Problem Folding Soft-Top on 4-Door JL

[HUMPLIK]

I’m curious as to why you chose this route as opposed to the fabric glues that others have used. I’m asking as this repair may be in my future.

I thought this would look neater, but have ordered fabric glue if it doesn’t hold.

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[Heimkehr]

Use fabric glue carefully. It's stronger than we might guess.

Get the initial placement correct, allow for proper curing and whatever you've secured ain't coming loose.

 

[Zjamison]

I have secured the top with heavy/duty Velcro. Cut if the torn fabric connector, and replaced with 1 inch Velcro with hook on bows. Holding so far, will update if it fails and k try something else.

How is your repair working out? I just ran into the same issue and am glad I ran into your thread before giving up and throwing the hard top back on.

 

[Stuckinthesand]

How is your repair working out? I just ran into the same issue and am glad I ran into your thread before giving up and throwing the hard top back on.

Best bet is to go with the fabric glue. I did this last summer and it is still holding strong to this day. Clean all the old fabric that was attached to the bow off. Use an alchoal wipe or some type of cleaner to get the bow ready. Apply across the entire bow but do not over apply. When you push the top onto the bow it will expand if there is globs of it. Just need a nice thin layer. Leave top in the closed postion for 24-48 hours for curing.

 

[HUMPLIK]

It’s working well. A few tips for putting the Velcro on.
1) trim any of the pieces still on the top & bows…it’s brittle and will not stick
2) stick the Velcro together and attach one side to the bows, do all the bows with the top down, then remove the tape to expose the sticky side
3) put the top back on and lock it down, then press down from outside to make it stick in place.
4) I left it up for a week and pressed the top down against the bows to get good contact, leafy it in the sun to warm up and did it multiple times.
5) each day it “stuck” better
6) have it down now and it’s working good so far.
7) if it comes unstuck in the future I will repeat this with fabric glue. But so far it’s good.

 

[kansasboy91]

You’re supposed to flip the Sunrider open before pulling the lever to lower the whole top to the spare tire. It’s not a one motion deal like the video shows.

 

[HUMPLIK]

That’s because it was broken, the soft-top separated from the bows (3 year old OEM soft top).

 

[HUMPLIK]

Best bet is to go with the fabric glue. I did this last summer and it is still holding strong to this day. Clean all the old fabric that was attached to the bow off. Use an alchoal wipe or some type of cleaner to get the bow ready. Apply across the entire bow but do not over apply. When you push the top onto the bow it will expand if there is globs of it. Just need a nice thin layer. Leave top in the closed postion for 24-48 hours for curing.

How has the glue fix worked out for you?

 

[Stuckinthesand]

How has the glue fix worked out for you?

It has been holding strong so far. I wasn't sure how long it would hold because I leave it folded all the way down as much as possible. That means the sun is beating on it all the time. I personally think that is what caused the "flap" to degrade and detach from the bow. This glue is good though. It took the sun all last summer and still holding tight.

 

[HUMPLIK]

Good to know. I run with it down most of the summer thanks!

 

[Heimkehr]

By way of example, I've used the Aleene's fabric glue mentioned in this thread to affix patches to motorcycle jackets. I did so in lieu of sewing because I didn't want the needle & thread to perforate the waterproofed fabric of the jackets' outer shells. Doing that has been documented to cause leaks.

Anyway, when used correctly, Aleene's is bloody strong, not least when used on all-weather riding gear that is by definition exposed to inclement weather. I'd have no hesitation using that product to repair the soft top on my Jeep, if it was a viable option.

 

[kansasboy91]

I understand that mine did the same thing but, I never put mine down how the video showed and it always worked…

That’s because it was broken, the soft-top separated from the bows (3 year old OEM soft top).

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