Does anyone know the rejection rate for MIC tops?

[MacDonald_Photo]

Would really like to know if these are vacuum molded fiberglass (or other similar fiber) panels and the molds are the issue. My initial understanding of Molded In Color meant either an injection or roto molded plastic part. Delamination by my definition, doesn't happen with melted plastics in a mold but does with fiberglass.

From what you can se in the videos of the hard top undersides, there are fibers.

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[Toccoa]

Back of Map

It's not MAP. That dumpster floated its way from some place else.

 

[flip]

From what you can se in the videos of the hard top undersides, there are fibers.

I agree, the one unit we've gotten so far 100% looks like some sort of vacuum molded fiber-ish something. Can't imagine they would do a multi step process just to leave the inside looking like crap. If they can make a 'glass boat hull slick as snot, this shouldn't be an issue.

 

[IDyeti]

I just don't understand what in the process of making these things is so hard. Almost everything is made by a damn machine now.

Back in the day at the Volant ski factory we had Rum Thursday's on the night shift(4x10's). The amount of delaminated skis was much higher for the finishing group Monday morning. All machines as well but humans still have to push shit in the machines the right way. So clearly there's some good drinking going on a Webasto.

 

[North7]

Would really like to know if these are vacuum molded fiberglass (or other similar fiber) panels and the molds are the issue. My initial understanding of Molded In Color meant either an injection or roto molded plastic part. Delamination by my definition, doesn't happen with melted plastics in a mold but does with fiberglass.

If we can get ahold of one my body techs and painters swear they can make paint stick.

The layup is similar to this, three layers, outer, honeycomb, inner.

 

[FishKzor]

From the various photos and videos, it appears the exterior top is the vacuum-molded, tinted plastic, while the underside is some sort of fiberglass (Or fiberglass-type. At the very least, fibers are visible within the resin) material. My assumption (from the photos) is the de-lamination is happening on the seams where these two pieces are supposed to join together.

I could be wrong, and anyone "in the know" feel free to correct me.

 

[North7]

I agree, the one unit we've gotten so far 100% looks like some sort of vacuum molded fiber-ish something. Can't imagine they would do a multi step process just to leave the inside looking like crap. If they can make a 'glass boat hull slick as snot, this shouldn't be an issue.

A boats smooth exterior is called Gel Coat, it is the first steps in the multi layer build up.

 

[Jr Birdman]

 

[indio22]

I just don't understand what in the process of making these things is so hard. Almost everything is made by a damn machine now.

I blame COVID. Because ... COVID. (It's like the go-to excuse for any Ford foul up.)

 

[flip]

I looked into trying to have a mold made by Accurate Pattern for Sterling truck grilles since they were going obsolete. They make the mold (fiberglass) then send it out to one of their partners to do the production. Was going to be at least $40K before making the first part and the per part cost was going to be more than what I thought we could retail them for.

ETA: Pretty sure it was Arrowhead Plastic Engineering who Accurate suggested.

 

[MustangRanch]

I blame COVID. Because ... COVID. (It's like the go-to excuse for any Ford foul up.)

Its an excuse for everything anymore.

 

[GotGOAT]

I’m already a MY22, maybe waiting for the MOD roof isn’t such a bad idea.

 

[79BKO]

I heard a rumor all the Webasto employees are Jeep owners. So there's the problem.

 

[indio22]

The interior surface of the MIC top puzzles me. Here is why.

Way back in time, Ford showed some interior shots of the MIC top. The shots depicted what looked like a somewhat finished interior surface of darkish gray honeycomb/carbon fiber type appearance.

There was push back from some viewers at the time, saying the interior surface treatment didn't look so good. Personally, I kind of liked the look, but I'm more into the utility nature of the vehicle. At the time, I could foresee how some customers would want the interior surface to appear more finished (and so should have Ford).

Fast forward and the MIC interior surface ended up rougher looking, with the honeycomb appearance not consistent, along with scratches, pits, etc. (See photo further below from a customer delivered hardtop.)

Apparently the interior MIC surface ended up deemed by Ford as not up to customer expectations, so much so that Ford decided to cover for free the top of the interior with fabric (losing out on profit from accessory sales of that material).

Bottom line - I don't think COVID/material/worker constraints can simply be blamed for the MIC interior surface. It seems more of a fail on the part of Ford to envision what would be an acceptable interior surface for the bulk of customers.

Crystal ball - I think MOD top will eventually supersede MIC, and there will be no more MIC, or at least no more MIC as we know it.

 

[Dro]

10 for 10 on all 6/28 week builds LOL

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