Roof panel Hinges

[Winds of Change]

I came across these hinges. They really peaked my interest. I know it's held on by 3M. The one review I did find was positive. If you want to drill holes there is a bolt on option. Not sure I would want to do that. Looking for opinions comments and concerns I may not think of.
https://www.ez4x4.com/products/ez4x4-ford-bronco-6th-generation-2-or-4-door-ezflip-top

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[SpringTXOR]

I thought about these and emailed them about it. I started thinking about how delicate the MIC top was though...

 

[Winds of Change]

I thought about these and emailed them about it. I started thinking about how delicate the MIC top was though...

I unfortunately do not have a second vehicle to strip it down and run naked all summer. So the next thought is would it be any worse than taking the on and off all the time? It seems most of my wheeling is in wooded areas. I am concerned a soft top would not hold up to branches scraping across it.

 

[SpringTXOR]

I was concerned about the opening and closing on these hinges causing the outer plastic layer becoming separated from the inner cardboard layer.

 

[Winds of Change]

I was concerned about the opening and closing on these hinges causing the outer plastic layer becoming separated from the inner cardboard layer.

Are you referring to the edges of 2 pieces coming together as it drops into place?

 

[SpringTXOR]

Wind buffeting and stuff like that while driving causing vibrations that separate the outer layer of plastic from the inner wafer board. It is a very thin layer, and a lot a times they skipped on the epoxy holding it all together.

 

[trek800z]

Wondering how many comments are actually written by hard top owners, but here's the thing why have something banging around making more noise doing more damage to a questionable roof when it's so easy to take the front pieces off I can do it in the bag in three minutes or less so what's the point What am I missing or is it just like lazy factor while flipped the roof to the back so I can get damaged more maybe when the winter rolls around the sea don't lineup and then you have like a water leak I don't get it

 

[SpringTXOR]

I like the concept of it, maybe if I ever trade up to the better constructed painted roof, it would be something I get. It would make it easier to remove and store with my top lift, and the fact that you can have the rear panel off but take it with you is a nice idea. I just don't trust the construction of the hardtop.

 

[Rydfree]

I came across these hinges. They really peaked my interest. I know it's held on by 3M. The one review I did find was positive. If you want to drill holes there is a bolt on option. Not sure I would want to do that. Looking for opinions comments and concerns I may not think of.
https://www.ez4x4.com/products/ez4x4-ford-bronco-6th-generation-2-or-4-door-ezflip-top

I like the idea of the panels being readily available in case a pop up shower surprises you, but do not think I'll be pre-ordering anything after the ADV fiasco. I'll let them come to market and see how well they perform. Also have concerns about whether or not Ford will cover the MIC while it is still under warranty if you have attached a bracket directly to it. Will be keeping an eye on them anyway cause it would be cool to have the tops right at your fingertips in case of rain.

 

[Wathoff24]

I came across these hinges. They really peaked my interest. I know it's held on by 3M. The one review I did find was positive. If you want to drill holes there is a bolt on option. Not sure I would want to do that. Looking for opinions comments and concerns I may not think of.
https://www.ez4x4.com/products/ez4x4-ford-bronco-6th-generation-2-or-4-door-ezflip-top

I agree with another post that mentions the brittle nature of the top and can the hinge locations handle the stress in those specific points. Plus when folded back, what would the wind noise be like?

 

[Winds of Change]

Based on the Jeep review they are about a year old or so. The entire panel has a large adhesive panel on it so the weight is better distributed. Are the Jeep Freedom panels a solid fiberglass panel? I never thought I would like the open air concept. Now if I could just find the right solution for me. I do appreciate the different than comments to help me think through it

 

[Big K]

I don’t know about stickers though, is there some other attachment hardware?

 

[Winds of Change]

I don’t know about stickers though, is there some other attachment hardware?

The main item is a 3m deal like we see on most items these days. It's a large square piece. However if one is willing you can also drill holes for a nut and bolt. For the longest time I was with you on the sticker theory. But now I think it might sound worse than it is. The 3M tape is good stuff for sure. My bug deflector is still there lol. And yes I know do I want to trust my panels to 3M? Maybe.

 

[Mr Bacon Jr]

I particularly think the idea of folding both front and rear panels back on the clamshell is flirtin' with disaster (I can hear Molly Hatchet in my head...). Both from using 3M tape and from delamination of the skin of the top standpoint.

 

[SpringTXOR]

I think the 3M bond would be stronger than the MIC bond personally, which is not a very good thing.

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