| “This site contains affiliate links for which OEMDTC may be compensated” |
NHTSA ID Number: 10244802
Manufacturer Communication Number: TSB 23-2340
Summary
This article supersedes TSB 22-2146 to update the parts list. Some 2021-2022 Bronco vehicles equipped with a soft top roof may experience paint scratches on the sports tube paint due to contact with the soft top roof frame during the open and close operation. This may be due to a lack of protective measures installed on the soft top roof frame. To correct this condition, follow the Service Procedure to install protective plates and hook and loop fasteners to sections of the soft top roof frame.
This bulletin supersedes 22-2146.
Model:
Ford
2021-2022 Bronco |
Summary
This article supersedes TSB 22-2146 to update the parts list.
Issue: Some 2021-2022 Bronco vehicles equipped with a soft top roof may experience paint scratches on the sports tube paint due to contact with the soft top roof frame during the open and close operation. This may be due to a lack of protective measures installed on the soft top roof frame. To correct this condition, follow the Service Procedure to install protective plates and hook and loop fasteners to sections of the soft top roof frame.
Action: Follow the Service Procedure to correct the condition on vehicles that meet all of the following criteria:
- 2021-2022 Bronco
- Equipped with a factory soft top roof
- Paint scratches present on the sports tube due to contact with the soft top roof frame
Parts
| Service Part Number | Quantity | Description |
| Obtain Locally | As Needed | 3M™ Loop Fastener SJ/TB 3571 With Acrylic Adhesive (Minimum Width: 1 Inch) |
| Obtain Locally | As Needed | Isopropyl Alcohol Wipes Or Equivalent |
Parts – Parts To Inspect And Replace Only If Necessary
| Service Part Number | Quantity | Description | Unit of Issue | Piece Quantity |
| M2DZ-7854703-A | If Needed | Large Protective Plate, Right | 1 | |
| M2DZ-7854703-B | If Needed | Small Protective Plate, Right | 1 | |
| M2DZ-7854703-C | If Needed | Large Protective Plate, Left | 1 | |
| M2DZ-7854703-D | If Needed | Small Protective Plate, Left | 1 | |
| W790580-S900 | If Needed | Rivet | 4 | 6 |
Quantity refers to the amount of the service part number package(s) required to repair the vehicle.
Unit of Issue refers to the number of individual pieces included in a service part number package.
Piece Quantity refers to the total number of individual pieces required to repair the vehicle.
As Needed indicates the amount of the part may vary and/or is not a whole number. Parts can be billed out as non-whole numbers, including less than 1.
If Needed indicates the part is not mandatory.
Service Procedure
NOTE: The purpose of this article is to improve the protection level of earlier built factory soft top vehicles.
1. Remove the soft top rear window and rear quarter windows, then open the soft top roof so that it sits 12 in. (30 cm) above the partially open position. Place a rubber block or similar item between the soft top frame and the body to assist in maintaining roof position. Refer to the Digital Owner’s Manual, Removal Vehicle Components > Removable Soft Top > Opening and Closing the Soft Top. (Figure 1)
Figure 1
2. Inspect for the presence of the large protective plates (Figure 2, Callout 1) and smaller protective plates (Figure 2, Callout 2) on each side of the frame as shown.
Figure 2 – Left side shown, right side similar
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Large protective plate |
| 2 | Small protective plate |
3. Are all 4 protective plates installed correctly on both sides of the frame as shown in Figure 2?
(1). Yes – proceed to Step 9.
(2). No – proceed to Step 4.
4. Remove all existing tape and/or hook and loop protective material from the areas highlighted in Figure 3. Perform this step on both the left and right sides of the soft top frame.
Figure 3 – Left side shown, right side similar
5. Install the left large protective plate.
(1). Place the left large protective plate in position as shown in Figure 4. Align the existing hole on the protective plate with the existing hole on the frame. Install one rivet into this location.
Figure 4 – Left side shown
(2). Rotate the large protective plate to its natural position on the frame then hold it in place using a clamp.
(3). Using the last remaining hole in the large protective plate as a guide (refer to Figure 5), use a hammer and punch to create a mark in the frame.
Figure 5
(4). Place a protective cloth underneath the area to catch metal debris.
(5). Drill a hole through the frame (where previously marked) using an 11/64” (4.2 mm) drill bit. Be careful not to damage other components behind the frame arm while drilling.
(6). Using a small file, carefully remove any metal burs from the hole.
(7). Install a rivet into the hole. The left side large protective plate has been successfully installed. (Figure 5)
NOTE: The right side of the frame does not have an existing hole like the left side. Two brand new holes must be drilled to install the right large protective plate.
6. Install the right large protective plate.
(1). Place the right side large protective plate in its natural position referencing the large protective plate on the left side.
(2). Use a clamp to temporarily hold the large protective plate in place.
(3). Use a hammer and punch to create a mark in the frame centered on each location (Figure 6, Callout 1 and 2).
(4). Remove the clamp and large protective plate.
(5). Place a protective cloth underneath the area to catch metal debris.
(6). Drill through the frame in these two locations (Figure 6, Callout 1 and 2) using an 11/64” (4.2 mm) drill bit. Be careful not to damage other components behind the frame arm while drilling.
Figure 6
(7). Using a small file, carefully remove any metal burs from the hole.
(8). Install 1 rivet into each hole (Figure 6, Callout 1 and 2). Installation of the right side large protective plate is complete.
7. Install the small protective plates. (Figure 7)
Figure 7 – Left side shown, right side similar
NOTE: Instructions for installing the small protective plate are identical from left to right.
(1). Print the drilling template by clicking this link. Use scissors to carefully cut out the template. Place the template on the frame as shown in Figure 7.
• If the template does not fit exactly as shown in Figure 7, adjust the scale of the printing properties to Actual Size to resize the image.
(2). Center the front target on the cut template (Figure 7, Callout 1) directly on top of the frame arm hinge. Use tape to temporarily secure the template in place.
(3). Use a hammer and punch to create a dent in the frame centered on the rear target on the template (Figure 7, Callout 2).
(4). Remove the template once a successful dent has been established.
(5). Place a protective cloth underneath the area to catch metal debris.
(6). Drill a hole through the dented spot using a ¼” (6.2 mm) drill bit. Do not drill all the way through the frame for this location. Stop drilling when the drill bit starts to protrude through the opposite side. This hole is at proper depth once the small protective plate is able sit flush on the frame with the locator pin inserted into the drilled hole. (Figure 8)
Figure 8 – Right side shown, left side similar
(7). Be sure the small protective plate is sitting flush against the frame.
(8). Use the existing hole on the bottom of the small protective plate as a guide to mark a spot on the frame using a marker then remove the small protective plate.
(9). Use a hammer and punch to create a dent in the frame centered over the previous marked location.
(10). Drill a hole through the frame arm through the dent using an 11/64” (4.2 mm) drill bit. Be careful not to damage the rubber seal located directly behind the frame.
(11). Place the small protective plate back into its natural position on the frame.
(12). Install one rivet into the lower hole shown in Figure 9. Small protective plate installation is complete.
Figure 9 – Right side shown, left side similar
8. Repeat Step 7 to install the small protective plate onto the opposite side of the frame then proceed to Step 9.
9. Install hook and loop fasteners on the soft top frame (as shown in Figure 10) using 3M™ Hook and Loop Fastener. Perform these steps on both the left and right sides of the frame.
NOTE: The hook and loop fastener system has 2 sides; the hook side, that is stiffer/more abrasive and the loop side, which is soft and fuzzy. This procedure only uses the loop side, which is soft and fuzzy, the hook side is not used.
(1). Clean the application areas of the frame using alcohol wipes or equivalent.
(2). Cut the 3M™ Hook and Loop Fastener into the appropriate lengths to cover all areas shown in Figure 10. Do not leave excess material hanging over the edges of the frame to maintain a professional appearance. (Figure 10)
(3). Repeat this step on the opposite side then proceed to Step 10. (Figure 10)
Figure 10 – Left side shown, right side similar
10. Carefully remove all protective cloths and rubber blocks. Inspect the soft top lower frame and the vehicle interior for metal debris and vacuum/clean as necessary.
11. Place the soft top in the fully closed position and completely remove the rear window and both rear quarter windows. Refer to the Digital Owner’s Manual, Removal Vehicle Components > Removable Soft Top > Opening and Closing the Soft Top.
12. Open the rear door to the fully open position.
13. Place the rear soft top section into the Rear Cargo Access Position so that the rear section of soft top assembly is slightly raised and supported by the prop rod. Refer to the Digital Owner’s Manual, Removal Vehicle Components > Removable Soft Top > Opening and Closing the Soft Top > Accessing the Rear Cargo Area.
14. Install 3M™ Hook and Loop Fasteners on the soft top frame sections shown.
(1). Manipulate the soft top frame to gain separation between the bumper and the 90-degree bend in the frame.
(2). Clean the application area of the frame using alcohol wipes or equivalent.
(3). Cut the 3M™ Hook and Loop Fastener to approximately 0.78 x 1.18 inches (20 mm x 30 mm).
(4). Install the cut section of the 3M™ Hook and Loop Fastener exactly as shown in Figure 11.
Figure 11
(5). Repeat this step for the opposite side then proceed to Step 15. (Figure 11)
15. Slowly cycle the soft top roof through all 3 positions (fully closed, partially open, and fully open) while closely inspecting for contact with the sports tube. Do any potential contact points exist between the soft top frame and the sports tube that has not already been addressed in the previous steps?
(1). Yes – proceed to Step 16.
(2). No – proceed to Step 17.
16. Install additional 3M™ Hook and Loop Fastener to the soft top frame as needed. If 3M™ Hook and Loop Fastener is applied to one side of the soft top frame, install it in the same location on the opposite side.
(1). Clean the application area of the frame using alcohol wipes or equivalent.
(2). Cut the 3M™ Hook and Loop Fastener to the necessary dimensions.
(3). Apply the prepared 3M™ Hook and Loop Fastener to the appropriate area of the soft top frame. Do not apply 3M™ Hook and Loop Fastener to the sports tube. Do not leave excess material hanging over the edges of the frame to maintain a professional appearance.
(4). Repeat the above steps for the opposite side of the frame then proceed to Step 17.
17. Repair all paint damage on the sports tube that is a result of contact with the soft top roof frame, returning the paint to the original factory condition. Do not use touch-up paint.
18. During vehicle delivery, show the customer how to find the soft top tutorial video located within the vehicle’s touchscreen. Find this video in the Digital Owner’s Manual > Removable vehicle Components > Removable Soft Top > Opening and Closing the Soft Top.
2 Affected Products
Vehicle
| MAKE | MODEL | YEAR |
| FORD | BRONCO | 2021-2022 |
1 Associated Document
Manufacturer Communications
23-2340
30 October 2023
MC-10244802-0001.pdf 443.724KB
Loading...
Reload document 
Open in new tab
NHTSA ID Number: 10211712
Manufacturer Communication Number: TSB 22-2146
Summary
Some 2021-2022 Bronco vehicles equipped with a soft top roof may experience paint scratches on the sports tube paint due to contact with the soft top roof frame during the open and close operation. This may be due to a lack of protective measures installed on the soft top roof frame. To correct this condition, follow the Service Procedure to install protective plates and hook and loop fasteners to sections of the soft top roof frame.
1 Associated Document
Manufacturer Communications
22-2146
02 May 2022
MC-10211712-0001.pdf 442.017KB
Loading...
NHTSA ID Number: 10202702
Manufacturer Communication Number: TSB 21-2339
Summary
Some 2021 Bronco vehicles equipped with a soft top roof may experience paint scratches on the sports tube due to contact with the soft top roof frame during the open and close operation. This may be due to a lack of protective measures installed on the soft top roof frame. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to apply protective hook and loop fasteners to sections of the soft top roof frame.
1 Associated Document
Manufacturer Communications
21-2339
30 September 2021
MC-10202702-0001.pdf 196.674KB
Loading...
- 【𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐆𝐞𝐭】 Width: 1 inches. Rolls: 1 roll of 30 feet self-adhesive hook tape and 1 roll of 30 feet self-adhesive loop tape. For your convenience, we will also include a pair of scissors.
- 【𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐝𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐇𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐋𝐨𝐨𝐩 𝐓𝐚𝐩𝐞】 Made with 100% nylon material, this tape boasts strong adhesiveness and can be reused.
- 【𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐝𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐁𝐚𝐜𝐤】 It features a firm grip and a highly sticky self-adhesive back, providing a secure and lasting attachment. No residue is left when removed from smooth surfaces.
- 【𝐖𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬】 This self-adhesive tape can be applied to any smooth surfaces, such as walls, plastics, glass, and more. Suitable for home, office, school, as well as crafting and sewing projects.
- 【𝐄𝐚𝐬𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐔𝐬𝐞】The hook and loop tape is designed for easy peel-and-stick application, and it can be easily trimmed to size. It's a simple solution for securing items without the need for making holes in surfaces.
- 1000 Pieces (500 Pairs) 0.59 inch in diameter adhesive circle dots, 100% Nylon, White
- 24-Month Hassle Free Warranty
- Easy to Use: Hook and loop fastener dots have an adhesive backing that is easy to peel and set. Use on fabric, paper, plastic, rubber, metal, wood and other flat surfaces.
- Versatile: Adhesive circle dots are great for a wide range of use: arts and crafts, class projects, boards, charts, bulletins, organizing and mounting small items. Great to use in the classroom for kids as well as at home and in the office.
- Safe and Non-Toxic: Made of 100% Nylon, BPA-free, non-toxic and odorless adhesive. Safe for children to use.
- 💪 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐭: Crafted with high-density nylon, our hook and loop tape promises unmatched bonding power, ensuring a long-lasting attachment afterrepeated use.
- ✨ 𝗩𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆: From home décor to office organization, our tape's adaptable design caters to a myriad of applications.
- ✨ 𝐌𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐒𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐬 & 𝐏𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬: Our selection caters to every need with a variety of sizes and packaging choices, ensuring the right fit for any project, big or small.
- 👋 𝐒𝐚𝐲 𝐠𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐛𝐲𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐱 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬: With a simple peel-and-stick mechanism, our tape ensures a hassle-free experience. No tools, no mess, just a firm bond in seconds.
- 💡 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐡𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐒𝐭𝐲𝐥𝐞: We offer hook and loop tape in two classic colors - sleek black and pristine white. Match your style or your project's theme with ease!
- FOR TOUGH APPLICATIONS: Heavy duty VELCRO Brand strips with adhesive securely fasten to smooth surfaces including plastic, metal, painted wallboard
- LONG LASTING DURABILITY: Industrial strength VELCRO Brand strips feature a special sticky back adhesive to provide a secure and long-lasting hold
- NO TOOLS REQUIRED: No hammer, drilling or nails necessary, industrial strength VELCRO Brand fasteners feature an easy peel and stick application
- PROFESSIONAL GRADE ADHESIVE FASTENERS: Double Sided VELCRO Brand hook and loop tape are designed for heavy duty applications and hold up to 10 pounds
- WATER RESISTANCE PROVIDES UNMATCHED VERSATILITY: Double sided tape with heavy duty adhesive for mounting, hanging, storing, or securing items
- FEATURES: the tear tape is self-adhesive (PEEL and STICK) and rated to hold 5.4 kg per square inch with a super resistant silicone adhesive layer on the back. Life time certified by the CE laboratory to last 10,000 times fixing and detachment, weatherproof in extremely cold and hot indoor and outdoor environments; to easily cut the strip to any size you need at home, office and shops
- APPLICATIONS: Suitable for outdoor and indoor fittings to fix remote controls, photos, curtains, panels, signs, pedal board, charger, patches, pillows, cushions, mat, car decorations, organize tools, attach and detach ornaments, decorations, demonstration table and so on.Ideal adhesive replacements for screws, epoxy resin and bolts, widely used in school
- Removable double-sided adhesive tape: industrial resistance interlocking tape is easy to detach and attach, sticky support. Non-slip, non-slip. A perfect cap for pen holders, flower vase, furniture pads, heavy carpets, carpets, mats, shoe ornaments, embroidered patches, applique patches, phone case, posters, maps, pictures and make-up mirror
- Reminds: Our double-sided wall adhesive tape is only used on smooth, clean and dry surfaces. Any power wall, painted wall, uneven surface or uneven objects are not recommended. This mounting tape is very strong adhesive, adheres well or not, depends a lot on the surface or whether it sticks in the right place according to the stress point of the object
- 24-Month Hassle Free Warranty
- Package Includes: 20 Sets of 1x4 Inch Hook and Loop Fastener Strips
- Adhesive Backing: The hook and loop fastener strips has a strong adhesive backing that allows them to stick to a wide range of flat surfaces, including walls, wood, metal, rubber and plastic.
- Versatile: Hook and loop fastener strips are versatile and convenient. It can be widely used for organizing cables and wires, office supplies, small kitchen and bathroom items, hanging pictures and decorations, securing rugs, mats, arts and crafts and more.
- Easy to use: Requires no tools or hardware to install. Simply peel off the protective paper backing and stick the strip onto the surface you want. Can be easily cut to size to fit your specific needs, making them a great option for custom applications.
- 【1/2 IN x 100 FT】- Extremely long double-sided straps that can be used for a long time.
- 【SELF-GRIPPING】- Roll this hook & loop strip around and attach it to itself, with no sticky or adhesive.
- 【CUT TO ANY LENGTH】- Cut the self-gripping tape roll to any length you need. No more worry about buying the wrong size.
- 【REUSABLE & DURABLE】- These Nylon straps are perfect for cable management. Retain a strong grip after being used over 1,000 times.
- 【MULTI-PURPOSE】- For indoor or outdoor use, including home, office, garage, or yard. Ideal strips for tying up anything you need.
- ✅20PACK ASSORTED STRAPS SUPER VALUABLE: To suit your exact needs, the bundle comes in 3 most popular sizes. Each fastening tie set includes 8 inch x 10pcs, 12 inch x 6pcs, 18 inch x 4pcs hook and loop multipurpose cable ties. Include plastic D-ring buckle in the tail allowing the tie to be attached to a cable or hung from a hook. 2 or more straps can be combined together to extend their lengths for your special needs.
- ✅FLEXIBILITY & VERSATILITY: The hook loop cinch straps are made from 100% durable nylon adhesive materials with plastic buckle. Add, remove, or adjust your cables and cords whenever you need to, the hook and loop closure is always reusable!
- ✅MULTI PURPOSE: Great for cords, audio, coaxial, telephone, electrical cables. Organize your cables and cords around your computer desk and home entertainment center. Use cable straps for larger items like hoses, umbrellas, sports equipment, bundling boxes, books, tools, etc. It is ideal for keeping all kinds of cords cables well organized and tidy in place.
- ✅CONVENIENT & SIMPLE TO USE: Organizing cables couldn't be easier. It is much better than plastic cable ties and you do not need to trim it. Gather them together, fasten the durable cable wraps around them tightly. The cable wrap opens and closes easily and quickly so you can add or remove cables.
- ✅BACKWARD NYLON STRAPS: You will get 20 PCS securing straps, they are backward bundle straps, the loop and hook are on the same side, you will bundle the object though the D-ring, and since it is backward, it makes the bundle more secured!
- The 1" x 4" self adhesive hook and loop tape ( complete set ) 15 sets by individually cutting more convenient for fastening light weight items
- No Holes & Screws: The industrial strength Hook and Loop tape make wall hanging more easier, the back of the tape with strong adhesive instead of using screws, result in a no holes project
- Very Sticky & Strong Hold: Hook and Loop Fasteners made by 100% nylon with strong grip and back very sticky can help to keep your projects on a variety of surface types like glass, plastic, wood, and other flat, clean surfaces
- Unmatched Versatility: The Melsan sticky back hook loop fasteners perfect for hanging small photo frame, remote controls, sticking area rugs, mounting crafts, kitchen organizing, office wires and organizing cables, educational prints and more
- Easy to Use: Clean the surface of dust or grime, remove liner from hook or loop strips and stick on; very useful for home, office or school organization, mounting, hanging, and securing
- SUITABLE FOR SMOOTH SURFACES: Hook and loop fastener adheres to most smooth surfaces; features a strong adhesive to organize at home, school, or office; no sewing, gluing or ironing required
- STRONG AND SECURE HOLD: Creates a long-lasting bond that applies easily to smooth surfaces indoors including walls, glass, tile, plastic, metal and wood—ideal for everyday use –the possibilities are endless
- SCHOOL SUPPLIES FOR TEACHERS AND EDUCATORS: Numerous applications to keep the classroom tidy - fasten items to desks and folders, stick name tags to back of chairs, adhere whiteboard erasers and markers to the board; sticky back tape provides plenty of uses
- BACK TO SCHOOL SUPPLIES FOR STUDENTS: Keep school projects organized and secure, use to add closures to homework folders, hang items and decorate lockers, add arts and crafts touches to school projects, organize desks at home and in the classroom
- CUT, PRESS AND SET: Simple to use cut-to-length tape; extend the roll to the desired size, cut, peel off the protective backing, and firmly press to activate adhesive; press hook and loop firmly together for a strong hold
SEOCONTENT-START
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN
Soft Top Roof – Roof Scratches S orts Tube Paint During Open/Close
23-2340
30 October
2023
This bulletin supersedes 22-2146.
Model:
Ford
2021-2022 Bronco
Summary
This article supersedes TSB 22-2146 to update the parts list.
Issue: Some 2021-2022 Bronco vehicles equipped with a soft top roof may experience paint scratches on the sports tube paint due to contact with the soft top roof frame during the open and close operation. This may be due to a lack of protective measures installed on the soft top roof frame. To correct this condition, follow the Service Procedure to install protective plates and hook and loop fasteners to sections of the soft top roof frame.
Action: Follow the Service Procedure to correct the condition on vehicles that meet all of the following criteria:
• 2021-2022 Bronco
• Equipped with a factory soft top roof
• Paint scratches present on the sports tube due to contact with the soft top roof frame Parts
Service Part Number Quantity Description Obtain Locally Obtain Locally As Needed
As Needed 3M™ Loop Fastener SJ/TB 3571 With Acrylic Adhesive (Minimum Width: 1 Inch) Isopropyl Alcohol Wipes Or Equivalent Parts – Parts To Inspect And Replace Only If Necessary
Service Part Number Quantity Description Unit of Issue Piece Quantity
M2DZ-7854703-A If Needed Large Protective Plate, Right 1
M2DZ-7854703-B If Needed Small Protective Plate, Right 1
M2DZ-7854703-C If Needed Large Protective Plate, Left 1
M2DZ-7854703-D If Needed Small Protective Plate, Left 1
W790580-S900 If Needed Rivet 4 6
Quantity refers to the amount of the service part number package(s) required to repair the vehicle. Unit of Issue refers to the number of individual pieces included in a service part number package. Piece Quantity refers to the total number of individual pieces required to repair the vehicle.
As Needed indicates the amount of the part may vary and/or is not a whole number. Parts can be billed out as non- whole numbers, including less than 1.
If Needed indicates the part is not mandatory.
Warranty Status: Eligible under provisions of New Vehicle Limited Warranty (NVLW)/Service Part Warranty (SPW)/Special Service Part (SSP)/Extended Service Plan (ESP) coverage. Limits/policies/prior approvals are not
PW/SSP/ESP coverage limits are determined by the identified causal part and verified SIS part coverage tool. Labor Times
Description Operation
No. Time 2021-2022 Bronco Soft Top: Inspect, Install Hook And Loop Cycle Following The Service Procedure
2021-2022 Bronco Soft Top: Inspect, Install Protective Plate On Both Sides Of the Vehicle, Replace Hook And Loop Cycle Following The Service Procedure
Additional Time to Install Extra Hook And Loop Where is Needed Additional Time To Repair Any Damaged Paint Following The Service Procedure 232340A 232340B 232340C MT232340 0.8 Hrs. 1.7 Hrs. 0.2 Hrs.
Actual Time Repair/Claim Coding
Causal Part: 7853000
Condition Code: 01 Service Procedure
NOTE: The purpose of this article is to improve the protection level of earlier built factory soft top vehicles.
1. Remove the soft top rear window and rear quarter windows, then open the soft top roof so that it sits 12 in. (30 cm) above the partially open position. Place a rubber block or similar item between the soft top frame and the body to assist in maintaining roof position. Refer to the Digital Owner’s Manual, Removal Vehicle Components > Removable Soft Top > Opening and Closing the Soft Top. (Figure 1)
Figure 1 2. Inspect for the presence of the large protective plates (Figure 2, Callout 1) and smaller protective plates (Figure 2, Callout 2) on each side of the frame as shown.
Figure 2 – Left side shown, right side similar Item
1 2 Description
Large protective plate Small protective plate 3. Are all 4 protective plates installed correctly on both sides of the frame as shown in Figure 2? (1). Yes – proceed to Step 9.
(2). No – proceed to Step 4.
4. Remove all existing tape and/or hook and loop protective material from the areas highlighted in Figure 3. Perform this step on both the left and right sides of the soft top frame.
Figure 3 – Left side shown, right side similar 5. Install the left large protective plate.
(1). Place the left large protective plate in position as shown in Figure 4. Align the existing hole on the protective plate with the existing hole on the frame. Install one rivet into this location.
Figure 4 – Left side shown (2). Rotate the large protective plate to its natural position on the frame then hold it in place using a clamp.
(3). Using the last remaining hole in the large protective plate as a guide (refer to Figure 5), use a hammer and punch to create a mark in the frame.
Figure 5 (4). Place a protective cloth underneath the area to catch metal debris.
(5). Drill a hole through the frame (where previously marked) using an 11/64” (4.2 mm) drill bit. Be careful not to damage other components behind the frame arm while drilling.
(6). Using a small file, carefully remove any metal burs from the hole.
(7). Install a rivet into the hole. The left side large protective plate has been successfully installed. (Figure 5)
NOTE: The right side of the frame does not have an existing hole like the left side. Two brand new holes must be drilled to install the right large protective plate.
6. Install the right large protective plate.
(1). Place the right side large protective plate in its natural position referencing the large protective plate on the left side.
(2). Use a clamp to temporarily hold the large protective plate in place.
(3). Use a hammer and punch to create a mark in the frame centered on each location (Figure 6, Callout 1 and 2). (4). Remove the clamp and large protective plate.
(5). Place a protective cloth underneath the area to catch metal debris.
(6). Drill through the frame in these two locations (Figure 6, Callout 1 and 2) using an 11/64” (4.2 mm) drill bit. Be careful not to damage other components behind the frame arm while drilling.
Figure 6 (7). Using a small file, carefully remove any metal burs from the hole.
(8). Install 1 rivet into each hole (Figure 6, Callout 1 and 2). Installation of the right side large protective plate is complete.
7. Install the small protective plates. (Figure 7) Figure 7 – Left side shown, right side similar NOTE: Instructions for installing the small protective plate are identical from left to right.
(1). Print the drilling template by clicking this link. Use scissors to carefully cut out the template. Place the template on the frame as shown in Figure 7.
• If the template does not fit exactly as shown in Figure 7, adjust the scale of the printing properties to Actual Size to resize the image. (2). Center the front target on the cut template (Figure 7, Callout 1) directly on top of the frame arm hinge. Use tape to temporarily secure the template in place.
(3). Use a hammer and punch to create a dent in the frame centered on the rear target on the template (Figure 7, Callout 2).
(4). Remove the template once a successful dent has been established. (5). Place a protective cloth underneath the area to catch metal debris.
(6). Drill a hole through the dented spot using a ¼” (6.2 mm) drill bit. Do not drill all the way through the frame for this location. Stop drilling when the drill bit starts to protrude through the opposite side. This hole is at proper depth once the small protective plate is able sit flush on the frame with the locator pin inserted into the drilled hole. (Figure 8)
Figure 8 – Right side shown, left side similar (7). Be sure the small protective plate is sitting flush against the frame.
(8). Use the existing hole on the bottom of the small protective plate as a guide to mark a spot on the frame using a marker then remove the small protective plate.
(9). Use a hammer and punch to create a dent in the frame centered over the previous marked location.
(10). Drill a hole through the frame arm through the dent using an 11/64” (4.2 mm) drill bit. Be careful not to damage the rubber seal located directly behind the frame.
(11). Place the small protective plate back into its natural position on the frame.
(12). Install one rivet into the lower hole shown in Figure 9. Small protective plate installation is complete.
Figure 9 – Right side shown, left side similar 8. Repeat Step 7 to install the small protective plate onto the opposite side of the frame then proceed to Step 9.
9. Install hook and loop fasteners on the soft top frame (as shown in Figure 10) using 3M™ Hook and Loop Fastener. Perform these steps on both the left and right sides of the frame.
NOTE: The hook and loop fastener system has 2 sides; the hook side, that is stiffer/more abrasive and the loop side, which is soft and fuzzy. This procedure only uses the loop side, which is soft and fuzzy, the hook side is not used.
(1). Clean the application areas of the frame using alcohol wipes or equivalent.
(2). Cut the 3M™ Hook and Loop Fastener into the appropriate lengths to cover all areas shown in Figure 10. Do not leave excess material hanging over the edges of the frame to maintain a professional appearance. (Figure 10)
(3). Repeat this step on the opposite side then proceed to Step 10. (Figure 10) Figure 10 – Left side shown, right side similar 10. Carefully remove all protective cloths and rubber blocks. Inspect the soft top lower frame and the vehicle interior for metal debris and vacuum/clean as necessary.
11. Place the soft top in the fully closed position and completely remove the rear window and both rear quarter windows. Refer to the Digital Owner’s Manual, Removal Vehicle Components > Removable Soft Top > Opening and Closing the Soft Top.
12. Open the rear door to the fully open position.
13. Place the rear soft top section into the Rear Cargo Access Position so that the rear section of soft top assembly is slightly raised and supported by the prop rod. Refer to the Digital Owner’s Manual, Removal Vehicle Components > Removable Soft Top > Opening and Closing the Soft Top > Accessing the Rear Cargo Area.
14. Install 3M™ Hook and Loop Fasteners on the soft top frame sections shown.
(1). Manipulate the soft top frame to gain separation between the bumper and the 90-degree bend in the frame. (2). Clean the application area of the frame using alcohol wipes or equivalent.
(3). Cut the 3M™ Hook and Loop Fastener to approximately 0.78 x 1.18 inches (20 mm x 30 mm). (4). Install the cut section of the 3M™ Hook and Loop Fastener exactly as shown in Figure 11.
Figure 11 (5). Repeat this step for the opposite side then proceed to Step 15. (Figure 11)
15. Slowly cycle the soft top roof through all 3 positions (fully closed, partially open, and fully open) while closely inspecting for contact with the sports tube. Do any potential contact points exist between the soft top frame and the sports tube that has not already been addressed in the previous steps?
(1). Yes – proceed to Step 16. (2). No – proceed to Step 17.
16. Install additional 3M™ Hook and Loop Fastener to the soft top frame as needed. If 3M™ Hook and Loop Fastener is applied to one side of the soft top frame, install it in the same location on the opposite side.
(1). Clean the application area of the frame using alcohol wipes or equivalent. (2). Cut the 3M™ Hook and Loop Fastener to the necessary dimensions.
(3). Apply the prepared 3M™ Hook and Loop Fastener to the appropriate area of the soft top frame. Do not apply 3M™ Hook and Loop Fastener to the sports tube. Do not leave excess material hanging over the edges of the frame to maintain a professional appearance.
(4). Repeat the above steps for the opposite side of the frame then proceed to Step 17.
17. Repair all paint damage on the sports tube that is a result of contact with the soft top roof frame, returning the paint to the original factory condition. Do not use touch-up paint.
18. During vehicle delivery, show the customer how to find the soft top tutorial video located within the vehicle’s touchscreen. Find this video in the Digital Owner’s Manual > Removable vehicle Components > Removable Soft Top > Opening and Closing the Soft Top. © 2023 Ford Motor Company All rights reserved.
NOTE: The information in Technical Service Bulletins is intended for use by trained, professional technicians with the knowledge, tools, and
equipment to do the job properly and safely. It informs these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or provides information that could assist in proper vehicle service. The procedures should not be performed by “do-it-yourselfers”. Do not assume that a condition described affects your car or truck. Contact a Ford or Lincoln dealership to determine whether the Bulletin applies to your vehicle. Warranty Policy and Extended Service Plan documentation determine Warranty and/or Extended Service Plan coverage unless stated otherwise in the TSB article. The information in this Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) was current at the time of printing. Ford Motor Company reserves the right de this information with updates. The most recent information is available through Ford Motor Company’s on-line technical resources.
**************************************************************************************************************
SEOCONTENT-END
Last update on 2025-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This product presentation was made with AAWP plugin.