Help adding quick disconnect to rear defrost

[Willysteach]

Hey everyone. This is my first post. I have a 2024 JL with a SOT. I love the convenience of the top, but I don’t like the look with doors off/windows out, and the back glass still in. It looks like a relatively straight forward removal, with 4 bolts, 2 hydraulics, 2 wires, and 1 hose. I’d like to make it as quick and easy to remove as possible, but I have 2 concerns and a few questions.
1-I worry that repeated removal and installation of the washer hose will cause it to be loose. A simple solution would be a quick disconnect, like an efi connector on motorcycles. This leads to my first question. Does anyone know the I.d. of the washer hose?
2-My biggest concern is for the rear defrost wire. I’ve read many posts about the connection failing and I definitely want to avoid removing and installing it. I was thinking about a simple electrical quick disconnect for it. My questions for this are- Is this a single wire beneath the insulation? What is the gauge? AI says 12 gauge. Is this a standard braided copper wire, or something different that might make a connector a less than ideal solution? And is there any issue I am not anticipating that would make this a bad idea? Thanks for you help.
Daniel

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[SmokyMtnsJeepGirl]

I'd love to know the answers to these questions, too. I have a '21 JLU, but I'm hoping to still be able to glean some helpful info.

 

[ag4ever]

I would use deutsch connectors. They make them in several sizes. These would be a nice oem style connector that would also be waterproof. These can also be disconnected and reconnected without damage.

Not sure how to handle the washer hose. Maybe a drip irrigation connection of some type.

 

[Willysteach]

Definitely going with a deutsch connector. I’m just not sure if it is a single wire (I think it is) and the gauge (I think it’s 12).

 

[Willysteach]

This is what I was thinking for the washer line. I’m just unsure about the inner diameter. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09NVHCH8...d=274Q8TQS2GGDY&psc=1&ref_=list_c_wl_ys_dp_ii

 

[Willysteach]

I ordered some parts to give it a go. I’ll let you know how it turns out.

 

[Rubi-Doo1]

I think you are on to something here, can’t wait to hear how it goes. I’ve wanted to remove the rear glass on my SOT since I got it!

 

[PT's19Rubi]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe the hard top is some form of plastic. If so, the cable to defrost will have to be 2 wires. As to wire size, I've never seen a rear defroster with wires larger than 16 gauge and most likely to be 18. I would be very surprised if 12 gauge used.

 

[SmokyMtnsJeepGirl]

I think you are on to something here, can’t wait to hear how it goes. I’ve wanted to remove the rear glass on my SOT since I got it!

Me too!!!

 

[Willysteach]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe the hard top is some form of plastic. If so, the cable to defrost will have to be 2 wires. As to wire size, I've never seen a rear defroster with wires larger than 16 gauge and most likely to be 18. I would be very surprised if 12 gauge used.

You may be correct on both. I haven’t had much time to take a closer look. I hope to know the answer to both very soon.

 

[Willysteach]

Making slow progress. I had to order a couple of hose disconnects before I got one that worked. This is what I ended up with:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B1LGDFC9?ref_=ppx_hzod_title_mob_b_fed_asin_title_0_0

I’m still waiting for my electrical connector. It looks to definitely be a single wire. It is one continuous loop, so only one wire on each end. The other end must be in the harness on the other side, which already has a disconnect. Also, it looks to be larger than a 16. I would think it would have too much current for a 16 anyway. I will keep everyone posted. I hope to get everything else I need Thursday.

 

[JT23JL]

Per the wiring diagram that I saw, the rear defroster wire is 2.5mm. That is between a 12 and 14 gauge wire.

 

[Willysteach]

Thanks JT23JL. Then I should be good with the connector I ordered.

 

[Jeep Wick]

Making slow progress. I had to order a couple of hose disconnects before I got one that worked. This is what I ended up with:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B1LGDFC9?ref_=ppx_hzod_title_mob_b_fed_asin_title_0_0

I’m still waiting for my electrical connector. It looks to definitely be a single wire. It is one continuous loop, so only one wire on each end. The other end must be in the harness on the other side, which already has a disconnect. Also, it looks to be larger than a 16. I would think it would have too much current for a 16 anyway. I will keep everyone posted. I hope to get everything else I need Thursday.

This is very similar to the OEM quick connect hose on the hard top. I would think you could order those but probably sold as a much larger assembly.

 

[Willysteach]

I have my connectors. Now I’m waiting on another hole cap to experiment with. In the mean time, I made a couple videos of my idea using a paint lid for a mock-up. Unfortunately, I can’t add them because it says the file is too big, even when I break them into 1 minute chunks.

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