Sponsored

Top Down/Open & Windows Up

DallasCajun

Raptor
Well-Known Member
First Name
Will
Joined
Jan 4, 2022
Threads
13
Messages
256
Reaction score
423
Location
Dallas, TX
Vehicle(s)
2023 Ford Bronco Raptor
Your Bronco Model
Raptor
Question for the group: how stable are the windows when you have the top down/off and windows up? I’ve searched but haven’t found any threads specific to this topic (yet).

I’m still some time away from my Bronco being built and currently driving a Wrangler. I’m not necessarily a fan of the full door frame design when I have the top off. Although, it does give good structure/stability for the windows when I want to keep them up while the top is off. The frameless window design of the Bronco is much preferred but I’m wondering if anyone has experienced issues in this configuration. My assumption is it‘s no big deal as every convertible car out there has the same basic function, but want to see if there’s anything I’m missing.

Of the many features that I prefer with the Bronco is the standard 1/2 doors. While I do enjoy pulling the doors off for a full nekkid ride, it can become a bit of a bear for extended periods. I usually take the top off for weeks/months at a time, but the doors might come off for a day or two here and there. Having a mesh top helps with wind and sun (esp in Dallas) as well. Depending on situation, my wife sometimes prefers to have windows up when the top is off as she actually has enough hair to mess up so I suspect I’ll be driving the Bronco top removed a LOT…and if I’m alone, windows down.

Thanks in advance.
Sponsored

 

Bonnie6G

Badlands
Well-Known Member
First Name
Kyle
Joined
Mar 3, 2021
Threads
24
Messages
641
Reaction score
1,101
Location
Denver
Vehicle(s)
Badlands LuxSquatch
Your Bronco Model
Badlands
Clubs
 
The windows seal against the roll cage, so pretty secure when fully up. I have heard of some folks having some window wobble when half down, but I have not experienced that.
 

ILoveTacos

Outer Banks
Well-Known Member
First Name
Dave
Joined
Aug 16, 2020
Threads
11
Messages
333
Reaction score
520
Location
Eastern Shore Of Maryland
Vehicle(s)
Subaru Outback, Honda Pilot
Your Bronco Model
Outer Banks
Clubs
 
I've had no issues with the windows up and the top off. If you have the windows partially down that's another story, as they do "wobble" a little over rough surfaces.
 

Scott R Nelson

Base
Well-Known Member
Joined
Sep 30, 2020
Threads
32
Messages
981
Reaction score
1,633
Location
Meridian, ID
Vehicle(s)
Mustang, Escape, 2-door Base Sasquatch
Your Bronco Model
Base
Clubs
 
The only issue that I've had - other than the driver side window motor being dead when delivered - has been in strong cross winds. At freeway speeds, if you have a 25+ mph wind from the side, the down-wind window can pop out of the edges that hold it in place. I had to stop three times the last time that happened to get the window seated properly, then it was good from there on. But rolling it down would have resulted once again in a window that doesn't seal.

The rubber areas that the window seals against don't come off with the roof panels or with the top, so there should be no other issues.
 

Sponsored

kodiakisland

Black Diamond
Well-Known Member
Joined
Jul 10, 2020
Threads
29
Messages
5,750
Reaction score
16,306
Location
Arkansas
Vehicle(s)
12 Tacoma, 18 Indian, 23 GV70
Your Bronco Model
Black Diamond
Clubs
 
The only issue that I've had - other than the driver side window motor being dead when delivered - has been in strong cross winds. At freeway speeds, if you have a 25+ mph wind from the side, the down-wind window can pop out of the edges that hold it in place. I had to stop three times the last time that happened to get the window seated properly, then it was good from there on. But rolling it down would have resulted once again in a window that doesn't seal.

The rubber areas that the window seals against don't come off with the roof panels or with the top, so there should be no other issues.
I experienced about 6 hours of that window being sucked out on the downwind side. It sucks. Loud as crap right by your ear. If you drive along side an 18 wheeler to block the crosswind, you can reset it, but it doesn’t last long.
I’m actually planning to put a suction cup on my window so I can pull it back in next time I drive through South Dakota.
 

Oneand0

Badlands
Well-Known Member
First Name
Mario
Joined
Jan 23, 2021
Threads
7
Messages
376
Reaction score
898
Location
South Lake Tahoe, Ca
Vehicle(s)
Ford Explorer
Your Bronco Model
Badlands
No issues either!
 

Moto26

Black Diamond
Well-Known Member
First Name
Scott
Joined
Dec 10, 2021
Threads
5
Messages
2,074
Reaction score
5,726
Location
Tucson AZ
Vehicle(s)
2017 F150 4x4 SuperCab STX -- 2016 Yamaha XSR900
Your Bronco Model
Black Diamond
Yep. In fact, with a mesh top like Gear Shade ot J-Top, running with the top down and windows up is actually fairly serene and peaceful driving around town. Freeway speeds aren’t bad - unless, as it’s been pointed out, you have serious cross-winds…
 

Ford Motor Company

First Edition
Well-Known Member
Official Ford Account
First Name
Ford
Joined
May 25, 2021
Threads
9
Messages
4,618
Reaction score
6,650
Location
Dearborn
Vehicle(s)
Bronco, Bronco Sport
Your Bronco Model
First Edition
The only issue that I've had - other than the driver side window motor being dead when delivered - has been in strong cross winds. At freeway speeds, if you have a 25+ mph wind from the side, the down-wind window can pop out of the edges that hold it in place. I had to stop three times the last time that happened to get the window seated properly, then it was good from there on. But rolling it down would have resulted once again in a window that doesn't seal.

The rubber areas that the window seals against don't come off with the roof panels or with the top, so there should be no other issues.
Hi there! Will you send us a message with your VIN and your local Ford dealer? I can look into things on my end.
 

Sponsored

bronco0311

Outer Banks
Member
First Name
Brian
Joined
Apr 19, 2021
Threads
1
Messages
23
Reaction score
31
Location
South Carolina
Vehicle(s)
F150
Your Bronco Model
Outer Banks
No issues at all. I have the top down 75% of the time and I routinely drive over a big bridge to work and it gets really windy. I roll up my windows when I go over the bridge and chill, then roll them down after I come down. Easy as pie. I wouldn't worry about it at all.
 

LSU Jonno

Badlands
Well-Known Member
Joined
Jul 18, 2020
Threads
7
Messages
625
Reaction score
1,887
Location
Huntsville, AL
Vehicle(s)
2022 Bronco
Your Bronco Model
Badlands
Clubs
 
We drive in that config all the time, due to wife hair, just like you. No issues at all, and as someone else mentioned the windows get some support from the roll bar.

Also, Geaux Tigers.
 

Scott R Nelson

Base
Well-Known Member
Joined
Sep 30, 2020
Threads
32
Messages
981
Reaction score
1,633
Location
Meridian, ID
Vehicle(s)
Mustang, Escape, 2-door Base Sasquatch
Your Bronco Model
Base
Clubs
 
Hi there! Will you send us a message with your VIN and your local Ford dealer? I can look into things on my end.
I don't consider it to be a problem. And now that I'm aware that freeway speeds in strong cross winds can cause the window to not close properly, I'll just make sure that I don't open the window in those conditions.

Dealer: Kendal Ford in Meridian. They've been excellent for everything.
 

j_4260

Badlands
Well-Known Member
First Name
Jonathan
Joined
Sep 23, 2020
Threads
8
Messages
175
Reaction score
377
Location
CA
Vehicle(s)
Audi A3, Ducati M620, BMW GSA 1200
Your Bronco Model
Badlands
Clubs
 
I don't have issues with the windows when the top is up or down. I do have some rattle when the window is down part-way, but I recall there is a TSB out to adjust for that and it's not related to the soft-top position.
 

dukegsd13

Badlands
Well-Known Member
First Name
Randall
Joined
Feb 3, 2022
Threads
1
Messages
85
Reaction score
212
Location
Hartland, MI
Vehicle(s)
2019-MustangPP2 2005-Superduty 2022-Aviator
Your Bronco Model
Badlands
Question for the group: how stable are the windows when you have the top down/off and windows up? I’ve searched but haven’t found any threads specific to this topic (yet).

I’m still some time away from my Bronco being built and currently driving a Wrangler. I’m not necessarily a fan of the full door frame design when I have the top off. Although, it does give good structure/stability for the windows when I want to keep them up while the top is off. The frameless window design of the Bronco is much preferred but I’m wondering if anyone has experienced issues in this configuration. My assumption is it‘s no big deal as every convertible car out there has the same basic function, but want to see if there’s anything I’m missing.

Of the many features that I prefer with the Bronco is the standard 1/2 doors. While I do enjoy pulling the doors off for a full nekkid ride, it can become a bit of a bear for extended periods. I usually take the top off for weeks/months at a time, but the doors might come off for a day or two here and there. Having a mesh top helps with wind and sun (esp in Dallas) as well. Depending on situation, my wife sometimes prefers to have windows up when the top is off as she actually has enough hair to mess up so I suspect I’ll be driving the Bronco top removed a LOT…and if I’m alone, windows down.

Thanks in advance.
I have driven the Bronco with all the combos:

All tops off: Windows up. I can hear my passenger next to me. The wind is really, really calm at 70. I was shocked how comfortable everything was. Even at 90 I was surprised how quiet. Hats no issues. Windows down well a little windy LOL. The rear passengers don't like this as much they do sit up higher. All girls need hats I have 4 of them in my Bronco. I did have one wind gust that almost took my hat. No window issues with them all the way up.

Fronts off only: No issues obviously

Fronts and middle top off: This is interesting. I thought this would be my least desired option but I seem to run this the most. It is not bad at all on the highway at 70. I thought that I would get a waffling affect with the back on but no. It's not as smooth as all tops off and windows up but it a close second. The center of the rear top does wobble a tad in the middle. I'm not sure is this combination is good for the rear roof or not. I was a little nervous at first but I don't see any issues.

If my windows are partially down at all any combo they rattle. Need to take to dealer it sounds like they are going to break by rattling so hard. Not sure if the rears rattle.
Sponsored

 
 


Top