Top finish
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Elder User
Joined: Jul 2005
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Top finish
There is something that has been bugging me. It seems that every Bronco I see has a dull finish on the top. Is it supposed to be dull or is it from lack of polishing? It looks like it would be just about impossible to get the wax off of it. I just wanted to kow as I am going to buff my Bronco whenever I can free up a Saturday (like that's gonna happen
). I just don't want to start polishing on something that shouldn't be polished on. Thanks.
). I just don't want to start polishing on something that shouldn't be polished on. Thanks.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 145
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From: virginia
well,, its fiberglass with an rough serfice, if you want it to not be dull, you need to sand it down and repaint it whatever color you want, then with the new glossy paint, you can wax it.
there are a few different broncs with this done to them on this site. they look really good if you want to put in the effort. im sure some of the will end up posting.
there are a few different broncs with this done to them on this site. they look really good if you want to put in the effort. im sure some of the will end up posting.
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 787
From: Simi Valley, CA
It's an ergonomic thing...because of the vehicles height...most roof tops never see polish and wax.
I'm in the process of using Megiures NXT polymer finish on my CC...the truck is 64" tall...I'm taller...but still need a step ladder to reach up there.
I'm in the process of using Megiures NXT polymer finish on my CC...the truck is 64" tall...I'm taller...but still need a step ladder to reach up there.
Carpenter Local 745
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 5,794
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From: on da beach
What is wax used for? Who would spend time polishing anything? hehehe
I am sure the dull finish also has to do with construction and manufacturing.
Fiberglass needs alot of attention, this equals cost to a vehicle that spends only a few hours on the assembly line. A glossy surface would take too long to get to spec, the textured surface allows room for imperfections. I never really noticed what condition my top is in, let alone the condition of the rest of my Bronco.
Then again I like matte finishes, and I am not much into chrome. (one has to polish Chrome too.)
You could repaint your top, but a good scrubbing would probably be the best thing to do.
I am sure the dull finish also has to do with construction and manufacturing.
Fiberglass needs alot of attention, this equals cost to a vehicle that spends only a few hours on the assembly line. A glossy surface would take too long to get to spec, the textured surface allows room for imperfections. I never really noticed what condition my top is in, let alone the condition of the rest of my Bronco.
Then again I like matte finishes, and I am not much into chrome. (one has to polish Chrome too.)
You could repaint your top, but a good scrubbing would probably be the best thing to do.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 219
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From: Mableton GA.
I have a '91 and it still looks like new. I wash it with car wash and rinse and about every 6 months I apply 303 protectant very sparingley with a piece of foam.and wipe off any excess ,else it will run. Very happy with the product.
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 36
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From: South Jersey
My Hubby said that there was a time when all of the manufacturers used the same type of paint, which made it more prone to being dull and chipping. Which I have seen on more vehicles then not.
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Joined: Nov 2003
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From: green bay, WI
I think alot of it is the fact it is fiberglass. You notice faded fiberglass parts that aren't that old a lot. I work in a bodyshop that works on semis, and many of them have a fairly dull finish that aren't all that old. I think if you repainted and layed an epoxy primer down first to seal the glass, gelcoat, would go a long way in longevity of the finish. From what I've read from others in another forum, gelcoat and fiberglass dry out and deterioate. An epoxy since it is a sealer will prevent air, moisture. Epoxy is the only primer that is not pourous, paint and other primers such as urethane, are pourous to some degree, and if the factory was using lacquer primers still back then or painting over the gelcoat, it would be the worst primer of the bunch for any type of protection. Very likely in the late 70's-80's. Unless it is not paint at all and is actually colored gelcoat. Those always seem to fade. Just look at many boats that have a gelcoat for a finish and aren't painted. Not sure what the bronco's used.
Last edited by kenseth17; Nov 9, 2006 at 06:35 PM.
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Mount Tremper, New York
when the top on my black 91 started lookin shabby, i sanded it down a little with like 280 grit discs on my orbital sander, washed it when i was done, and put 3 coats of rust-o-leum for wood/fiberglass/plastic, it was black, semi-matte, and now it looks GREAT, heck, the top looks newer than the body
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Elder User
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Gee, thanks David85719. I had just decided to just leave the top dull as I didn't want to start any body work on mine since it has a little "character" from a less than careful previous owner. Then you show me that good looking top of yours and I'm getting the urge to grab the ol' paint gun. Luckily (?) I've got my '66 F100 taking up the garage and it's about ready for paint and reassembly. I guess now I have another project to look forward to.... It's a good thing I enjoy this stuff.
Good looking rig by the way.
