Problem Folding Soft-Top on 4-Door JL

[HUMPLIK]

When folding the OEM soft top, the rear drops when I fold the front half, and it stays up. I’m not able to fold it all the way down. It gets stuck like this about 50% of the time.
Any idea where it’s binding up?

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[Overkill]

Did you pull the lever in the back to get it to fold down? Step 3 in this screenshot

But with the way that is goes back on its own instead of staying in the sunrider position, it might have something broke.

 

[Heimkehr]

The release latch assembly, pictured above, is malfunctioning. Start your investigation with that part.

 

[HUMPLIK]

Did you pull the lever in the back to get it to fold down? Step 3 in this screenshot

But with the way that is goes back on its own instead of staying in the sunrider position, it might have something broke.

I did not, that’s what has me confused.
This has not been a problem in the last four years of frequent use. I’d like to know how the system works, what part is released when the lever is pulled, and how it’s “reset”.

 

[HUMPLIK]

The release latch assembly, pictured above, is malfunctioning. Start your investigation with that part.

Do you happen to know what part is activated when the Relese Latch Assembly is pulled?

 

[6th Floor Mule]

Check to see if the top material has separated from the frame (i.e., bows). Buddy of mine had the same issue and same sailcloth top.

 

[HUMPLIK]

Yes it has, the first bow (above the driver) has separated. How did your buddy fix it? Or did he have to replace it?

 

[HUMPLIK]

After pulling the lever in step 5A, the frame DOES NOT slide freely in the guide tracks to the stowed position, as it should. Does anyone know why it’s stuck up there?

 

[6th Floor Mule]

Yes it has, the first bow (above the driver) has separated. How did your buddy fix it? Or did he have to replace it?

He’s tried glue and tape. Although both methods hold up for a while, upgrading to a new/used twill top is the best solution.

 

[HUMPLIK]

THAT is what is causing this problem.
The bows have torn from the fabric top,
Cheap fabric was between the bows and top fabric, that fabric is so brittle now I can pull it apart with just fingers.

 

[HUMPLIK]

Since the bows are not attached to the top, it doesn’t fold back correctly, but by tilting back the 5th bow while pulling on The Latch, the top slides back all the way. So I can get my top all the way down, though not a smoothly as before.

My plan is to replace the fabric with heavy-duty Velcro and see how it holds.

I have the Platinum warranty, but convertible tops ARE NOT covered.
It’s 4 years old, the windows are still good, my TJ top lasted 10 years before the zippers broke, 4 years is crap. Thanks Stellantis!

I’ll report back with the Velcro fix.
Thanks for the help figuring this out, Gents.

 

[Heimkehr]

It’s 4 years old, the windows are still good, my TJ top lasted 10 years before the zippers broke, 4 years is crap. Thanks, Stellantis!

Consider folding Bestop into the conversation, if you have add'l. questions. They manufacture the OEM tops that are installed at Toledo.

 

[HUMPLIK]

I appreciate your insight, I didn’t know BesTop was the OEM supplier.
I’ve had two replacement soft-tops by BesTop for my 2002 TJ over the 23 years I’ve owned it. Unfortunately, I can tell that the quality of manufacture went down between the two. So it makes sense that the OEM Soft Top made by them, probably in Mexico (because my second top was) of lesser material, would fail in only 4 years.
I’m probably going to get a slant-back top for my JL if this fix doesn’t work, or when it really tears.
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[HUMPLIK]

I have secured the top with heavy/duty Velcro. Cut if the torn fabric connector, and replaced with 1 inch Velcro with hook on bows. Holding so far, will update if it fails and k try something else.

 

[Blue 179]

I’m curious as to why you chose this route as opposed to the fabric glues that others have used. I’m asking as this repair may be in my future.

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