[Updated 7/20] Early Delivered Bronco MIC Top Developing Honeycomb / Snakeskin Pattern

[BroncoBoy22]

Unfortunately, I think Ford was overly ambitious with the design. I would much rather have a heavy top that is durable. The thin exterior layer that scratches and dents so easily is not a winner. Wasn't it supposed to be more scratch-resistant than the glossy painted top?

How so many of these tops are getting badly scraped/scuffed/dented in shipping is a mystery. Are they really that fragile or is there a gang of jealous jeep fans beating them with a stick in the rail yard?

When he used to post here the Webasto employee said the MIC tops get marked up easier than the mod

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[Bmars1127]

So bummed for you, just horrible. Did your dealer say anything when you took delivery? That might be one of the worst I have seen. Makes me nervous for my pending delivery.

This is bad. Mine is on a train now- I’m hoping it was delayed earlier to swap for a good roof, but I’m not holding my breath. Dang.

 

[Mac n Nevada]

Badlands with the small 4 cyl. sans sas and MIC tow etc. Surprised the price really didn't change all that much...

I just can't understand why you would do this and I do not mean to be judgmental. You have probably waited a long time for the Bronco you want , why would you change it so completely to get it a few moths earlier?

 

[DUSTYcazOREGON]

Here are some of the issues with my MIC top at delivery on 7/21

Scratching and scuffing all over, thought it was dirt at delivery but won’t come off

Random dimples

Weirdness near some of the edges (material folded? Not pushed far enough?)

snakeskin, of course

Bubbles in whatever sticker they use to hide the raw MIC inside

Very sorry for you. This is terrible and not acceptable! Where was quality control at the end of the line at the factory. It should never have been shipped to the customer.

 

[WRF3MD]

Here are some of the issues with my MIC top at delivery on 7/21

Scratching and scuffing all over, thought it was dirt at delivery but won’t come off

Random dimples

Weirdness near some of the edges (material folded? Not pushed far enough?)

snakeskin, of course

Bubbles in whatever sticker they use to hide the raw MIC inside

Ouch. Makes me wonder how bad the "Bad Roof" ones stuck at MAP are

 

[SpringTXOR]

Ouch. Makes me wonder how bad the "Bad Roof" ones stuck at MAP are

I've been having nightmares thinking about my poor bronco and what it must look like since it must have been bad enough for them to hold it.

 

[Ripcurl]

I think I could live with the honeycomb appearance.........if it was supposed to look that way

 

[U725Bronco]

I wonder if it's a weight and cost issue? Perhaps Webasto could build a better top with a bit more material, but it would cost more and weigh more. The extra weight and cost may be unacceptable to Ford for profit margins, but also GVWR issues. It seems they were still trying to figure out all the GVWR issues while the top issues were being sorted. The payload is really low which is why the heaviest trim (4 door FE) couldn't get a tow hitch. I can't imagine another 5-10 lbs of material would push it over the edge, but perhaps a combo of everything is contributing. Either that or Webasto simply can't make this top and it will go to a different vendor in the future.

 

[rdass623]

I wonder if it's a weight and cost issue? Perhaps Webasto could build a better top with a bit more material, but it would cost more and weigh more. The extra weight and cost may be unacceptable to Ford for profit margins, but also GVWR issues. It seems they were still trying to figure out all the GVWR issues while the top issues were being sorted. The payload is really low which is why the heaviest trim (4 door FE) couldn't get a tow hitch. I can't imagine another 5-10 lbs of material would push it over the edge, but perhaps a combo of everything is contributing. Either that or Webasto simply can't make this top and it will go to a different vendor in the future.

the difference in weight of a solid fiberglass top could easily exceed a hundred pounds. fiberglass is pretty heavy when you are speaking of a unsupported structure, which you would need to hang windows from (rear) and install side windows requiring the rigidity to keep them from shattering from the flex of the top. the honeycomb structure is very rigid for it's weight. also the removeable panels would be a lot heavier and more unwieldy for removal and reinstallation...

 

[rtaylor]

Dear Jeep,

Please build a durable textured black "Mopar Factory Hard Top for 2021-2022 Ford Bronco 2dr". We are willing to buy it even if it has "Jeeps are better than Broncos" etched in the window glass.

Sincerely,
Bronco owners

 

[da_jokker]

The scariest part of all this is our assumption that Ford is going to make it right. They are no doubt going to make changes in the future, but people seem to think that they're going to get a new top replaced under warranty because of these "cosmetic" issues (I'm not referring to actual delamination).

I hope you guys are right, but I just think these early messed up tops are in for the long haul.

 

[SpringTXOR]

Judging by their silence on the issue, I wouldn't expect them to make it right.

 

[guerro]

Very sorry for you. This is terrible and not acceptable! Where was quality control at the end of the line at the factory. It should never have been shipped to the customer.

It's one thing if you put those scuffs on the top out on the trail, creating memories. But it shouldn't come from the factory with someone else's memories already in place.

WARTS!! They are developing warts now, too? My lord, who have these Broncos been sleeping with?

 

[guerro]

Another thought - - - Maybe they're scrimping the composite resin which covers the honeycomb ?
-- from lack of supply stock ?
-- or just trying to save money ?

If they double or triple the amount of resin used - maybe all the problems will disappear ???

These are the last hopes I'm holding out that we may still get durable quality MIC hardtops in our Builds -

Right - "heavy but durable" is infinitely better than what we're seeing -

Sounds like they may have two competing engineering goals competing with each other. Weight savings and durability.

 

[PREMiERdrum]

New today- the snakeskin texture is now very visible on the middle panel. This has changed since yesterday. It's been in the cool garage since last night so it doesn't appear to be heat or sun related. FWIW, the snakeskin on my clamshell first appeared in the sun after sitting outside.

I've had conversations with Ford in the last few days exchanging pictures and details and they are definitely working on this.

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