Is there a difference between the two yrs? A friend went to pick up a hardtop from a 09 and the middle loop bracket that I thought was to strap the windshield down is moved over from dead center. The 09 freedom top panels have a latch that lines up with the loop bracket but would not line up with the bracket on the 08. Is this correct or did they do some thing wrong?

 

Yes they are different, the 07's and 08's had issues with the windshield leaking, so in 09 they moved the latch towards the the windshield to correct the issue.

 

Thanks for the fast response.

 

I must be lucky, My '08 has never leaked. Even in torrential downpours, pressure washing, car washes, etc. Going on 10k miles, hopefully the trend continues.

 

I've also been lucky with my '08 not leaking but thanks for the update on the difference!

 

I have never had any issues with the top on my 08 other than when I have been in a hurry and pinched some of the weather striping. Also with the 09 top on an 08 you will actually lose the tension between the center front of the two panels unles you move the footmans loop.

 

my 07 soft top always leaked but now I have the hard top and it has been raining pretty good here the last month or so an no leaks at all SWEET!

 

09 owners beware that the change may have been made after a few of the 09's were on the market. I just ordered a rear replacement shell for my 09 ( one side got dropped on the cement and bashed the fiberglass ) The dealer was about to place the order then came back needing the vin as he said his system was showing a change.

 

just out of interest, if i were to buy 09 freedom pannels for my 07 top would they still fit/secure?
no major leaks from my 07....just a few drips occasionally

 

On the 07/08 the front latch in the center latches the two panels together. On the 09 it only latches to the footman loop (which is offset by about 3") so you would probably leak if you tried switching to the 09.