UGH! Bent part of Premium Soft Top Frame

[Hughesonthenet]

Last night I entered an airport parking garage on my 2018 JLUR, thinking I was low enough to enter. Unfortunately, my top was open in the Sunrider position, which was just high enough to be an issue. Ugh! There was a one-time impact to the metal bar alerting to the maximum height.

Today upon examining the top fully, as best as I can tell, I find only one issue. One piece of the frame was bent. The top can still sit in the sunder position and can be folded down completely. However, the bend causes the passenger side to be back too far so that I am unable to close the top.

The two images attached show the difference between the piece on each side.

The piece looks to be replaceable. But, where to get one? Are local dealers likely to be able to order parts for the top? Will Bestop have parts available?

Thoughts?

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[islandtees]

I wonder if you can use a conduit pipe bender. Remove the end and put it in the bender and massage it straight. Its looks like a 1/2 or 3/4 bender will work. Just a thought as I bend conduit often.

 

[Hughesonthenet]

I wonder if you can use a conduit pipe bender. Remove the end and put it in the bender and massage it straight. Its looks like a 1/2 or 3/4 bender will work. Just a thought as I bend conduit often.

That’s not a bad idea, at least until I’m able to replace it. I have no experience bending conduit. Any special tips in case I go that route?

 

[Rhinebeck01]

I wonder if you can use a conduit pipe bender. Remove the end and put it in the bender and massage it straight. Its looks like a 1/2 or 3/4 bender will work. Just a thought as I bend conduit often.

Agreed.. If it was bent (it was) it can be bent be back.

 

[Rhinebeck01]

That’s not a bad idea, at least until I’m able to replace it. I have no experience bending conduit. Any special tips in case I go that route?

Stop by at a local body shop. They will straighten it for you if you aren't up to the task. You can try calling BestTop and see if they can provide replacement.

 

[islandtees]

That’s not a bad idea, at least until I’m able to replace it. I have no experience bending conduit. Any special tips in case I go that route?

You may want to do what Rhinebeck01 suggests. Bending conduit needs some experience as you could make it worse. If you are replacing it anyway and have to wait for the part than I would give it a go. Bend slowly and very little increments to get it to work.

 

[RussJeep1]

Though they are up to their ears in producing product for FCA right now, perhaps Bestop, who posts here regularly, might be able to sell you new versions of the components you damaged, rather than you having to deal with FCA, as they make the device for FCA.

When a new vehicle is released, it's been my history that replacement parts are initially far less diversified by the auto maker: in other words to get (I speak in metaphors) "the tiny plastic valve cover for a tire from MOPAR (or any parts company), you have to buy 5 tires."

Over time parts tend to get broken down into sub parts that are sold individually--which by reaching out to Bestop, is a situation you might hope to achieve.

 

[Hughesonthenet]

Though they are up to their ears in producing product for FCA right now, perhaps Bestop, who posts here regularly, might be able to sell you new versions of the components you damaged, rather than you having to deal with FCA, as they make the device for FCA.

When a new vehicle is released, it's been my history that replacement parts are initially far less diversified by the auto maker: in other words to get (I speak in metaphors) "the tiny plastic valve cover for a tire from MOPAR (or any parts company), you have to buy 5 tires."

Over time parts tend to get broken down into sub parts that are sold individually--which by reaching out to Bestop, is a situation you might hope to achieve.

Unfortunately, in the reply I just received from Bestop about my issue, they said they can’t help. Here’s their reply:

“You will need to go back to your dealer to contact Chrysler for a replacement. The JL parts are only OEM so far so we can not get replacements for them.”

*heavy sigh*

 

[Bubba33]

I would bend it back with conduit bender. What do have to loose. If you broke it ,you could after it's straight slide a pipe over it or it to splice it.

 

[JBall]

So sorry to hear about this Brian...I feel for you. Thanks so much for sharing so the rest of us will be aware-much appreciated! I hope you find a quick resolution either way. Sometimes @JeepCares monitors these types of issues here and can help you out.

 

[Turfman]

So sorry to hear about this Brian...I feel for you. Thanks so much for sharing so the rest of us will be aware-much appreciated! I hope you find a quick resolution either way. Sometimes @JeepCares monitors these types of issues here and can help you out.

Your best bet is simply locating an electrician who bends pipe on a regular basis they would know how. If that is not an option find a plumbing supply store that bends pipe and ask who their most experienced employee is and let them do it. Home Depot and Lowe’s both sell pipe and cut and bend some. A place like Ace may be able to help also and even a hydraulic hose company who may make the large metal lines for big trucks.

Avoid muffler shops as they generally only bend larger pipe!

Good luck.

 

[Mordin Solus]

My sympathies

But as others said you should be able to find a place to fix ya up so no need to stress about it too much

Or I should say..... nothing to get bent out of shape over.

 

[1SCgirl2]

We had a lock that wouldn’t disengage and bent one of those same bars - dealership replaced entire top not just the one part that seemed logical vs all of it - took a few days to find one
Good luck

 

[JLUOZZYRUBICON]

Very disappointed. But glad to find this post. My wife has jeep right now and I think a lock got stuck on or she forced it when locked. And bent both sides now has a 4 inch gap in the front and dose not close and back dosent come up. Its done for. Anyone else can shed a light. Going to see what dealer says. Some dinky metal they use. Dammit!!!

 

[jeremyjeep]

A pipe bender is $35 at Home Depot.

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