Hard top riding options

[RubICON1]

Can't really remove the whole top at the moment. With the panels out, it's not too bad with the wind buffeting. Do you guys ride with the panels out and the rear window open? Is that actually safe, as far as it not hitting the spare and possibly breaking, etc... or is that something to truly avoid?

TIA

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[Reinen]

No, it is not safe. The bouncing around will eventually break the window or the gas struts that hold it open. It's not made for that. Also if you drive with the rear window open and other windows closed it will pull exhaust into the cabin.

 

[RubICON1]

No, it is not safe. The bouncing around will eventually break the window or the gas struts that hold it open. It's not made for that. Also if you drive with the rear window open and other windows closed it will pull exhaust into the cabin.

Ah, that is another good point. My father in-law had a nice big boat that would make you puke from the fumes coming in.... Thanks. I won't be doing that!

 

[kah.mun.rah]

Can't really remove the whole top at the moment. With the panels out, it's not too bad with the wind buffeting. Do you guys ride with the panels out and the rear window open? Is that actually safe, as far as it not hitting the spare and possibly breaking, etc... or is that something to truly avoid?

TIA

If you have the freedom panels off and the wind is thumping your eardrums a little, try rolling down the back seat windows 1/2 inch.

 

[RubICON1]

If you have the freedom panels off and the wind is thumping your eardrums a little, try rolling down the back seat windows 1/2 inch.

LOL. I thought I was in the 2Door forum! Not an option for me but thanks!

 

[kah.mun.rah]

LOL. I thought I was in the 2Door forum! Not an option for me but thanks!

Haha! My bad. Solution: buy a 4-door. ? Try rolling the front windows down 1/2"?

 

[[DELETED USER 82058]]

This my 4th Jeep and I’ve almost always put the back glass up, never had struts wear out or a glass break or choked on exhaust. Also, never drove offroad that way and never highway speeds. Not saying do it or don’t do it. Maybe I’m getting old though, b/c I don’t do it anymore.? I just let the wind beat me to death.

 

[Dan M.]

Taking the doors off eliminates most of the buffering.

 

[JeffCj7Jl]

Rolling your front windows down a little helps with the buffeting.

I’ll take the doors off before opening the back window if I want more open air feel. I would be afraid of forgetting that the back window is up and then breaking it when I pull into my garage.

 

[The Last Cowboy]

My JK rear window would stay up all day with zero issues. The JL has the wiper at the bottom, so the struts support much more weight when opened. Tried it twice and it moved too much and made bad noises. I really miss driving with the back glass open and the roof panels off.

 

[toothirtyj]

I ride with the freedom panels removed, driver and passenger windows down, and rear glass open. Back glass has been solid without any noticed movement or noises. My struts are stout and I have no reason to believe the back glass and it's components can't handle this.

From a glance at a google search, broken rear JL glass has been reportedly caused by dropped hard tops, the electric rear window defroster, and "random shattering" while the glass was closed in cold weather.

To specifically answer your questions:

Unless your struts are much weaker than mine, there is no concern with wind pushing your window down, causing it to crash into the spare, and break.

Is it something to "truly avoid?" From my personal experience I would say this is a non-issue.

If it breaks I'll be sure and update my post. However, I will continue to enjoy my Jeep this way because reports that it is "bad for the glass" seem to be somewhat unfounded. Plus, similar to your situation, it's as close to having the top off as I can get at this time due to my living situation.

 

[RubICON1]

Thanks for all the replies. If I have the tops out, my windows will almost always be down. I will drive home today with the back glass up and see how she does. Thanks again!

 

[RubICON1]

So far so good. Watching for bouncing etc. but it’s not noticeable.

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