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Soft top at high speed

Mocopo

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I live about 10 miles outside of town with nothing but freeways to get anywhere i need to go. We're talking 5 years in soft top Jeeps of almost daily trips with 60+ mph, often 80 ish, and the top in all different configurations. I'll agree with the other 100 posts that beat me to it... your top should not be damaged. There's more to this story.

Edit: also I've never once used those velcro straps you're supposed to use when you just throw the sunrider back. So that won't be it. I use those straps when the top is all the way back, i strap it to the rear bars to stop it from bouncing on trails.
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Htfan

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This situation is feeling like an improper installation issue or operator error.
 

Buckster

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For all those questioning the OP - My '19 had the fabric that fastens the soft top to the horizontal bows pretty much disintegrate so that the top was no longer attached to said bows. No high speed shenanigans involved.
This is not a one-off situation. Several internet solutions including double sided 3M tape and fabric glue were not successful for me (could be the Florida heat). I scored a never used soft top off FB marketplace as a solution for relatively cheap.
OP's connecting fabric may have been gradually deteriorating and simply let loose while performing questionable high speed maneuvers.
 

Htfan

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For all those questioning the OP - My '19 had the fabric that fastens the soft top to the horizontal bows pretty much disintegrate so that the top was no longer attached to said bows. No high speed shenanigans involved.
This is not a one-off situation. Several internet solutions including double sided 3M tape and fabric glue were not successful for me (could be the Florida heat). I scored a never used soft top off FB marketplace as a solution for relatively cheap.
OP's connecting fabric may have been gradually deteriorating and simply let loose while performing questionable high speed maneuvers.
Well, that makes sense. This info is helpful!
 

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Remorseless

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Almost sounds comparable to the floorboard getting ripped off a Mitsubishi eclipse that was driving too fast.
My man's got his manifold in danger territory
 

jeepingib

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Stuckinthesand

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For all those questioning the OP - My '19 had the fabric that fastens the soft top to the horizontal bows pretty much disintegrate so that the top was no longer attached to said bows. No high speed shenanigans involved.
This is not a one-off situation. Several internet solutions including double sided 3M tape and fabric glue were not successful for me (could be the Florida heat). I scored a never used soft top off FB marketplace as a solution for relatively cheap.
OP's connecting fabric may have been gradually deteriorating and simply let loose while performing questionable high speed maneuvers.
I also have a 19 with the premium top that the 1st bow detached from it disintegrating as well. I cut all the old fabric off the bow, cleaned the bow with some alcohol and used Aleenes fabric glue. That stuff is legit. I do 80mph to work everday 17 miles both ways. Been about 2 months and still holding strong. Even when sitting in the sun all day when the top is folded all the way down it has held. I believe that was the problem in the 1st place was how much that 1st bow sits in the sun if you have your top down at every opportunity. No other bows detached so far.
 

Twisted10

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ive had my 392 in territory a jeep shouldnt be at and my top is fine...

Jeep Wrangler JL Soft top at high speed {filename}
 
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Lousab1

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Please forgive me, I have never posted until now and am not sure if im replying to everone. Picture number 1. This is how the soft top was seated but with the rear window out. It’s no wonder how the air flow can get into one of the two folds and exert enough pressure to pull the fabric from the frame. Picture 2!is the fabric wripped from the three cross members. Picture 3 is how I found the cover after exiting the Northway and checking what the noise was all about.
Jeep Wrangler JL Soft top at high speed IMG_6744
Jeep Wrangler JL Soft top at high speed IMG_6746
Jeep Wrangler JL Soft top at high speed IMG_6743
l
I'm trying to understand exactly how this happened. I drive at freeway speeds with my softop in various positions and haven't dealt with this. As mentioned above, pictures would help.
 
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Lousab1

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If the fabric that separated from the cross bars is still intact, you might consider reattaching them to the bars with a well-rated fabric glue. Used properly, it provides excellent adhesion.

Failing that, and depending on the degree of damage, you might be in for the cost of a replacement top. Photos would provide necessary context here.
thanks
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