Black Freedom Top - Repair or Replace

[Greenie]

This past weekend when attempting to back my new JL into the garage so that I could test out the lift to raise the Freedom top, I accidentally forgot that the back window was up while the tailgate was closed. Thankfully I backed up extremely slowly...however I did hear the dreaded loud CRUNCH! The window and hinges are fine and working. However the fiberglass took the majority of the impact on both hinges. UGH!

Called the dealer this morning and it is too early to order a replacement top, they are only making them for production at this time.

Questions:
1) Does anyone have any experience with successfully repairing the fiberglass? Is it even possible?
2) Any chance someone bought their 2018 JL with a Black Hardtop and is interested in selling it?

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[ALEX-4LO]

I did the same thing to mine when I brought it home. I backed into the ceiling racks. Mine is on the corner of the top and it pushed in the fiberglass a bit. For now I have put on a couple strips of black electrical paint so it was fairly small. I have gone to a couple body shops and they advise they will not work on it since it can potentially crack and get bigger in the future. I decided I will replace the rear top since the front two panels are fine.

The dealership are taking pre-orders now. They will start shipping by middle of May from what I was told. You might want to check again and speak to someone else.

 

[bam1111]

Fiberglass is easily repairable. They may need to reinforce the joint on the underside to provide additional support, but it is repairable. Try to find a body shop that repairs vettes.

 

[NYC_Bobby]

Find a boat repair gelcoat gal or guy and they can fix this right up for you. Cheaper and faster then a new top. Will look good as new. Go to any reputable marina in the area, they will have someone local they use.

 

[JLRUBI]

Heres a top on ebay,

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2018-Jeep-...ash=item3f978e7f8e:g:XrgAAOSw4vJatdSV&vxp=mtr

I would have it repaired as mentioned above.

 

[crik]

Heres a top on ebay,

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2018-Jeep-...ash=item3f978e7f8e:g:XrgAAOSw4vJatdSV&vxp=mtr

I would have it repaired as mentioned above.

The Ebay link:

"For sale is a 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL black textured freedom roof. This roof is in excellent condition as pictured. It comes minus the freedom panels, passenger side and rear glass, the driver side glass is intact. This is for the 4 door model 2018 JL Wrangler."


lol

 

[JLRUBI]

Correct, all of which the op does not need as the fiberglass is the only thing damaged.

 

[crik]

Correct, all of which the op does not need as the fiberglass is the only thing damaged.

Understood. But expensive! Do they come from mopar like that? I ask because I only got the soft top myself and may need one at some point.

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