Bestop Sunrider for hardtop is leaking

[KJ Luko]

My Bronco was built in early June and I took delivery in early July. Shortly after that I purchased my sunrider from bestop directly from them and installed it according to their directions. Now when there is a heavy downpour I get a leak coming down my a pillar and out of where the side curtain airbag is located. I love the sun Rider but I cannot deal with a water leak when I'm going to have it installed for six or seven months out of the year. I did notice that it pulls the Rubber seal away from the frame on the one side because the sun Rider seems to curve inward only on the driver side. I emailed bestop but only received a generic email in return.

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[Roger123]

Google TSB-21-2403, it's for a water leak as you describe. Mine does it too under certain rain conditions, I'm not positive it's top related.

 

[KJ Luko]

Google TSB-21-2403, it's for a water leak as you describe. Mine does it too under certain rain conditions, I'm not positive it's top related.

Thank you I do plan on contacting Ford but the pictures I posted do not look good. That top should not curve in and pull on that seal like it is doing.

 

[Roger123]

Here's mine:

 

[KJ Luko]

Your driver side looks normal compared to mine. But you stated you're still having leaks with your sun Rider installed?

 

[Roger123]

Your driver side looks normal compared to mine. But you stated you're still having leaks with your sun Rider installed?

Yes, and it's on the driver's side. That's why in my case, I'm not convinced it's the SunRider.

 

[KJ Luko]

Yes, and it's on the driver's side. That's why in my case, I'm not convinced it's the SunRider.

But I also saw some of these posts where people get the TSB done by Ford and it's a sloppy silicone mess. If they're going to try to fix a problem that they are aware of then you should at least get it back in the same shape that you took it in.

 

[Roger123]

But I also saw some of these posts where people get the TSB done by Ford and it's a sloppy silicone mess. If they're going to try to fix a problem that they are aware of then you should at least get it back in the same shape that you took it in.

Yup, that's why I have no desire to take it in. I can smear RTV myself.

 

[thesocalexplorer]

Were you having the leak prior to installing the sunrider? I wasn't, but started getting leaks once I installed the sunrider.

After studying the seal system, I noticed the fit around the curve left large noticeable gaps, which allowed water to bypass the main seals, making its way down the A-pillar.

Here's my fix, it's been successful through pressure washes ever since:
https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/thre...bestop-sunrider-for-2-door.39369/post-1503041


Your seals do look quite pinched on one side. Maybe some RTV smeared in the gap may help if you don't want to take it in for the TSB.

 

[KJ Luko]

Were you having the leak prior to installing the sunrider? I wasn't, but started getting leaks once I installed the sunrider.

After studying the seal system, I noticed the fit around the curve left large noticeable gaps, which allowed water to bypass the main seals, making its way down the A-pillar.

Here's my fix, it's been successful through pressure washes ever since:
https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/thre...bestop-sunrider-for-2-door.39369/post-1503041


Your seals do look quite pinched on one side. Maybe some RTV smeared in the gap may help if you don't want to take it in for the TSB.

Thank you for the feedback. No I did not have a leak before installing the sunrider and I will try out your method. I really hope bestop will replace the current top I have because there is definitely a difference between my passenger side and front side on that top. Are you not having any leaks now since installing the foam?

 

[thesocalexplorer]

Thank you for the feedback. No I did not have a leak before installing the sunrider and I will try out your method. I really hope bestop will replace the current top I have because there is definitely a difference between my passenger side and front side on that top. Are you not having any leaks now since installing the foam?

No problem! Agreed, yours looks way more pinched than mine is. Haven't experienced leaks since installing the foam around the corners. We don't get much rain here in Southern CA, but have run her through a few car washes since.

Also, to add - the seal right behind the curved area is intended to be a secondary seal only. If it gets any measurable bit of water, it's basically going to overflow into your A-pillar.

 

[Bronc OH]

I'm having the same issue with the trektop. In the same area. I'm pretty sure it's a bad seal design from Ford, notably in the corners where the screws attach and it's thinner. coupled with a secondary trough that exits the water right down the lower weather seal and into the a-pillar

I called bestop, sent them pics and talked through warranty options. In the meantime I'm going to try and 'fluff' up the corners of the seal with some foam inside to see if that pulls the trektop tighter. Similar to @thesocalexplorer fix, but internal with the seal

 

[cactusbase]

Did anyone have any luck getting a warranty replacement from Bestop? Same issue, no leak prior to Bestop.

 

[CDB]

My Bronco was built in early June and I took delivery in early July. Shortly after that I purchased my sunrider from bestop directly from them and installed it according to their directions. Now when there is a heavy downpour I get a leak coming down my a pillar and out of where the side curtain airbag is located. I love the sun Rider but I cannot deal with a water leak when I'm going to have it installed for six or seven months out of the year. I did notice that it pulls the Rubber seal away from the frame on the one side because the sun Rider seems to curve inward only on the driver side. I emailed bestop but only received a generic email in return.

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