Custom painted MIC top on Velocity Blue Bronco (custom by dealer)

[WuNgUn]

Is he interested to hear what they did for prep. And I want to see how it looks once the paint cures and the panels shrink a little.

Likely a metric shit-ton of high build primer and lots of sanding...
$$$

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[airishfan]

I know my dealer already said that there paint shop can paint the MIC hard top but it won't be smooth like the MOD top well be.

 

[airishfan]

They aren't the same 'type' of plastic.

The MiC top is a Polyacetal (POM) and it's an unknown as to how well paint will adhere to it, even with going thru the proper preparation steps. There's also the fact of the current MiC top and it's 'issues' that are surfacing.

I'd just say to be cautiously optimistic, but don't be surprised if/when things go bad.

yep if the MIC tops not painted right then that paint going start chipping off.

 

[swami37]

All the paint experts on this thread. Makes me laugh

 

[broadicustomworks]

All the paint experts on this thread. Makes me laugh

Well there are a few of us out there.
I, for one, have been doing it for about 30 years in automotive, industrial, fleet, and restoration work.
I'm not through learning stuff by any means, but I do know a thing or two.
As for the others, I don't pretend to assume or judge.
I see some posts that lead me to believe some have a decent-to-good knowledge and understanding, and some are just throwing stuff against the wall, seeing what sticks.

 

[Bronc-itis]

Likely a metric shit-ton of high build primer and lots of sanding...
$$$

Thought about that. But I doubt I’d be comfortable doing a lot of sanding on that material. Just enough to knock down that texture could be enough to expose the honeycomb matrix underneath. I’m still down to do it though

 

[Chrism81]

Looks good, but I give it a few months before that starts chipping off

 

[Silver-Bolt]

Well... that's a way to not see the honeycomb from the outside.

If the honeycomb show up, it will be seen through the paint.

 

[Silver-Bolt]

It looks great…right now. I’m pretty sure the “issues” we’ve seen with the MIC Top (honeycomb, delamination, rough/uneven edges) does not bode well for the longevity of this painted MIC Top.

Ask yourself this: if MIC Top painting works, why is Ford (designer of said MIC Top) not painting some Wimbledon White to meet the demands of white topped Broncos?
Because it would be a warranty nightmare.

Mainly because the MIC tops are not painted. MIC = molded in color. Any painting would be another operation and cost time and money.

 

[Andrew_EOD]

I'm in to find out how this ends up... what's the over/under on how long it lasts?

 

[vrtical]

I dunno why you couldnt just gel coat the damn thing smooth then paint it.

 

[swami37]

Well there are a few of us out there.
I, for one, have been doing it for about 30 years in automotive, industrial, fleet, and restoration work.
I'm not through learning stuff by any means, but I do know a thing or two.
As for the others, I don't pretend to assume or judge.
I see some posts that lead me to believe some have a decent-to-good knowledge and understanding, and some are just throwing stuff against the wall, seeing what sticks.

Over 30 years for me as well... Second generation in fact ...So like you.. I also know a thing or two..And always learning more..I agree many smart folks on here...
I may paint my MIC top if I ever get my 2 Door...

 

[GToddC5]

People used to prep and paint all the Avalanche cladding. Anyone bringing up longevity is just wasting keystrokes. None of us can look into the future. For now, that painted top is the first we've seen, and pretty damn cool I think . I can't wait to see it on the rig.

 

[Slyder]

Glad I could make you laugh, if that was aimed/intended for/at me.

It's been over 30 years for me also, but I don't have access to a personal garage (I own a condo with shared garage) where I can actively continue to do it whenever I want. I do stuff now and then, but it's mostly for friends/co-workers and in their garages.

If people are going to paint/attempt to paint the MiC tops, like this Dealer did, it would be nice if they would let us know what they did as far as prep and what refinish products they used. (adhesion promoters, primer/s, color coats, clear coats and such)

This way, those of us with experience can gain knowledge as to what may work and to what issues may arise, mostly with adhesion and repair, if it gets damaged/chipped.

 

[Dads_bronze_bronco]

Makes you wonder if Ford could find a boat manufacturer in say North Carolina, South Carolina (Beneteau just closed shop) or Florida —places where people have been laying up fiberglass for generations—that could take the molds and produce quality vacuum molded paintable fiberglass tops with the same honeycomb core.

Sure seems like a big part of the MIC quality debacle is the MIC outer layer. (They got fancy taking a risk on materials, and it is costing them a launch and probably initial quality ratings.)

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