Putco Element Sky View (clear top lid panel) decided to do it!!

[BKennedy]

Well a newbie to Bronco land enjoying my new Bronco OB Non-Sasquatch with 2.7 very much. As I mentioned in my first post I plan to flat tow this so really did not need Sasquatch, my daily driver. But after 20 years of driving a Ford Superduty both with Sunroofs I had to do something. Especially as winter is starting to set in and any extra lighting inside is welcomed. I did add the Maybach Grab handle lighting and rear dome light, made a huge difference but still wanted that sunlight coming in. So I recently ordered the Sky View. Just received it yesterday was packaged well. Instructions could be updated that came with it to show the roll of velcro not removing the second side of the velcro from the rubber overhead unit that mounts over the door. But this was no issue as it is pretty clear that one side is pre-mounted and the other is in two strips that attach to Bronco. Overall fit was good in the front but slightly concerned about the back. when I twisted the latches starting from inside working out the middle seems ok but the outer latches seem like they do not tighten down enough. I can see the corner at the back of the roof on each side slightly off the rubber grommet. Have not been out in the rain yet so will see how this goes.

I see why Putco recessed the hardware but I was concerned about water pooling in these and being hard to maintain over the years especially for me who will likely leave this top on most of the time. I decided that I would custom cut some PPF pieces and install day one, before the top was exposed to outside. This seemed to work great. Not only will this seal the cavity from water standing etc. but should help with the aerodynamics and wind noise with the smooth surface now created by the PPF. PPF is very durable and if you are careful virtually non visible from the inside. I will see how these work and update this but might be something for Putco to think about.

I want to thank everyone here so far this forum has been a wealth of knowledge and really helped me out a lot as I am now part of the Bronco Family and Loving every minute of it.

Thank you
BK

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[orion]

Well a newbie to Bronco land enjoying my new Bronco OB Non-Sasquatch with 2.7 very much. As I mentioned in my first post I plan to flat tow this so really did not need Sasquatch, my daily driver. But after 20 years of driving a Ford Superduty both with Sunroofs I had to do something. Especially as winter is starting to set in and any extra lighting inside is welcomed. I did add the Maybach Grab handle lighting and rear dome light, made a huge difference but still wanted that sunlight coming in. So I recently ordered the Sky View. Just received it yesterday was packaged well. Instructions could be updated that came with it to show the roll of velcro not removing the second side of the velcro from the rubber overhead unit that mounts over the door. But this was no issue as it is pretty clear that one side is pre-mounted and the other is in two strips that attach to Bronco. Overall fit was good in the front but slightly concerned about the back. when I twisted the latches starting from inside working out the middle seems ok but the outer latches seem like they do not tighten down enough. I can see the corner at the back of the roof on each side slightly off the rubber grommet. Have not been out in the rain yet so will see how this goes.

I see why Putco recessed the hardware but I was concerned about water pooling in these and being hard to maintain over the years especially for me who will likely leave this top on most of the time. I decided that I would custom cut some PPF pieces and install day one, before the top was exposed to outside. This seemed to work great. Not only will this seal the cavity from water standing etc. but should help with the aerodynamics and wind noise with the smooth surface now created by the PPF. PPF is very durable and if you are careful virtually non visible from the inside. I will see how these work and update this but might be something for Putco to think about.

I want to thank everyone here so far this forum has been a wealth of knowledge and really helped me out a lot as I am now part of the Bronco Family and Loving every minute of it.

Thank you
BK

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Can't see the pictures.

 

[BKennedy]

Can't see the pictures.

had a problem, just re-uploaded them

 

[RoLyMa27]

had a problem, just re-uploaded them

That's pretty cool. Looks like one solid piece?

 

[BKennedy]

That's pretty cool. Looks like one solid piece?

Yes, you remove the two hard top sections and the Putco Sky View is a single unit.

 

[2023bronco]

Good idea on the PPF -- the large divots in the mold are no bueno IMHO.

I suspect the PPF patches will swell and shrink quite a bit with temp. fluctuations. Might be best to install them somewhat concave to allow them to expand in warmer temps, which maybe you did.

 

[AZ_Craig]

So I'm relatively new to the world of Bronco aftermarket stuff. Does anyone have longer term use of one of these with regards to things like water proofness and what not? How is wind noise versus having the factory panels in?

It's honestly kind of a neat option and I could see swapping this in and out with the stock panels at times depending on use, but wonder what sacrifices you're making, especially considering it is a $1600+ part.

 

[helifino16]

"Maybach Grab handle lighting and rear dome light"

I'd bet these were a pretty penny? Hard to believe that Mercedes is getting into the Bronco after market as well.

 

[BKennedy]

"Maybach Grab handle lighting and rear dome light"

I'd bet these were a pretty penny? Hard to believe that Mercedes is getting into the Bronco after market as well.

Ok, sorry typo on my side, Mabett or was it Lumen8, oh well

 

[Brian_B]

I won't lie, if there were an option like this that worked with my Rally Top I'd do it in a heartbeat.

 

[NCLife]

Well a newbie to Bronco land enjoying my new Bronco OB Non-Sasquatch with 2.7 very much. As I mentioned in my first post I plan to flat tow this so really did not need Sasquatch, my daily driver. But after 20 years of driving a Ford Superduty both with Sunroofs I had to do something. Especially as winter is starting to set in and any extra lighting inside is welcomed. I did add the Maybach Grab handle lighting and rear dome light, made a huge difference but still wanted that sunlight coming in. So I recently ordered the Sky View. Just received it yesterday was packaged well. Instructions could be updated that came with it to show the roll of velcro not removing the second side of the velcro from the rubber overhead unit that mounts over the door. But this was no issue as it is pretty clear that one side is pre-mounted and the other is in two strips that attach to Bronco. Overall fit was good in the front but slightly concerned about the back. when I twisted the latches starting from inside working out the middle seems ok but the outer latches seem like they do not tighten down enough. I can see the corner at the back of the roof on each side slightly off the rubber grommet. Have not been out in the rain yet so will see how this goes.

I see why Putco recessed the hardware but I was concerned about water pooling in these and being hard to maintain over the years especially for me who will likely leave this top on most of the time. I decided that I would custom cut some PPF pieces and install day one, before the top was exposed to outside. This seemed to work great. Not only will this seal the cavity from water standing etc. but should help with the aerodynamics and wind noise with the smooth surface now created by the PPF. PPF is very durable and if you are careful virtually non visible from the inside. I will see how these work and update this but might be something for Putco to think about.

I want to thank everyone here so far this forum has been a wealth of knowledge and really helped me out a lot as I am now part of the Bronco Family and Loving every minute of it.

Thank you
BK

I have to admit, the price stunned me. I’m not sure what I was expecting this to cost, but it wasn’t $1600. I’ll be curious to watch your longer term reviews. Love the look. I have a 2 door, so not an option now.

 

[Chrome_Pony]

Was hoping that this thread meant these mealymouths decided to produce a 2DR version, which they've been promising since 2023.

 

[BroncoBoy22]

I love the idea of this. I wish there was a mid panel too, and I wish it was cheaper haha

 

[Bikeric]

I love the idea of this. I wish there was a mid panel too, and I wish it was cheaper haha

There's the little issue called the Bronco Tax. The Jeep version is $500 cheaper.

 

[BroncoBoy22]

There's the little issue called the Bronco Tax. The Jeep version is $500 cheaper.

Sheeeeeeessshhh

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