Unremovable Hard Top??

[Smcclelland]

Previous owner of my 21 JLUR that I bought a few months ago mounted rock lights to the exterior of the jeep. I assume he was using them as campsite lights, chase lights etc.

The issue it’s now brought on is that I’m unable to remove the hard top because he ran the wiring through it to the engine bay to connect them to the aux switches. What’re my options here?

I obviously can’t just remove them entirely since he drilled through the hard top, plus they are quite useful when it comes to campsite lighting so I do enjoy having them. I’m a complete idiot when it comes to electrical/wiring so I’d likely be hiring someone to do the work for me. Just looking to see if there’s hope to one day be completely topless on the trails, or if I’m stuck going half nude with the freedom panels off

Note: My apologies if this is in the wrong section

Sponsored

 

[GATORB8]

Cut in disconnects. Either cheap-o crimp ons, or you can pin on some duetch (sp?) connectors for a more factory look.

EDIT: I was close. Here are some pigtail versions, you can do that or the one's you can pin in.
https://www.amazon.com/JRready-Wate...ds=deutsche+connectors&qid=1712094211&sr=8-18

 

[AcesandEights]

What Gator88 said. It's really easy and allows you to even plug other lights (or something else), when the top is off.

I've started putting in Deutsch connectors on my connections for that very reason (lights on removable racks, swing-outs, 12V water pump, etc.). If I can wire it directly, I don't anymore. I've found I have to cut the line somewhere anyway at some point, so I just put in DT plugs from the beginning. Saved me multiple headaches.

ETA: I just clicked the link Gator88 provided. Those are the connectors I use.

 

[Heimkehr]

@Smcclelland
I've a two-rail moto trailer that is designed for easy disassembly, for off-season storage. I use two-pin connectors (exactly as suggested above) to accommodate easy disconnection & reconnection of the relevant lighting. You can do the same with the rock light wiring on your Jeep.

 

[dpike]

Get the correct crimper for the Deutsch connectors and make your life easy.

 

[RicRecon]

Previous owner of my 21 JLUR that I bought a few months ago mounted rock lights to the exterior of the jeep. I assume he was using them as campsite lights, chase lights etc.

The issue it’s now brought on is that I’m unable to remove the hard top because he ran the wiring through it to the engine bay to connect them to the aux switches. What’re my options here?

I obviously can’t just remove them entirely since he drilled through the hard top, plus they are quite useful when it comes to campsite lighting so I do enjoy having them. I’m a complete idiot when it comes to electrical/wiring so I’d likely be hiring someone to do the work for me. Just looking to see if there’s hope to one day be completely topless on the trails, or if I’m stuck going half nude with the freedom panels off

Note: My apologies if this is in the wrong section

Pretty interesting idea for the lights mounted in the rear. I could see trying that and wiring in a two pin connector inside the rear driver side so the top can be removed.

 

[AcesandEights]

I know this is a derail, but I also have a cigarette plug (male) with DT connectors. I kept the wires fairly long.

I can use it for several of the things in the Jeep that I've wired since they all use the same connectors.

 

[Smcclelland]

This is exactly what I needed! Thank you! Given only 4 of the 6 lights are mounted in the hard top, I would just need to cut in and install the deutsche connection on each of the 4 lights designated wiring?

Previous owner of my 21 JLUR that I bought a few months ago mounted rock lights to the exterior of the jeep. I assume he was using them as campsite lights, chase lights etc.

The issue it’s now brought on is that I’m unable to remove the hard top because he ran the wiring through it to the engine bay to connect them to the aux switches. What’re my options here?

I obviously can’t just remove them entirely since he drilled through the hard top, plus they are quite useful when it comes to campsite lighting so I do enjoy having them. I’m a complete idiot when it comes to electrical/wiring so I’d likely be hiring someone to do the work for me. Just looking to see if there’s hope to one day be completely topless on the trails, or if I’m stuck going half nude with the freedom panels off

Note: My apologies if this is in the wrong section

Cut in disconnects. Either cheap-o crimp ons, or you can pin on some duetch (sp?) connectors for a more factory look.

EDIT: I was close. Here are some pigtail versions, you can do that or the one's you can pin in.
https://www.amazon.com/JRready-Wate...ds=deutsche+connectors&qid=1712094211&sr=8-18

 

[Smcclelland]

Yeah I love the lights for their purpose, they work well for what I use them for. Give off a ton of light and the coverage is pretty great for when it comes to cooking, setting up camp sites etc.

Pretty interesting idea for the lights mounted in the rear. I could see trying that and wiring in a two pin connector inside the rear driver side so the top can be removed.

 

[GATORB8]

This is exactly what I needed! Thank you! Given only 4 of the 6 lights are mounted in the hard top, I would just need to cut in and install the deutsche connection on each of the 4 lights designated wiring?

Yes, if they all run together, those connectors come in multiple sizes.

 

[rossneill]

Previous owner of my 21 JLUR that I bought a few months ago mounted rock lights to the exterior of the jeep. I assume he was using them as campsite lights, chase lights etc.

The issue it’s now brought on is that I’m unable to remove the hard top because he ran the wiring through it to the engine bay to connect them to the aux switches. What’re my options here?

I obviously can’t just remove them entirely since he drilled through the hard top, plus they are quite useful when it comes to campsite lighting so I do enjoy having them. I’m a complete idiot when it comes to electrical/wiring so I’d likely be hiring someone to do the work for me. Just looking to see if there’s hope to one day be completely topless on the trails, or if I’m stuck going half nude with the freedom panels off

Note: My apologies if this is in the wrong section

Cut wire add bullet connectors then you can plug them in or unplug any stereo installer should be able to help

 

[rossneill]

You can buy locking on Amazon

Sponsored