Have been wondering if anybody has had there hardtops replaced by the dealers, due to the cracks from the hold down bolts? I have a 08 and was about to take the softtop out when I noticed cracks in mine. I took it striaght to the dealer, he took pic's, to send to the DC area rep. said didn't think it would be problem getting replaced. Have to wait and see. Gi

 

This will happen if they are over tightened... But it does seem to happen to a lot of owners out there. The advantage is that you took it in prior to you removing the soft top. So this proves to the dealership that it was their fault not yours. If I would try that they would laugh at me and say "You Overtightened them its your fault....No Warranty for You!" LOL

I do not have a crack in any of mine yet. I just barely snug them down.

 

No I still had the softtop in place from the factory.

 

There's no instructions in the manual telling you how much to tighten the top thumb screws. Lacking any guidelines whatsoever, I'd expect Jeep to replace any panel with a crack around the thread insert.

As mentioned by another poster, just snug the screws down. Do not over-tighten them.


My regards,

Widewing

 

I hear you about over tightening, they must have had the air psi cranked up at the factory. Hope they come through with the new top. At work for a couple of weeks, will let you know how I make out. Gi

 

I don't think you can over-tighten by hand. I've been impressed with the hardtop.

The dealership (or factory), must have mechanically tightened yours. Definately warranty!

 

Dang, I thought this thread would have some info on repairing my hardtop, which met a tree on the way down a hill at Disney a couple months back!



This hardtop does not have any cracks where it fastens to the tub rail, so if anyone wants to trade PM me.

Anyway, if anyone has a problem with cracks where their hardtop fastens, you may wish to check out this thread. It looks like Woods will offer a repair kit.

Hard Top Cracks from Fasteners

 

I showed mine to the dealer at the first oil change. He just noted it for future reference. (Which was all I really wanted) He did say they could "fix" it, but didn't say "replace".

 

They replaced mine after I overtightend them apparently. One would have to question why the bolts are not just bit shorter to prevent the problem.

But, I feel very lucky they covered it.... I even offered a compromise.. I pay for one panel, and Mopar pay for one... but it wasn't necessary.

Now, I barely put those screws in at all.... I mean... I tighten them with one finger. Many even run without them.

The other thought I had was to put a nylon washer on the hand-screw, to prevent it from going too far.

I watched the tech put my new panels on... He tightend them quite a bit, and they did not poke thru. But, as soon as I got in the Jeep, I backed them out to very- loose.... just tight enough not to rattle. Also, I think overtightening over compresses the gaskets, and might cause leaking. I have an 07, and have never had a roof leak.... very lucky! I am also very careful when putting the panels back on.... place them carefully, gently align them, insure no gaskets are pinched.... and so far, so good.

 

Looks like you rubbed my Paint off the tree from the last time I was there. My Bronco has a scar on its top from Disney.