Hey folks! I just happened to find the most visually appealing and simple solution to those factory bolts...check out the pics. Servalite is the manufacturer, and they are M8 x 50mm studs (I cut them down to 25). The bearing surface is 30mm across, far more than the factory bolt head size and bigger than most fender washers.

 

That looks pretty good. I found some very similar ones on McMaster Carr. These have 20mm of threads which matches a bolt I just pulled out of my Jeep and measured, so you wouldn't have to cut them down. Unfortunately, the McMaster Carr web page doesn't show how big the bearing surface is, but the head is 38mm in diameter, and it looks like most of it should be bearing surface. I'll give them a call on Monday.
mcmaster.com/#96016a610/=4i8lnw[/url]

 

I don't know if there is a torque spec or not, but i just tighten the bolts down until i see the hard top base starting to flex and then back it off a quarter turn. I have never seen the bolts back out and no cracking. this is how the dealer explained it when i got the jeep to avoid cracking the base. I'm luckey i have a good honest dealer.

 

Those look good as well. They only come in packs of 5...what a bummer! Hopefully the bearing surface is the entire bottom side of the head. Another 8 mm would be perfect.

 

There's a few companies out there that sell metal plates to keep from cracking. Will have to get back with you on the company. Basically you can go to the hardware store and get a rectanglular piece of metal that fits there drill a hole big enough for the bolt and it takes the stress off thta area.

 

Here is the Woods Kit and some thumb screws from a dealer on Ebay.

 

Could this be a possible recall issue? I really find this unacceptable for a Jeep this new.

 

I like those thumb screws

I went to a marine store and purchased large SS washers and used the original screws.

 

That sucks... I just ordered a Wildboar HT.. hope it does not have this problem.

 

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