Soft top gap - missing something?

[Majdd2008]

Do your soft tops have something that fills that gap with regards to the interior lights?

I see that as a place water will pool and short out the lights and/or bar.

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[Bryce]

Mine's a 4 door and a s 2019, but it's got an opening like that on the front edge of the front sport bar too.

 

[Majdd2008]

I found this picture online. Looks like there's something in this one's gap, though it could be for some kind of additional tip.

 

[OrneryBear]

I'm failing to see what the issue is. If your soft top is closed, it's all covered so how would water get in to pool?

 

[Majdd2008]

I'm failing to see what the issue is. If your soft top is closed, it's all covered so how would water get in to pool?

Because rain showers happen, even when driving. Hence I removed all the carpet in my jeeps.

 

[OrneryBear]

Because rain showers happen, even when driving. Hence I removed all the carpet in my jeeps.

Ok, but what does that have to do with the soft top if you're talking about getting caught with the top down?

 

[Murphydog]

I believe those gaps are for the hardware that hold the front freedom panels of the hard top

 

[Majdd2008]

Ok, but what does that have to do with the soft top if you're talking about getting caught with the top down?

Because soft tops and hard tops come with different components. There are holes for parts to attach the hard top that I don't have because it's a soft top.

 

[OrneryBear]

Because soft tops and hard tops come with different components. There are holes for parts to attach the hard top that I don't have because it's a soft top.

Got it. I also have a soft top from the factory, and I've never looked at this and worried about it.

 

[jludave]

Do your soft tops have something that fills that gap with regards to the interior lights?

If your JL did not come with a hard top, there is nothing installed where that gap is. If you had a hard top, the rear tabs for the freedom panels would be there.

 

[ArcadeTracks]

I think mine is the same as yours, but my wires are tucked back a lot more. I've been caught in the rain topless and never thought about water pooling there, but it's a legit question/concern

 

[Majdd2008]

I messaged a local dealer. He had never looked before but realized yes it could fill with water. His gladiator and two jls all looked the same.

So now I'm going to focus some efforts on finding some kind of way to cap it. Maybe find someone with 3d printer capabilities.

It might not be a big deal... but now that I've found it... it's gonna bug me.

 

[Opus]

Keep us posted if you find an inexpensive solution... or a ridiculously expensive solution... both are fun in their own way.

 

[J.Ferreira]

There are gaps between the plastic bits and the metal bits of the roll bar all over the place. I would imagine there are just tons of rain channels for water to escape.
Because there are plenty of noticeable rain channels as well, I'd imagine there are some that are hidden to easily notice.

 

[OrneryBear]

I messaged a local dealer. He had never looked before but realized yes it could fill with water. His gladiator and two jls all looked the same.

So now I'm going to focus some efforts on finding some kind of way to cap it. Maybe find someone with 3d printer capabilities.

It might not be a big deal... but now that I've found it... it's gonna bug me.

Before going through all this trouble, I would suggest identifying the problem you are trying to solve. You're hypothesizing there is a problem with water pooling, but you should actually confirm it first. Trust me I design products for people and companies daily, identify the problems up front, and don't operate off assumptions. I can't tell you how often people want me to design their product idea for a problem that doesn't exist. Make some mock up pieces out of whatever and see if blocking water in that location does anything too, or if you just divert it somewhere you don't want it.

Also just because someone has a 3d printer, doesn't mean they have the cad modeling skills to magically make you parts. If you do 3d print it, don't use PLA (which most hobbyists use), exposure to UV being in that location will degrade it. You'll want to use something like nylon or PETG which will be strong and take impacts well, or TPU which will hold its shape well, but be flexible, depending on what you come up with.

Good luck.

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