2021 Convertible top early tears

[Turbo2022]

Hi all,
I bought my 2021 convertible new in Dec 2021 and drive it only in summer (I live in Canada, Ottawa area) - so this is my third summer driving it (12K miles on the odometer) . I noticed a month ago tears at the edge of the fabric top. In fact, the friction of the fabric top on the metal frame damages the cloth on both side, and badly on driver side. On top of that, I also noticed tears in the spot where the cloth fold. Fortunately, I am still covered by the warranty and Ford will replace the top (It was just ordered and will take up to 10 business days to arrive at dealer) . I attached a few pics of the top.
I am wondering if some of you encountered this problems.

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[Johnnybee]

I noticed a small spot, about an inch long and only on the beading about halfway along the driver side window, a few weeks ago. This at six years and 58K kilometres, with many, many cycles on the top. Not very happy and hopefully it won’t turn into something huge. Tops are not cheap for these cars, and you’re fortunate(?) that it showed up early enough that Ford is replacing it. That’s small compensation if the replacement does the same thing in a few years out of warranty.

 

[JCFoster]

I’d say it’s not normal. I had my ‘16 for about six years. It developed a very small hole on the right side around that seam right before I sold it. I trimmed the freys and wasn’t noticeable.

 

[Turbo2022]

I noticed a small spot, about an inch long and only on the beading about halfway along the driver side window, a few weeks ago. This at six years and 58K kilometres, with many, many cycles on the top. Not very happy and hopefully it won’t turn into something huge. Tops are not cheap for these cars, and you’re fortunate(?) that it showed up early enough that Ford is replacing it. That’s small compensation if the replacement does the same thing in a few years out of warranty.

I will ask Ford to give me back the old top as a spare in case the new one get worse while out of warranty.

 

[Turbo2022]

I’d say it’s not normal. I had my ‘16 for about six years. It developed a very small hole on the right side around that seam right before I sold it. I trimmed the freys and wasn’t noticeable.

I guess I got a lemon

 

[Snakebyte]

Based on 12/21 purchase and your mileage, I'd get the car in to the dealership before too long. That's not normal. Best wishes on not only getting it replaced, but getting everything back adjusted correctly to avoid future issues. You might want to check your area to see which dealer has a better reputation for fixes on something that complex.

 

[S550HPP]

I would take it to upholstery shop to hand stitch with top on. Replacements are rarely done right.

Spray or smear silicon of fabric touching the mechanism to reduce friction. Will not be visually noticable.

 

[Turbo2022]

Based on 12/21 purchase and your mileage, I'd get the car in to the dealership before too long. That's not normal. Best wishes on not only getting it replaced, but getting everything back adjusted correctly to avoid future issues. You might want to check your area to see which dealer has a better reputation for fixes on something that complex.

The dealer already told me they do not have a technician with necessary skills to replace it‍. It will have to be done at a specialized shop.

 

[Turbo2022]

I would take it to upholstery shop to hand stitch with top on. Replacements are rarely done right.

Spray or smear silicon of fabric touching the mechanism to reduce friction. Will not be visually noticable.

Tkx for your advice. I tried the silicone and it did not work because the pressure during the friction is too much. Yes, Ford will send to upholstery shop for replacement as they do not have a technician capable of doing it.

 

[S550HPP]

What's with the extreme pressure on that spot? Alignment ? Preventative measures? Maybe grind the sharp edge round?

I actually wanted an SL hardtop, but was too ostentatious, so I decided I would patch my roof with fun patches if has an issue to destress the soft top ownership experience.

 

[Turbo2022]

What's with the extreme pressure on that spot? Alignment ? Preventative measures? Maybe grind the sharp edge round?

It is definitley the sharp edge, I will see how the new top interact with the frame.

 

[S550HPP]

It is definitley the sharp edge, I will see how the new top interact with the frame.

I will check mine out today. Needless grief!

 

[TonyT930]

I would take it to upholstery shop to hand stitch with top on. Replacements are rarely done right.

Spray or smear silicon of fabric touching the mechanism to reduce friction. Will not be visually noticable.

This is what I did when I first saw mine start to fray on the passenger side. I wiped a thin coat of clear silicone on it that used specifically for fabric. It stopped the problem.

 

[Turbo2022]

This is what I did when I first saw mine start to fray on the passenger side. I wiped a thin coat of clear silicone on it that used specifically for fabric. It stopped the problem.

Which silicone did you use?

 

[Snakebyte]

The dealer already told me they do not have a technician with necessary skills to replace it‍. It will have to be done at a specialized shop.

So Ford because the dealership is not equipped, I'm guessing Ford will pay the specialized repair shop to fix it? If so that's an even better option for you.

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