Is there a third party product out there that fixes this problem?

 

Unfortunately there is no after market pieces. The mod is very easy and should take you about 45 mins tops

 

I just read here that Jeep is going to offer a mopar one but its not confirmed yet.

https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/arch.../t-149443.html

 

That would be nice.. Same tops basically. The 09's & 10's freedom pieces latch better from what I can see.

 

Just bought a 2010 Fredom Top for my 2008 JK Wrangler 4 Door. Had the Oh Sh!t moment when I went to turn the center clip to the windshield. Found this thread and just finished this mod. Thanks so much to Enzo and Demon Hunter for coming up with and posting the "How To". I will add that I found 1/4 inch black plastic plugs with catches at Lowes that cover the old holes perfectly. They painted up nicely as well. Total Mod $15 - Touch up paint and hardware. Her are a couple of pics - Thanks again:

 

Im gonna have to check out those plugs you mentioned. Glad you got all setup.

 

Very pleased - thanks again for getting this going. I believe that the corrrect placement is one hole over to the left like you did. Especially if you are going to get the 2010 windsheild molding to avoid having to cut the existing one with the Dremel. This is based on measurements on the 2010 JK models and the molding indent on the Freedom Top. I wish I did a better job on removing the rivets. By the time I got done, the old hole was too big for the self tapping screw. So I had to move over, but stayed as close as I could to the old hole.


So if anyone is using this to do this mod. Don't forget to re-read Enzo's thread on removing the rivets. Take your time. Demon Hunter put a link to Enzo's thread in the beginning of this one.

 

Jeep now sells an adapter to allow 07-09's to use newer tops. It is 35$, and basically does exactly what this mod accomplishes. According to the dealer, the older tops are not even available for purchase.

 

Do you have a part # or a website to the link?

 

Yes, it is adapter 82212462. The directions refer to it as a windshield header molding. It was required to install a 2011 top on a 2008 body.