I want to completely remove my top on my 2012 JKU for the winter. Is it better to unbolt the frame of the top from the roll bar or the bracket that is bolted to the roll bar? I'm assuming the top should be stored in a collapsed position. The side windows and rear window will be stored flat. Are there any cleaners or conditioners that would be a good idea to apply before storage? Is there anything else that should be done?

thanks

Junior

 

You can unbolt the hinged from the brackets so it's easier to put back on when you want to. Otherwise, you'll fight the brackets. Just from my experience. Also, you might want to look into thumb screws for it. It makes removing the top SOOOO MUCH EASIER! I found some on ebay for dirt cheap! It should be stored in the collapsed position and the windows can be stored flat, but I have a friend that stores them rolled up. No need to clean it before storing it... especially on a 2012! I have a 2010 and haven't cleaned it once. LOL.

 

When you say the hinge do you mean the 2 rods on each side that bolt to that bracket on the roll bar?

 

Having a soft top boot makes storing and removal easy too. Get the convertible soft top cleaner from wallmart or auto zone. It cleans mud out very easily.

 

Yes. That is where I will remove mine. I'm going to leave those brackets in place.

 

I bought quick disconnects from Quadratec. They make removing the soft top very easy.

 

A few days before taking my soft top off I wash it with a good car wash concentrate (like Turtlewax Ice car wash) then rinse thoroughly with clean water. After it's dry I condition it with a protectant (303 Aerospace Protectant is my favorite). The next day I cover it with my boot (Rampage 960435) and lift it to my garage ceiling on my hard-top's Harken Hoister (after hard top is on the Jeep). Since I have a 2010, which has a smaller rear window than later models, the side and rear windows fit nicely in a Rampage 595101 window bag.

 

You can roll the windows loosly, but put a towel inbetween to stop them from sticking together.
Wrap a towel around the outside and store out of the way.