May 04, 2022
So...
You all know the plastic panel above your armrest and window on the passenger side?
That plastic panel just above the window, where some folks bought and installed the fabric straps (where the Bronco "Oh Shizzer" Bar really should be)?
So, anyway, a few days ago, I noticed that there were plastic shavings, almost like a pleather jacket shedding coin-size pieces of pleather on my passenger seat.
I have to admit, it concerned me, but looking immediately around, at the time, and not seeing any direct dash, seat, or panel damage, I chalked it up to carrying and moving cleaning supplies and crap in and out of the truck too often.
Come to find out, today, as I was waiting for my son to come out of the library... that noted panel is only "plastic or vinyl" covered (like a skin-like covering) and it popped or was rubbed off. There is now a big jagged missing piece on the panel.
It looks pretty damn bad... bad enough for me to notice. My assumption is that it is from the movement of the passenger-side twist-lock n the roof panel up the top of the passenger side. I think as you remove the panel/s and the lock arm/mech bumps around, the plastic fabric covering the panel is too weak to permit any type of rubbing as you manipulate the lock and remove the actual panel.
Does anyone have this issue? I am thinking of making a plate of alum or carbon fiber or even plastic to take the abuse, but Ford should have known this might happen.
I will upload a pic to show what I am talking about, but please, all take a good look right around the area where the handle unlocks (toward the window) to see if your plastic has rubbed, fallen apart, or been knocked off. I can bet that panel is not too bad, price-wise (ma be surprised), but trying to get one right now will no doubt be close to impossible.
Thoughts?
Pork
You all know the plastic panel above your armrest and window on the passenger side?
That plastic panel just above the window, where some folks bought and installed the fabric straps (where the Bronco "Oh Shizzer" Bar really should be)?
So, anyway, a few days ago, I noticed that there were plastic shavings, almost like a pleather jacket shedding coin-size pieces of pleather on my passenger seat.
I have to admit, it concerned me, but looking immediately around, at the time, and not seeing any direct dash, seat, or panel damage, I chalked it up to carrying and moving cleaning supplies and crap in and out of the truck too often.
Come to find out, today, as I was waiting for my son to come out of the library... that noted panel is only "plastic or vinyl" covered (like a skin-like covering) and it popped or was rubbed off. There is now a big jagged missing piece on the panel.
It looks pretty damn bad... bad enough for me to notice. My assumption is that it is from the movement of the passenger-side twist-lock n the roof panel up the top of the passenger side. I think as you remove the panel/s and the lock arm/mech bumps around, the plastic fabric covering the panel is too weak to permit any type of rubbing as you manipulate the lock and remove the actual panel.
Does anyone have this issue? I am thinking of making a plate of alum or carbon fiber or even plastic to take the abuse, but Ford should have known this might happen.
I will upload a pic to show what I am talking about, but please, all take a good look right around the area where the handle unlocks (toward the window) to see if your plastic has rubbed, fallen apart, or been knocked off. I can bet that panel is not too bad, price-wise (ma be surprised), but trying to get one right now will no doubt be close to impossible.
Thoughts?
Pork
the poacher
Last edited by a moderator:
May 04, 2022