Hardtop removal write up

[jpaddict]

It is easy if you have not done it yet.

You need a #40, and a #30 torx bit.

After removing the front panels of the freedom top:

1. Disconnect the connector for the rear wiper/washer
2. Use #40 Torx to remove the 6 bolts securing the top.
3. Use #30 Torx to remove the two screws holding the soft top arms.
4. Lift off the hard top (you will need two people). Most of the weight is at the rear.
5. Remove the soft top.
6. Reverse the process.
7. Done.

My soft top was stil in its original position from the factory taking up needed storage space.

[HUMONGO]

It is easy if you have not done it yet.


2. Use #40 Torx to remove the 6 bolts securing the top.


8 bolts on the 4 door. 3 on each side in the back and 1 on each side up front on top.

I put the bolts for the soft top right back into the threads of the soft top after removal to prevent loss. The manual says to remove the brackets on the rollbar, but I left them as they don't get in the way and they give me something to tie a rope or bungie to.

[Rubimon]

8 bolts on the 4 door. 3 on each side in the back and 1 on each side up front on top.

The manual says to remove the brackets on the rollbar, but I left them as they don't get in the way and they give me something to tie a rope or bungie to.

Probably a good idea, I have been kicking mine around the garage in a zip lock bag. When I need them, I won't be able to find them.

[HUMONGO]

I'm still finding parts from my F150 I sold 5 years ago.

[SpudRacer]

I don't have the help to do this, and am wondering... if I unbolt the hardtop and remove the T30 bolts for the soft-top, would I be able to stand in the cargo area, then lift the top up on my shoulders while my wife pulled the soft top out from underneath? Is it that easy? Or not??

Tom
Bryson City, NC

[Rubimon]

Yes that would work. I bet you could prop a couple of 2 x 4's, one in each corner standing on end and you wouldn't even need your wife. Or pull under some support and throw a strap or rope around it and pull it up. I have basically a hook in each corner and put my top on and off myself.

[biglynny]

I don't have the help to do this, and am wondering... if I unbolt the hardtop and remove the T30 bolts for the soft-top, would I be able to stand in the cargo area, then lift the top up on my shoulders while my wife pulled the soft top out from underneath? Is it that easy? Or not??

Tom
Bryson City, NC

I undid the T30 bolts on the soft top one day not realizing the HT had to come off first BEFORE one could remove the soft top. The freakin' soft top is really jammed in place. I reefed on it and it wasn't moving. So I told my wife we'd wage war on it when we took the HT off. I was surprised. I bet it'll pop off when the HT is removed.

[VETTE277]

where exactly is the screws that need to be removed from the BPiller ?

[Wolfshead]

When you take the panels off, you will see that the back section curves around and ends at the B pillar. There is a screw almost at the very end of the curve.

For the record, if those screws are not in, you can get some pretty loud sqeaks from that area.

[bobzinger]

Did anyone else receive a letter in the mail from DC about the hard top removal? They sent me a quick reference card for removing and installing the hard top. I appreciate the effort, but I've had the Jeep for 6 months now. Must take a while for me to get through the system that I'm an owner now. I wonder if I'll start seeing an influx of mail like this.

[Sv650]

It's much clearer on pages 128 - 130 of the manual.

Rear Panel Removal
1. Remove both front panels. Refer to “Front Panel(s)
Removal” in this section.
2. Unbolt the two (2) Torx head screws which secure the
hard top at the B-pillar using a #40 Torx head driver.
3. Open both doors.
4. Unbolt the Torx head screws (4 for 2 door models) (6
for 4 door models) which secure the hard top to the
vehicle using a #40 Torx head driver.
5. Open swing gate all the way to ensure clearance of the
rear window glass. Lift rear window glass.
6. Locate the wiring harness at the rear left side corner of
the vehicle.
7. Disconnect the washer hose and install the tethered
cap.
CAUTION!
Make sure storage cap is installed to prevent foreign
materials from entering tube and clogging system.
8. Disconnect the wire harness from the hard top by
pressing the tab at the side of the connector and pulling
to disconnect.
NOTE: If the red latch on the connector is locked, push
the red latch to the right until you can only see the latch
on one end (right) of the connector. This will unlock
connector tab, allowing the tab to be pressed down and
enabling the harness to be disconnected from the hard
top.
9. Remove the hard top from the vehicle. Place on a soft
surface to prevent damage.

SV

[Rubimon]

Did anyone else receive a letter in the mail from DC about the hard top removal? They sent me a quick reference card for removing and installing the hard top. I appreciate the effort, but I've had the Jeep for 6 months now. Must take a while for me to get through the system that I'm an owner now. I wonder if I'll start seeing an influx of mail like this.

Ya, just got mine, I think they figured there were so many people installing them wrong (causing leaks) that they better send out a pamphlet.

[RedrockX]

so....
my hard top doesnt have the torx bits on the sound bar...?
its like 2, 7/16" regular black bolts...? WTF...

hmmm......

[airric00]

It's much clearer on pages 128 - 130 of the manual.

7. Disconnect the washer hose and install the tethered
cap.
CAUTION!
Make sure storage cap is installed to prevent foreign
materials from entering tube and clogging system.
8. Disconnect the wire harness from the hard top by
pressing the tab at the side of the connector and pulling
to disconnect.
NOTE: If the red latch on the connector is locked, push
the red latch to the right until you can only see the latch
on one end (right) of the connector. This will unlock
connector tab, allowing the tab to be pressed down and
enabling the harness to be disconnected from the hard
top.
9. Remove the hard top from the vehicle. Place on a soft
surface to prevent damage[/I].

SV


HaHa... I had mine almost a year until today when I put my hard top back on I realized that there was a cap for the washer hose taped to the wiring. I can assure you it won't matter if you forget it.. I just stuff it under the carpet when the hardtop is off.... :D

[Voodoo]

I just stuff it under the carpet when the hardtop is off.... :D

Mumble... Me no have stinky carpet... me better put the plug on... :bleh:

[RedrockX]

so....
my hard top doesnt have the torx bits on the sound bar...?
its like 2, 7/16" regular black bolts...? WTF...

hmmm......


you think its just an assembly line screw up..?

am i the ONLY one..?

[Bronco_Bustin]

Did you guys recieve the torx bits and tool with the Jeep or did you have to buy it?

[possumface]

they gave me nothing but a cheap jack that takes a rocket scientist to figure out how to remove it, along with those crazy door electric plugs. yes you need to go purchase a set of torx bit socket set along with a socket wrench that swivels.
why don't they just toss a bottle jack in the storage area along with some sockets and call it a day at the factory, they can keep the fancy owners manual that was written by a rocket scientist. :thinking:

[TBJK]

Did you guys recieve the torx bits and tool with the Jeep or did you have to buy it?

We had to buy it. It sucks that they didn't include it like in the glove box

[revolucion!]

woulda been nice of DC to include the Torx sockets or at least a Torx driver. i mean, u buy a $20 shelf @ IKEA and it comes w/a cheap wrench or allen keys! but spend $30K on a brand new JK, and don't even get it? DC's tight man...

[TBJK]

woulda been nice of DC to include the Torx sockets or at least a Torx driver. i mean, u buy a $20 shelf @ IKEA and it comes w/a cheap wrench or allen keys! but spend $30K on a brand new JK, and don't even get it? DC's tight man...

X2 that..at least a wrench ...freaking socket is like 15-20 bucks

[Rubicon JK PKT]

i cant find my upper torx bolts on the hard top, and they "misplaced" my torx wrench. so when i remove to 10mm bolts in the sound bar will the hard top come off???

[wagonofdoom]

the BEST way to remove a hardtop is get Torx bits and this
http://mdm.boschwebservices.com/MDMCache/t06/0000002/r02530v15.jpg

[Rubimon]

I would worry about over tightening with that. I use one of these except mine holds the torx bits.

http://www.samstagsales.com/Gedore/gd2093hr-94.jpg

[wagonofdoom]

it doesnt
i actually need to use it as a ratchet to finish tightening.

it wont even break them loose, you had to use it as a ratchet to break it loose, than go at it.
i had a friend that had it, and i found it works perfect for evertyhing

it also has about a CM clearance from the door when you are taking the door screws off so you wont kill your paint

[Foo]

Hey once you get the top off here is what I did to store it:

1. A 4 pack of Racket downs (orange for visibility)
2. a 2x4
3. 6 lag hooks.
4. 1 racket tie down for the front (2 lags, 1 and each side).
5. 2 racket tie downs for the rear (roof too the 2x4).
6. Be sure to have the extra straps hanging all over it so you don't get in trouble like I did when the wife walks into it with he head! :eek2:

So I pull up with my hood right under it. No extra space required in the garage. :clap:

Pictures:
http://members.cox.net/my_jeep/top1.JPG

http://members.cox.net/my_jeep/top2.JPG

http://members.cox.net/my_jeep/top3.JPG

[wagonofdoom]

found a way to get it off super fast without the wife bitching

go to homedepot/lowes whatever and get the big suction cups with handles
stick it to the glass and lift with that and the back corner on the edge

perfectly balanced and even the weak wife can do it

[JK-Fire]

Bought this for Less than $5. at lowes or somewhere I forget. And I just take the top off myself and set it on the ground. I suggest you don't do it on a windy day.

http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/images/products/15111park_l.jpg

[badboybill010]

All this talk of taking the hard top off and today I just got around to putting mine back on for the season...:crazyeyes:

[Foo]

All this talk of taking the hard top off and today I just got around to putting mine back on for the season...:crazyeyes:

Ahh the pleasures of the Arizona Desert!

[wagonofdoom]

Bought this for Less than $5. at lowes or somewhere I forget. And I just take the top off myself and set it on the ground. I suggest you don't do it on a windy day.

http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/images/products/15111park_l.jpg

proof or STFU
that thing is heavy as shit

[britjk]

Hey once you get the top off here is what I did to store it:

1. A 4 pack of Racket downs (orange for visibility)
2. a 2x4
3. 6 lag hooks.
4. 1 racket tie down for the front (2 lags, 1 and each side).
5. 2 racket tie downs for the rear (roof too the 2x4).
6. Be sure to have the extra straps hanging all over it so you don't get in trouble like I did when the wife walks into it with he head! :eek2:

So I pull up with my hood right under it. No extra space required in the garage. :clap:

Pictures:
http://members.cox.net/my_jeep/top1.JPG

http://members.cox.net/my_jeep/top2.JPG

http://members.cox.net/my_jeep/top3.JPG

I wouldn't park under it. It has been done before ( on this Forum ) - and the hood wasn't really happy with the result.

[JK-Fire]

proof or STFU
that thing is heavy as shit

What is STFU, that top doesn't seem that heavy to me I just slid it off the back. Put my left hand between the back glass and shell and my right hand in the middle somewhere and walk away from the jeep. Set it on the ground and walk away there it's that simple. Are you requesting pic's I guess? :synister:

EDIT: never mind about the acronym I figured it out wagonofdoom!!

[Foo]

It's ok BritJK.. I didn't use duct tape. It will be fine. :thumbsup:

Maybe the other guys didn't put the lag bolts in correctly... Miss the wood, and you could be right.

Now if me and my wife decided to get creative in the garage with straps and so forth.. Then I wouldn't be to sure. :eek2:

[mikejwil]

...Now if me and my wife decided to get creative in the garage with straps and so forth.. Then I wouldn't be to sure. :eek2:

:rotflmao1: :rotflmao2: :rotflmao1: :rotflmao2: :rotflmao1:

[Rubimon]

I used screw eyes with a machine thread and through bolted them with a nut and washer for more security!:yup:

[binggitkoboy]

thanks for the write up:clap:

[Kozmotoo]

Harbor Freight is selling a bicycle pulley system to hang it from the garage ceiling for a mere $9.95 each. Two of those might be worth considering to rig up a ceiling lift... They might be too light-duty though. http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=95803"

[YellowToy]

[QUOTE=Kozmotoo;713616]Harbor Freight is selling a bicycle pulley system to hang it from the garage ceiling for a mere $9.95 each. Two of those might be worth considering to rig up a ceiling lift... They might be too light-duty though. http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=95803"

Here's another good thread

http://www.jk-forum.com/showthread.php?t=5559&page=11 (http://www.jk-forum.com/showthread.php?t=5559&page=11)

[bluerubicon08]

Yes that would work. I bet you could prop a couple of 2 x 4's, one in each corner standing on end and you wouldn't even need your wife. Or pull under some support and throw a strap or rope around it and pull it up. I have basically a hook in each corner and put my top on and off myself.

That wouldn't be the first time a man didn't need his wife!:rotflmao2::rotflmao2::rotflmao2:

[Rubimon]

That wouldn't be the first time a man didn't need his wife!:rotflmao2::rotflmao2::rotflmao2:

I dont take my hard top off that many times in one week!:rotflmao2:

[ksaket11]

hi,

i just saw your hard top shelf system, that is really great , never thought about it. i will make myself one just like it.

thanks a million for the know how pictures.

[kuma1720]

just wondering in case someone might have figured this out, is there any way to remove the soft top w/out taking off the hardtop??
I am a one man operation here and don't mind the extra steps.
:blush:

[XJHammer]

just wondering in case someone might have figured this out, is there any way to remove the soft top w/out taking off the hardtop??
I am a one man operation here and don't mind the extra steps.
:blush:

I don't think so.

I don't think that there is enough room to get the brackets off. The last time i did it by myself, I held the top up with my back and basically slid the soft top out.

I don't think that putting it back in will work too well.

I guess that you would have to build a lift system for the hardtop to act as a set of hands.

[WAJK]

I get to take my hardtop off tomorrow to remove the softtop. I really wish they would just sell it already out of the vehicle but I understand why they do it that way. Like the dealer said to me, the factory doesn't trust the dealers to handle it:crazyeyes:

[Foo]

I used screw eyes with a machine thread and through bolted them with a nut and washer for more security!:yup:


That would be best!

I would love to do that, but a two story house so I can't get to the top drywall.

[adamisadam]

just wondering in case someone might have figured this out, is there any way to remove the soft top w/out taking off the hardtop??
I am a one man operation here and don't mind the extra steps.
:blush:

Well, I basically did this alone today with just the help of my 8 year old who slid in a few 2x4's while I held the roof up on my back while standing inside the JK. he also helped wiggle out the soft top (tight space in the garage).

Of course, I waited during the first week of ownership FOR SNOW before I decided to take my roof off for the first time :wink:

Anyway, the whole thing is easier than I imagined. Assuming it won't start leaking now.

I can see the benefits of the lift system and may to that at some point.

One question: how exactly is the rear washer hose supposed to detach? I pulled off the hose at a nipple, but it looks like there's a junction that's supposed to unlock somehow.

[YellowToy]

...

One question: how exactly is the rear washer hose supposed to detach? I pulled off the hose at a nipple, but it looks like there's a junction that's supposed to unlock somehow.

Nope. You got it. Then you just insert the little plug in while the top is off.

By the way, love the Sunburst Orange. Would have gotten it if it was available.

Of course it was a fast build... the workers are just sitting at the factory waiting for the phone to ring before they start a new one right now, kind of like Subway.

[adamisadam]

Nope. You got it. Then you just insert the little plug in while the top is off.

Got a pic of the plug? I didn't see one.

[Foo]

My is attached to the hose, if you don't have one, then I would rig something up, just to keep it from dribbling out.

The plug is just a 1/4 nub that goes in the hose end.

[adamisadam]

I think the 2009 is "new and improved." Here are my instructions on how to remove the hard top. Note step 4 and the plug for the washer hose. It's some sort of one-way valve/detachment point.

UPDATE: i can't upload the .pdf as it's too big. Argh! And Photobuck can't take a .pdf. Argh. CAn someone resize a .pdf for me?

[johnkay]

Hi. I have a 2009 wrangler 4dr and I can't find the 2 screws that I need to remove by the B Panel? Do you have a picture or can u take a picture of the exact location to where it is and which 2 I have to remove for hard top. I can see the 3 on each side on the back that needs to be remove. Are those 2 on the top b pillar are looks like the one in the back or different? I also have some big bolts around top speakers. not sure which one. I also see one that looks like torx on the driver side by B pillar but looks longer and don't see one like that on passanger side though? any help is appreciated.

[Foo]

I think the 2009 is "new and improved." Here are my instructions on how to remove the hard top. Note step 4 and the plug for the washer hose. It's some sort of one-way valve/detachment point.

UPDATE: i can't upload the .pdf as it's too big. Argh! And Photobuck can't take a .pdf. Argh. CAn someone resize a .pdf for me?

Hmmm, new and improved with a top that is harder to remove. I wonder what's different?

[adamisadam]

The two Torx screws you're looking for to remove the hard top are on top, at the out side front edge of the roof UNDER the Freedom Panels.

As for that valve in the washer tube, it's supposed to be pinched then separated, but the one time I took it apart, I couldn't get it so I just pulled the hose off. This weekend I'll give it a try again to pinch it. We'll see how it goes.

[Smopho]

Hi. I have a 2009 wrangler 4dr and I can't find the 2 screws that I need to remove by the B Panel? Do you have a picture or can u take a picture of the exact location to where it is and which 2 I have to remove for hard top. I can see the 3 on each side on the back that needs to be remove. Are those 2 on the top b pillar are looks like the one in the back or different? I also have some big bolts around top speakers. not sure which one. I also see one that looks like torx on the driver side by B pillar but looks longer and don't see one like that on passanger side though? any help is appreciated.


Remove the front roof panels. Open your drivers door, stand in the door sill. Look down to your right from above the top at the left front corner of the remaining hard top. The bolt is right there and only visible when you take off the removable panel first since it's under the rear lip of that panel.

[Sunburst-Kid]

As for that valve in the washer tube, it's supposed to be pinched then separated, but the one time I took it apart, I couldn't get it so I just pulled the hose off. This weekend I'll give it a try again to pinch it. We'll see how it goes.

Ok, so maybe I'm not the sharpest knife in the drawer :thinking:
This summer I had my hardtop off at the beach for a week. Then before leaving the beach I thought I put everything back together properly, but I had a hard time figuring out the "rear wiper fluid" connection, both getting it off and then getting it back on. You would think this would be fairly straight forward, and the '09 manual picture is bad too. So, the other day I go to use the rear wiper sprayer for the first time and Whamm, I get washer fluid sprayed into the back carpet area. (Smells bad too :sad2:).

So, what am I missing here? Does anyone have a good picture of how that hose and valve assembly go together or what? I'm going to go out today and try to see where it is leaking, but I don't want to spray more fluid into the rear.

[adamisadam]

I dunno, cause I have yet to put mine back together. Did you split or otherwise damage the hose? I guess wrap the area in towels and ahve someone hit the washer button as you watch for leaks.