Zac Quinn 
Fabric convertible tops are excellent vehicle options in sunny conditions where almost every drive can be spent with the top down, and the wind in ones face. However, winter is a reality we all must face, and those conditions are often less than ideal when a soft top is added to the mix. Ford Bronco owner Tyrone Raddi experienced this first hand as the interior of his Ford Bronco got pommelled by a blizzard.
Snowed In Ford Bronco
Images emerged from the internet as Tyrone Raddi shared them on the Bronco 6th Gen Facebook group. A blizzard with 50-mph winds hit a small Canadian town called Tuktoyaktuk which is located about as far north as north Canada’s Northwest Territories can be driven, according to Motor1.com. The town itself is located on the shore of the Arctic Ocean, and the average high temperature during December and January is below zero Fahrenheit. In addition, permafrost in the area causes the ground to shift, making it challenging to maintain garages. The result, most vehicles are subject to remain outside in the elements.
Some may deem the images to be lies, and Raddi simply forgot to close his soft top before the storm hit. However, Bronco6G forum members have backed up his claims, mentioning that the soft tops do have problems as it’s challenging to get them to seal correctly.
“The issue that caused this also happened with mine and many other Bronco owners,” one person said. “The trucks are being delivered with tops that will not latch into place at the midpoint connection and the front at the same time.” Another user stated that “I luckily found mine early and was able to make adjustments so it would fit. I can easily see how someone in a cold-weather environment would not notice this on a new vehicle as they probably have not messed with the top at all.”
Ford’s Comment On The Matter
A Ford spokesperson told The Drive, saying the following:
“We’ve only seen something like this when the roof has been left open or unlatched. The customer should flag this concern with their dealer to inspect what might have happened in these photos. If there’s an issue, he would be covered under warranty. However, until an inspection is completed, this is all speculation.”
Members of the Bronco6G forum have stated that a 50-mph crosswind is all it takes to warp the Ford Bronco‘s soft top and allow a draft in. The issues occur more specifically above the rear doors where the soft top’s latch is located. But that doesn’t explain how the snow-coated the interior as it did. That can be chalked up to frigid weather. According to The Weather Channel, colder temperatures create smaller, drier snowflakes, which don’t stick to each other as much and instead blow around like sand.
Soft top owners who experience the crosswind issue should bring their Ford Bronco to a dealer to inspect it. However, the best solution for this issue is just buying a hardtop.
