I just noticed that my hard top is cracking where the bolts hold it to the body. Rear bolts on both sides have the same crack. Is anybody else seeing the same? I'm definitely going to come up with a solution for mine. Is anybody else interested in a kit for this?

 

I'll have to check mine, sounds like it could be a problem. I know there has been a thread about people damaging the front panels from the bolts that go through the sound bar as well. Maybe make this into a poll to. If I have the issue I would be interested in a fix though.

 

This thread talks about the same thing...

 

Brett you are killin me! You keep finding stuff that I need! I'll have to check ours when I switch tops this weekend.

*cough* Directions *cough*

 

Different problem.



The crack is the same for both rear bolts.

Is there any way to start a pole in edit mode? Or do I have to start a new thread?

 

Dude, I hear ya. I feel terrible about them. I gotta have people stop buying so much stuff from me, so I can get some time.

Today I have to install:
1 storage tub enlargement kit
1 evap can relocation kit
1 steering stabilizer relocation kit
1 muffler relocation kit
1 tailgate shock kit

 

hey man Im just busting on ya I have enough projects to keep me busy, so Im not in a hurry, but wife keeps commenting on how cute that one lonely bracket looks

my install lists for the weekend:

steering stabilizer relocation bracket
passenger side River Raider slider
rear Teraflex trackbar bracket
the last two bolts on rockhard gas tank skid
Hypertech Max energy
RR mirror brackets
JKS miniskid and tack weld ujoints if I have time.....
The parts are really starting to pile up again....

oh yeah and if its nice out:

switch tops
clean garage
wax jeep

and I have work saturday

So take as much time as you need Brett, I can wait

 

Hey Woods, the photos sure look like the fasteners might be cranked down just a bit too tight. Don't take this as a criticism, only as an observation. Those top fasteners should only be snugged down, if you see the top material deflecting then you shouldn't go any farther. the top appears to be made up of SMC (Sheet moulded compound). this is not a true fiberglass type of product and it is not known for it's great flexability. Get large flat ''fender washers'' at
Lowes or Home Depot or any hardware store and place one under each bolt head. This will spread the pressure on the SMC over a much greater area and will also firm up the cracked spots. Putting washers on prior to cracks developing will probably help to prevent them, as long as the bolts aren't cranked down too tight...Remember this just an opinion guys, if you roll it and a washer takes you out it's NOT my fault

 

Is there a torque spec for these bolts that anyone is aware of?

 

You bring a great point, in that this is what I'd expect a dealer to say. Not giving you a hard time, you really bring a good point that folks should know about. The fact that this isn't fiberglass is bad news. If it was fiberglass one could chalk this up to gel-coat cracks. But to your point these cracks may actually go through the entire structure.
I only use a screwdriver with a torx bit to tighten these bolts. Not using a ratchet or anything. Here nor there, I think this is another example of how Jeep should have done it. I'm going to make some 10 gauge plates that cover the square area in the picture. I'll attach them with double sided tape and call it the way it should have been made.