soft top corner post

[Jiggs1960]

I'll do my best to describe the situation, and hopefully, you'll be able to follow.
We have a 2-dr Wrangler with the factory soft top. In the summer, we will often open the top to the first position (not all the way open), and remove the back window (leaving the side windows in place). The cornerposts have a tab at the base that slices into a notch (however, it does not "snap" into place), and is esentially held into place by the rear window. When the rear window is removed, there is nothing preventing them from rotating outward, and potentially becoming "detached". I like to be able to remove the rear window for the increased air-flow. is there something that can be done to hold the corner posts in place in this situation? Are they supposed to actually "snap" into place at the bottom, and just need a good whack?
Thanks

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[Tangokilo]

I believe I have read here some cases of side widows coming loose because as you describe they are not positively retained once the back window is out. You could add a secondary restraint like a piece of parachute cord tied between the two. Maybe some stick on Velcro tape carefully placed somewhere to do the same. Or just remove the side widows works too - that's what I do. Safari mode...

 

[Terpsmandan]

Because I lost a window on the highway last summer, I drilled 1/4" hole in the plastic support panel in the window at the bottom near the tailgate bar, and another in the tailgate bar. When I put the top up I ziptie the window to the tailgate bar so I do not loose it again. Thinking that could work for you as well.

 

[Jiggs1960]

I believe I have read here some cases of side widows coming loose because as you describe they are not positively retained once the back window is out. You could add a secondary restraint like a piece of parachute cord tied between the two. Maybe some stick on Velcro tape carefully placed somewhere to do the same. Or just remove the side widows works too - that's what I do. Safari mode...

thanks for the reply. I considered connecting the two with a cord like you suggested, my main concern was that they aren't supposed to actually "snap" into place, and I was missing something. If were out, and decide to open it up, it's a lot easier to just take out the rear window and put it in the storage bag that we keep hanging in the back, and leave the two side windows in.
thanks again.

 

[Mocopo]

Mine also does not have any noticeable "snap," and feels like it would likely fly off at a high enough speed. My solution is just take the windows out too. i've never felt like it adds much time or effort, when you can yank all 3 out in less than 2 min.

If you do try a different solution, would be interested in seeing what you come up with.

 

[JHTS]

The soft top is not designed for operation with the rear window removed and side windows on. Either all three on or all three off per the owners manual. There is no snap as the rear window is what secures the side windows.

 

[Jiggs1960]

The soft top is not designed for operation with the rear window removed and side windows on. Either all three on or all three off per the owners manual. There is no snap as the rear window is what secures the side windows.

thanks for the reply. I guess someday, I really do need to read my owners manual front-to-back.
have a great day.

 

[Heimkehr]

+1 regarding what @JHTS mentioned. The rear window was designed to provide an important retention function for the side windows when all are installed.

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You're correct, Curt: The tabs on the vertical stiffener pieces of the side windows are intended to have a press fit only into the corresponding tabs on the bodywork, etc. Unless the tabs are positioned and seated correctly, the risk of loss of the side windows when driving is heightened. This risk is doubled when the rear window itself is intentionally absent.

I do miss the roll-up feature of the rear window on my YJ for precisely the benefit that that configuration provided: a pleasant increase in air flow on warm days. It's just something that isn't easily or safely mimicked on the JL unless I flip the top back into the Sunrider position, or lower it completely.

 

[Joe's_Roxy]

I took a couple of small pieces of expanded metal (it was what I had on hand at the time) and bent them to form a hook. I attached them together with a piece of nylon cord. I set the cord tight enough to hold the side windows in place.

To install the kit, I slide it in from the top of the back wind channels after removing the back window. I then push it down to the bottom of the channel. I typically have the tailgate piece in place and will put the rope inside the channel to help secure it.

Have run this set up on the highway at speed and around town. The rope keeps the side windows in place as if the back window was in place.

 

[Jiggs1960]

+1 regarding what @JHTS mentioned. The rear window was designed to provide an important retention function for the side windows when all are installed.

----------------

You're correct, Curt: The tabs on the vertical stiffener pieces of the side windows are intended to have a press fit only into the corresponding tabs on the bodywork, etc. Unless the tabs are positioned and seated correctly, the risk of loss of the side windows when driving is heightened. This risk is doubled when the rear window itself is intentionally absent.

I do miss the roll-up feature of the rear window on my YJ for precisely the benefit that that configuration provided: a pleasant increase in air flow on warm days. It's just something that isn't easily or safely mimicked on the JL unless I flip the top back into the Sunrider position, or lower it completely.

thanks for the reply. for me, it's so much easier to remove just the rear waindow if you're out running around. Jeep needs to re-think their design to allow for this.
have a great day.

 

[Jiggs1960]

I took a couple of small pieces of expanded metal (it was what I had on hand at the time) and bent them to form a hook. I attached them together with a piece of nylon cord. I set the cord tight enough to hold the side windows in place.

To install the kit, I slide it in from the top of the back wind channels after removing the back window. I then push it down to the bottom of the channel. I typically have the tailgate piece in place and will put the rope inside the channel to help secure it.

Have run this set up on the highway at speed and around town. The rope keeps the side windows in place as if the back window was in place.

that looks like it might be worth trying. easy enough to make, and easy enough to put in place when you need it.
thanks

 

[Joe's_Roxy]

that looks like it might be worth trying. easy enough to make, and easy enough to put in place when you need it.
thanks

Yes to both!

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