I had my hard top seals replaced. And I took off the front panels for a day before. And then I reinstalled them remembering not to over tighten the screws. 2 days ago, I wanted to remove the top again and was unable to unscrew the bolts. I had to use big plumber pliers to open the screws. Right now, if I turn the screw in one quarter turn, its still impossible to unscrew? I can get it off by hand with some effort. However, I remember being able to turn it like 4 to 5 times before it started to get snug. And yes... I checked to make sure the threads were aligned. And this is on both sides.

 

Are you sure the clips are not down? (the ones you put down when you have freedom top only)

 

What clips? I do not have a soft top at all.

 

The "tabs" on the rear of each freedom top panel. If you install the front panels without the rear section of the hardtop installed, you set the tabs down so the tabs take up the space vacated by the missing rear section. If you still have these down and the rear section is installed, you may have the symptoms you describe.

 

Exactly. The black clips/tabs on the rear of each panel need to be up when your top is on.

 

Alright! It stopped raining. I will check it in a moment.

 

Got it! Thanks guys!!! my poor screws are all scratched up from the wrench.

 

I wondered what the heck those tabs were for. I feel enlightened, thanks.

 

For those that haven't noticed the tabs there are photos in this link on Post #11:

https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/show...ps-on-question

 

While your problem was the tabs being flipped down, everyone has had to deal with screws that resisted being both tightened and loosened.

There's a way to eliminate the screws being excessively tight.

Apply a plastic friendly grease (silicone is okay) to the threads of the big thumb screws. Apply a light coating to the face of the screw knob that contacts the inside of recess in the plastic speaker bar. This will keep the plastic from galling against the opposing plastic surface. The problem is that when they gall or bind, you may think that the screw is tight when it may not yet be compressing the neoprene seal enough to get a water tight fit.



The down side is that the screws will now thread in so little effort that you can easily over-tighten them.

Begin tightening on the right side panel. Then tighten the left. Switch back to the right again. Alternate from side to side to make sure the pressure on the seal is uniform. Do not over-tighten. Snug is enough to prevent leaks. Reapply the lube several times a year and you'll never have the screws gall up again.