riknapora

Rather than go to the stealership, a process I find even less appealing than taking a very cold shower, I e-mailed a Chrysler person who is apparently in a position to make a call on warranty items. He in turn contacted another Chrysler guy, who in turn relayed a message: "these hard tops can be taken off and put on with no reported problems and/or further cracking. Currently there are no repair kits for this type of concern. Torque on the fasteners should be 5-10NM." I suppose that, translated, this message is "too bad so sad your tops are cracked and you need to live with it." Oh well. I decided to use a plastic knob with a big flat bearing surface for the top, and to buy a roll of 1/16th inch neoprene adhesive tape for the bottom. You can cut the tape into two-inch squares, stick it to the bottom of the top's rail (after you cut a hole for the threads), and that takes care of the weak rail being pulled to far towards the rail. You can also double up the tape to equal 1/8 inch if your gap is bigger. Easy fix, and no scratching up the top of your rails! I like the idea of a metal washer/plate for the top, but if a gap remains then a reinforced top would simply pull the entire base towards the rail...if it is overtightened. Filling in that gap is the way to go.

Rum Runner

The guys that heat weld repair plastic body moldings should be able to (weld) that crack back up without to much trouble. We use that kit to repair polypropylene boats.

Christine

I would also be interested in buying the fix it kit.

spinlock

I learned the hard way not to over-tighten the hard top bolts 2 Jeeps ago.

Since then first time I remove the top, I use over size washers to distribute the load. I have never had a problem with cracking the base when it came from the factory.

spaught

I noticed this happening about 4 months after taking delivery. Took a trip to the dealership, showed them what was going on, and a week later I had a new roof. No arguing, no fighting. Guess I got lucky...

In the meantime I had some plates made up for under the bolts similar to what Woods sells. Haven't had an issue since...

enderwigg

Ive got the same thing on one of mine. The crack is very small and only goes from the bolt hole to the interior of the jeep. I use a finger drive with a torx bit. I know that i dont tighen that too much. Its just a bad size washer i think that doesnt disperse the presure from the bolt enough

bommerts

Thanks for the heads up on this. Gonna go check mine out now. Only a month old Jeep.

bommerts

Where did you buy them?

justin_92_92

hmm...gonna check and see how mine is!

bommerts

Checked mine....no cracks or stress so far. I'm going to add some washers though. Great thread, thanks OP.