

My problem is that the finish is so rough...all my towels and wash mitts would leave fibers stuck to it. That is terrible. Hopefully they make it a smoother surface.

 

[DUSTYcazOREGON]

I received mine a couple days ago as well, the latches were a tight and hard to turn but I didn't lose them. Everything is flush and there are no quality defects. I think the key is not to losen the latches.

Well worth the wait though, the headliner is so nice. That's the first thing that everyone points out.

It looks great. Is the surface of yours also rough and abrasive?

 

[Kyleshemesh]

It looks great. Is the surface of yours also rough and abrasive?

Yes, its similar to a bedliner material. Kinda like it, don't think that there will be many durability issues with the material.

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