Soft top and the heat

[beachbumm78]

Finalllllyyyy got my jeep back after having the engine replaced and a few other things done. It’s been sitting outside in the AZ heat for over three months. I’ve had a sun screen on the top and noticed as I drive now that random bits of “fabric” that disintegrate when touched fall down on my head. I’ve traced it to what sits on top of the crossmember bar on the soft top. Anyone else experienced this or idea how to treat?

Sponsored

 

[calemasters]

My Jeep is always garaged. Setting out in the Phoenix sun for over 3 months during the summer is brutal. You may need to replaced the affected trim.

 

[beachbumm78]

My Jeep is always garaged. Setting out in the Phoenix sun for over 3 months during the summer is brutal. You may need to replaced the affected trim.

Yeah mine usually is also. But can’t control it when the auto shop has it unfortunately.

 

[JEEP4U]

Premium Twill Top?

 

[calemasters]

Yeah mine usually is also. But can’t control it when the auto shop has it unfortunately.

A shop told me they will not cover vehicles because it is too much trouble when they have to move the cars around.

 

[Heimkehr]

It’s been sitting outside in the AZ heat for over three months.

...as I drive now that random bits of “fabric” that disintegrate when touched fall down on my head.

I'd agree with the idea that fabric deterioration, as a consequence of prolonged exposure to heat and light, is occurring.

Perhaps the real test here is to determine if the top's waterproofness is now compromised. Any water infiltration would indicate that a replacement top is now required. On that point, I don't know if or how you'd have any recourse with the dealer, as it concerns the cost of a new top.

Best of luck with things, Kristy. Personally, I'd go in for a new top simply because the falling bits of fabric suggest that a slow motion failure has already begun.

 

[beachbumm78]

I'd agree with the idea that fabric deterioration, as a consequence of prolonged exposure to heat and light, is occurring.

Perhaps the real test here is to determine if the top's waterproofness is now compromised. Any water infiltration would indicate that a replacement top is now required. On that point, I don't know if or how you'd have any recourse with the dealer, as it concerns the cost of a new top.

Best of luck with things, Kristy. Personally, I'd go in for a new top simply because the falling bits of fabric suggest that a slow motion failure has already begun.

That definitely will be the test. It seems that it’s coming from the fabric that sits on top of the crossbar. I haven’t seen any fall from the inside of the twill top so far. Definitely will be watching it. Unfortunately, it’s out of warranty so no dealer would help unless I pay for it. We’ll see how things go!

 

[beachbumm78]

I'm a plastics engineer. Oxygen + Heat and UV will make fibers degrade. Fabric has more surface area than a solid piece such as your fender so more place for O2 to touch the plastic. Many folks may not realize that almost all fabrics are high % plastic.

Vinyl =PVC = plastic
Twill is probably polyester with possibly some cotton = plastic + cotton?
Nylon = plastic

As things degrade they get brittle, break, and little bits fall off.

I live near Houston, so I feel your pain - but at least you have a DRY heat.

Pay close attention to thin spots which may rip at highway speeds.

Definitely will be keeping an eye on things! Ha—dry heat is just as bad as that humid heat. At least my skin stays moisturized when it’s humid hahaha.
Planning on washing it all and Re-applying some protectant and all

 

[beachbumm78]

A shop told me they will not cover vehicles because it is too much trouble when they have to move the cars around.

I’d believe it. Plus where mine was there’s no room to store inside. I’ll just keep my eye on it and re-apply some protectant.

 

[beachbumm78]

Premium Twill Top?

Yes

 

[73TAWM]

Care to mention what brand top? Or is all the twill tops the same?
Asking because I am planning on getting a Best Top soon.

 

[AZ Hella]

I have experience with both the premium twill & black diamond tops. Neither one had any issues like that. My twill one is garaged for the last year but prior to that it spent all of its time outside in the Phoenix summer heat.

 

[SteveM]

I had a 19 jl sport that did that. I Also live in Phoenix area. Had extended warranty dealer had to replace top

Sponsored