Panel-Hardtop Theory

[MotorMan]

Put your tinfoil hats on. I think I just came across something that hints at that panel-hardtop being available. Look at the seam on the JLU's hard top where it meets the body. I'm guessing the seam is for roofless testing and the 2 door lacks the seam because they were not planning to test that specific vehicle without the roof. But then, look at the top of the window where that rear panel meets the roof on the JLU. Why would there be a seam/discontinuation of camo wrap on the JLU's panel, and not the JL's (who's roof has not been removed)? Maybe because that panel could very well be removable. I don't see why else it could or would be that way.

Sponsored

 

[Billy]

For the sake of discussion, this feature would be very easy and cheap for Jeep to accomplish, and could have a lot to do with why the protos are still all cladded up back there. I'm not seeing a seam/discontinuation at the top that you elude to, but that doesn't mean it's not there.

 

[STL J-Hawk]

It looks like the rear top could be removed independent of the back side panel section...would they do that?

 

[MotorMan]

For the sake of discussion, this feature would be very easy and cheap for Jeep to accomplish, and could have a lot to do with why the protos are still all cladded up back there. I'm not seeing a seam/discontinuation at the top that you elude to, but that doesn't mean it's not there.

Look at the rain gutters on both jeeps. The JLU's roof is not wrapped down to the rear side panel, while the JL's is.

 

[MotorMan]

It looks like the rear top could be removed independent of the back side panel section...would they do that?

I'm thinking the rear panel section is whag could be removed independent of the top

 

[Billy]

Look at the rain gutters on both jeeps. The JLU's roof is not wrapped down to the rear side panel, while the JL's is.

I see a gap in the wrap above each door, but it still looks continuous above the rear quarter window.

Edit; Don't get me wrong, I like the feature, I want the feature, I think we'll get the feature, but I think you may be seeing something I'm not.

 

[MotorMan]

I see a gap in the wrap above each door, but it still looks continuous above the rear quarter window.

Edit; Don't get me wrong, I like the feature, I want the feature, I think we'll get the feature, but I think you may be seeing something I'm not.

 

[Vegas_Sirk]

The glass in that last pic looks more removable as it looks a lot more inset then its does on the JK.

 

[Billy]

The glass in that last pic looks more removable as it looks a lot more inset then its does on the JK.

THAT I see!

 

[STL J-Hawk]

THAT I see!

Do you think the whole side panel stays in place, and then the glass is removable, along with the entire top?

 

[Billy]

Look at the rain gutters on both jeeps. The JLU's roof is not wrapped down to the rear side panel, while the JL's is.

Now I see the gap at the top of the window! I was looking at the under side of the gutter!

There would HAVE to be an internal frame around the glass, with some fairly simple fastening system to hold it in place, but I'm getting it now! Totally makes sense why the gutter comes all the way back too!

 

[Vegas_Sirk]

Do you think the whole side panel stays in place, and then the glass is removable, along with the entire top?

I think so. Or maybe both. I would like both options in honesty.

 

[STL J-Hawk]

I think so. Or maybe both. I would like both options in honesty.

Sure seems like that would make taking the top off a lot easier (although I only know what I read as I dont have a Jeep YET). If all you had to take off was a flat top piece instead of the sides being attached as in the current design.

 

[Billy]

Makes sense why it's still called a 3 pc top (with pop-out windows).

This is good all around! It's structural enough to handle roof racks & light to medium loads, but when it's off, there will be no D pillars or anything to hinder the open feeling.

I may have to see a doctor after 4 hours if this keeps up...

Sponsored