Remove Rear Window from Hard Top?

[woody8476]

Has anyone removed the rear glass from their OEM hard top?

If so, what did you do with the wires and washer fluid tube that feed from the glass into the roof? Any recommendation for quick disconnect fittings?

@Bestop Would love a kit to essentially convert the glass to a “soft top rear window”, but doesn’t seem to exist?

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[The Last Cowboy]

It would be great if someone came out with a quick removal kit. In my JK I could drive with the rear window up. It was great when all I wanted to do was to remove the roof panels. On the JL, the wiper motor is at the bottom of the glass.

The struts don't hold the window up going over bumps and such, causing it to bounce up and down on the struts and make noise, as all the weight is far away from the hinges, as opposed to the JK, where the weight was close to the hinges.

Also, being able to simple remove the rear glass would make removing the hard top much easier.

As matter of fact, I would like the side windows to have a quick release/pop out option as well.

 

[woody8476]

Exactly! I’m surprised it doesn’t already exist. Seems it would be very similar mounting system to the soft top, but a kit to fit the hard top dimensions? I understand the CO/safety concern from the factories but put a warning label on it like anything else to deny liability. Plus, no exhaust with a 4xe ?

I drive with the rear window open fairly often but worry about wear on the struts with bumps or anything more than just quick local drives. We also get all four seasons in a single day around Chicago, so this would be the next best option to full removal if the forecast is questionable and would be able to swap the glass window back in before winter too.

 

[woody8476]

It would be great if someone came out with a quick removal kit. In my JK I could drive with the rear window up. It was great when all I wanted to do was to remove the roof panels. On the JL, the wiper motor is at the bottom of the glass.

The struts don't hold the window up going over bumps and such, causing it to bounce up and down on the struts and make noise, as all the weight is far away from the hinges, as opposed to the JK, where the weight was close to the hinges.

Also, being able to simple remove the rear glass would make removing the hard top much easier.

As matter of fact, I would like the side windows to have a quick release/pop out option as well.

Also, the side windows do come out for the SOT, right? So Jeep is already part way there! I did see in another forum that they have a design for a modular hard top on the Gladiator but who knows if/when that would go into production. Also don’t want to pay several thousand for a whole new top.

I have a lot of great “original” ideas/inventions, only to Google it and find out it’s already been done!

 

[NWJeepr]

The hardtops need the minivan vent windows like from the old Town and Country / Caravan / Voyagers.

 

[The Last Cowboy]

The hardtops need the minivan vent windows like from the old Town and Country / Caravan / Voyagers.

Yes! I've always been wanting that on Wrangler hardtops. Pop out about 2" in the rear to vent or pull a pin and remove completely.

And yeah, the SOT top has side panels that remove. Imagine if regular hardtops had side panel/side glass that could be removed, and the rear glass could be removed. Then taking the hardtop off would be very simple, as a significant part of the weight is glass. It would make repairs easier too.

 

[Heater]

I installed rear sliding windows in my JK hardtop and what a difference with ventilation, crosswinds, heat release…. One of the best things I have done to improve the comfort, especially with my dog in the back.

The company that makes them has a new version for the JL:

https://ursaminorvehicles.com/campe...ns/jeep-glass-driver-side-half-clamped-2.html

 

[Grayhound]

I had the same line of thinking. I used a damaged hard top and used an angle grinder to cut out the side windows. I installed an aluminum track for stability and mounting the side windows in again. I un bolted the rear window and there is a quick disconnect in the wires right behind the black grommet. You will pop off your rear defrost so be ready to use adhesive to re glue it. I then made the connection a little easier to pop on and off for the future.

 

[BXFXJeep]

Be careful with the rear glass, it's $1,000+

https://store.mopar.com/oem-parts/mopar-backlite-68282135al

 

[CBIRD]

Be careful with the rear glass, it's $1,000+

https://store.mopar.com/oem-parts/mopar-backlite-68282135al

Safelite replaced the shattered rear window for me ('22 JLUR) for $650.

 

[BXFXJeep]

Safelite replaced the shattered rear window for me ('22 JLUR) for $650.

That's a deal, still pricey to be messing around with I think.

 

[woody8476]

That's a deal, still pricey to be messing around with I think.

That’s a part of why I’d like to be able to remove it entirely so I’m not putting strain on the struts or just driving with it sticking up.

Desired outcome is I can store the glass in safely all summer and use a “soft top” window that can be easily removed and rolled up when weather permits.

I think the glass removal would be easy enough and assume I could find appropriately sized QD for the fluid hose and wiring to reinstall later. The real trick would be making a vinyl window and brackets to attach it to the hard top frame without it leaking or blowing away!

The brackets that hold the soft top tailgate bar don’t fit with the hard top installed, and I’m sure the hard top opening isn’t the same size as the soft anyway. Wish a sponsor of this forum would just take my money and do it for me!

 

[BXFXJeep]

That’s a part of why I’d like to be able to remove it entirely so I’m not putting strain on the struts or just driving with it sticking up.

Desired outcome is I can store the glass in safely all summer and use a “soft top” window that can be easily removed and rolled up when weather permits.

I think the glass removal would be easy enough and assume I could find appropriately sized QD for the fluid hose and wiring to reinstall later. The real trick would be making a vinyl window and brackets to attach it to the hard top frame without it leaking or blowing away!

The brackets that hold the soft top tailgate bar don’t fit with the hard top installed, and I’m sure the hard top opening isn’t the same size as the soft anyway. Wish a sponsor of this forum would just take my money and do it for me!

All 4 sides would have to be secured, for vinyl to work

You can always get just the top hinges, and bottom bar rig it up to a plexiglass of sorts, that unscrew easily from the top hinges with butterfly nuts or something like that.

I have donor hinges ?

Some unhoused broke into my 2 week old 2018 looking for booze

 

[woody8476]

All 4 sides would have to be secured, for vinyl to work

You can always get just the top hinges, and bottom bar rig it up to a plexiglass of sorts, that unscrew easily from the top hinges with butterfly nuts or something like that.

I have donor hinges ?

Some unhoused broke into my 2 week old 2018 looking for booze

Well in fairness, was there booze in your trunk? PSA: keep your booze in the house where you can enjoy it!

Your plexiglass idea may actually be the quickest/easiest option, and it could seal up against the existing weather stripping. I’ll hit you up for those hinges if I decide to try that out! Idea of it being vinyl was also to allow for tool-free removal with Velcro/zippers/snaps.

 

[BXFXJeep]

Well in fairness, was there booze in your trunk? PSA: keep your booze in the house where you can enjoy it!

Your plexiglass idea may actually be the quickest/easiest option, and it could seal up against the existing weather stripping. I’ll hit you up for those hinges if I decide to try that out! Idea of it being vinyl was also to allow for tool-free removal with Velcro/zippers/snaps.

I have to check I may have the bottom rubber bar thing also from the broken rear glass.

I had a case of this, they took, they were probably wondering why they weren't getting drunk

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