Is there a storage solution for the Freedom Panels on the roof?

[Integron]

I keep thinking it would be nice to simply store the freedom panels on the roof so they are easily pulled forward if it starts to rain or snow. In my mind it would be a rail system the panels could slide back out of the way and lock down (weatherproof is a big consideration. I am thinking this is an innovation that could be accomplished to make the hard tops more usable rather than having to store the Freedom panels in the back cargo area. In addition, I am thinking is it possible to store them in a removable roof rack.

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[InsulinMan]

Not what you're looking for, but you could always go this route. I think it's a bit overpriced, but that's me.

https://www.bestop.com/jeep/2020/wrangler-jl/sunrider-for-hard-top-jljt/

 

[1quick1]

There was just another thread exactly like this asking about storing them on roof rack. I believe there were a few pages of replies in that thread if you can find it.

 

[TimmH]

would be kind of cool if they were hinged and could be unlatched and flopped back. :P

 

[Integron]

Thanks fellow Jeepsters. I have contemplated the Bestop Sunrider. But that is not the solution I am looking for here. I just know the solution has not been innovated yet. The solution is to simply disengage the freedom tops and slide them back into a protective holder and when necessary very easily slide them back forward into place. I know it can be done! The premise is to minimize effort and length of time involved in the conversion from hard top to no freedom panels and back again without having an intermediate solution. The Bestop Sunrider Twill is $900! I would resolve to create a rooftop carry case which is waterproof and lockable similar to a cargo carrier but specifically made to hold the panels.

The purpose is too feel out the community. and once again bring light to a subject sorely overlooked by the cash cow that Mopar -Jeep is cashing in on. In addition, there is a similar thread but exhausted. https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/freedom-top-storage.7757/

and this one

https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/storing-freedom-panels-on-roof-rack.52564/

 

[HoundDude]

https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/storing-freedom-panels-on-roof-rack.52564/

 

[Integron]

https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/storing-freedom-panels-on-roof-rack.52564/

That thread suggested the Bestop Sunrider ($849.99 Twill)was the best option at this point. I am after an enclosure to slide freedom panels into and lock it down on a hard top just behind the opening so when bad weather sets in a Jeepster would not have to get out of their vehicle to reinstall the roof panels. wishful thinking? ...nothing on the market as I can see so far in 9-2020. Engineering would make it really cool and once you unlatch the freedom panels they would freely slide backwards into roof top storage bin on rails and making it removable if desired. I know it can be done just no-one has seen it through yet.

 

[Mikeoso]

Hinges, compression gaskets, latches. Let them fold back and fasten down. Not difficult of execution, but probably not aesthetically pleasing.

 

[californiajeeping]

Hinges, compression gaskets, latches. Let them fold back and fasten down. Not difficult of execution, but probably not aesthetically pleasing.

 

[Integron]

Now that is interesting. I will be contacting them tomorrow. Nice!

 

[Mikeoso]

Well, then. Not so dumb after all.

 

[Integron]

Well, then. Not so dumb after all.

Innovative, but dumb price, i dont percieve the asking price as a value?

 

[Dkretden]

OP:

do you have the headliners installed on your freedom panels? If so, I would be interested to see how having them exposed impacts them. Degrade with UV? Collect dust and pollen like a magnet?, etc.

Also, the Freedom panels are about 15 pounds apiece So it would seem to me that the only way to get these reattached would be to stop the vehicle, get out, reach up and flip back on each side of the vehicle. Certainly possible at a long traffic light if you’re speedy and MUCH faster Than the current bag system

Innovative Aftermarket accessories are a boon for everyone. Good luck in your hunt.

 

[Gee-pah]

Thanks for bringing this to our attention @californiajeeping. But given the price and permanent marks the installation leaves (I appreciate @californiajeeping that you're merely informing us, not endorsing this) I was wondering if I could hack this another far cheaper way.

Envision a large piece of netting the length of the hard top, where the netting portion has been cut out but for a section the size of a Freedom Panel. This stuff is pretty inexpensive at, say, Harbor Freight.

https://www.harborfreight.com/full-size-pickup-cargo-net-36598.html ($14.99)

I attach the netting on the right side of the picture to the 4 hinge points that secure a Freedom Panel, on the interior side of the Freedom Panel.

I do this with both panels.

On the left side of the picture, that long rope that use to encompass netting gets attached to this hardware pictured and linked below that itself connects to the back window hinge attachment points.

https://topsyproducts.com/collectio...ducts/hinge-hoist-bracket-kit-jl-bracket-only

($24.99)

The panels, when open, sit secured on the rear of the hard top in the same place and orientation as the product whose link your provided.

Viola.

 

[Arterius2]

Thanks for bringing this to our attention @californiajeeping. But given the price and permanent marks the installation leaves (I appreciate @californiajeeping that you're merely informing us, not endorsing this) I was wondering if I could hack this another far cheaper way.

Envision a large piece of netting the length of the hard top, where the netting portion has been cut out but for a section the size of a Freedom Panel. This stuff is pretty inexpensive at, say, Harbor Freight.

https://www.harborfreight.com/full-size-pickup-cargo-net-36598.html ($14.99)

I attach the netting on the right side of the picture to the 4 hinge points that secure a Freedom Panel, on the interior side of the Freedom Panel.

I do this with both panels.

On the left side of the picture, that long rope that use to encompass netting gets attached to this hardware pictured and linked below that itself connects to the back window hinge attachment points.

https://topsyproducts.com/collectio...ducts/hinge-hoist-bracket-kit-jl-bracket-only

($24.99)

The panels, when open, sit secured on the rear of the hard top in the same place and orientation as the product whose link your provided.

Viola.

I don’t get how it sits secured.

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