Frequent removal & installation of hard top?

[noquartergiven]

I live in NJ and with the nicer weather have been removing then reinstalling the hardtop at least once a week. Can this wear down the screw threads/mounts on the body? Just wondering.

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[DEdney1775]

I'm in south Louisiana and we get a lot of afternoon showers in the summer, so I'm like you. Off & on again several times a week.
I only screwing in using the front and back screws. I've never used the middle one.
I honestly don't think we have anything to worry about regarding the screws. As long as you're not fastening them down super tight.

I've been trying to think of/create some sort of 1/4 turn fastening unit for the hard top. It would speed things up and no threads to mess up..

 

[Martial Fartist]

I’d imagine if you were over torquing the bolts you could cause unnecessary wear. At the same time it IS designed to be removed and installed over and over and over.

 

[RubiSc0tt]

I would be less worried about bolts/ screw threads (as long as you're not cross threading) and more concerned with the seals. Even then, as long as you're careful I don't think it would be a huge issue.

 

[noquartergiven]

I've been trying to think of/create some sort of 1/4 turn fastening unit for the hard top. It would speed things up and no threads to mess up..

If you come up with a design, let me know!

 

[Shibadog]

I would be less worried about bolts/ screw threads (as long as you're not cross threading) and more concerned with the seals. Even then, as long as you're careful I don't think it would be a huge issue.

This-watch the seals, if they get damaged you’ll get leaks/wind noise. Otherwise just take it easy with the mounting screws and you’ll be fine.

 

[Gunfighter]

It will be fine. I have my top on and off a number of times and simply make sure I install the bolts torqued to spec outlined in the manual. I have the spec in the garage but off of memory I think the two bolts on top are 119 in/lbs and the 6 bolts inside rear are 154 in/lbs. No squeaks or rattles.

 

[noquartergiven]

It will be fine. I have my top on and off a number of times and simply make sure I install the bolts torqued to spec outlined in the manual. I have the spec in the garage but off of memory I think the two bolts on top are 119 in/lbs and the 6 bolts inside rear are 154 in/lbs. No squeaks or rattles.

Cool, I picked up a torque wrench to keep the bolts in spec.

 

[1Evil55]

I would be more worried about cracking the top when torquing the bolts than anything else.

 

[Gunfighter]

I would be more worried about cracking the top when torquing the bolts than anything else.

Torqued properly and equally within spec is the best way to ensure no cracking from over tightening or vibration/looseness from under tightening.

 

[LuvHydro]

My first '21 Jeep was hardtop only. I sold it after 2 months and ordered a '22 with dual tops. I will never own another Wrangler without a soft top.

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