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MIC Hardtop, Replace and paint?

Bronc-ES

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Hi all, read a buch on the forum… and thank you all that contributed their pain/humor to this serious issue, but I have doubts on the subject, apologies for ruffling any wounded feathers.

It looks like I have the dreadful cracks on my hardtop, it has to be said, my truck sits under a nice roof to protect it from the weather, but i’ve not reach 2000Km on it yet *got it new on July, end of 2023 build* and I can see clear cracks on the sides, one code seems to be more problematic *area aft of the side window*. Today I looked at the top, and I can see what looks like bubbling up. I have an appointment with the dealer next week and I have the following question:

1. How is the replacement holding up once changed? ( Provided this is part of the warranty )
2. Those that have painted theirs, what procedures did you use? ( If I go to a shop, I would need to be very precise on the ask.)
3. Those that have painted their tops, any long term feedback on how they have held up? In other, does the paint improve the permeability of the tops?

I’m concerned that painting the top would not only invalidate warranty, but also expose it to more possible cracking?

The type of cracking looks like it’s a manufacturing process contamination, similar to any change in moisture/temperature in any composite build I have seen ( lot’s of airplane and boat composite build experience), where moisture is either trapped, or getting into the MIC cells, temp change or moisture change *expansion/contraction* type defects.

We have a harsh weather where I live, dry summers with >40C days, and wet winters with < -10C… Thus, very concerned with this problem.

Appreciate the feedback. TIA!!!
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2023bronco

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Mjasi3

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Rick U

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Doubtful that any paint will hold the cracking tops together. Bedliner might hide the cracks by bridging but Ford is calling these cracks “structural “. Im going in for number 5 then my warranty will be up.
 

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Johnkn

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Im going in for number 5 then my warranty will be up.
WOW.... where do the cracks develop? Only the rear section? Do you remove your top frequently?


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Bugkillah

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WOW.... where do the cracks develop? Only the rear section? Do you remove your top frequently?
Don’t know about him, but my top was cracked when I picked it up new.
 

2023bronco

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Im going in for number 5 then my warranty will be up.
And as the number of post-warranty defective tops pile up, we'll see what Ford is going to offer as a long-term solution.
 

Johnkn

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Where do the cracks develop?



.
 

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Altitude

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Where do the cracks develop?



.
Check the forum here. Lots of examples, but they seem to be mostly on the back shell, on the sides and around / near the windows.
 

mpeugeot

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I just hope the Armadillo tops are around when mine finally kicks the bucket. Strangely enough, except for the one failed area where the locating stud was, my top is actually holding up well. I also have a bestop in the garage collecting dust for the occasion when my hardtop's cardboard inevitably fails.
 

Dantastic

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I just hope the Armadillo tops are around when mine finally kicks the bucket. Strangely enough, except for the one failed area where the locating stud was, my top is actually holding up well. I also have a bestop in the garage collecting dust for the occasion when my hardtop's cardboard inevitably fails.
Always the option of selling yours now and using the money from the sale for purchasing the Armadillo one. Had a buddy do that .. sold his OEM hardtop for $5,000.00 and used that money towards the Armadillo. Especially a good option if you have a soft-top available to use while between the sale of the hardtop and receiving the Armadillo one.
 

DUSTYcazOREGON

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If (when) mine fails...I hope Anderson will make ne for the 2 door.
Painting....my guess the cracks will just make the paint crack.
Guessing here, but the best hold-together solution would be to go with a bed liner product. I am guessing that it will add outer structural integrity and cracking will not come through it. OPINIONS?
 

BroncoB

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