Jk window swap and color change
Thread Starter
JK Newbie
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Smithfield, NC
Jk window swap and color change
Hi Folks!
its probably out there somewhere, but I wanted to post my experience with tops and Windows for my 09 JK. My 09, bought second-hand back in August, had a tired khaki top on it. Back window zippers all fudged, etc. so, I went searching for a replacement. Found one from a 2011 (with the updated cable-style). Like new for 300 US. The only downside. Was that the windows were clear rather than tinted like my original. I REALLY wanted tinted windows!
I test fit the 09 side windows to ensure they would fit the '11 top and they fit perfectly! Now, to deal with the color mismatch. After searching options, I happened to be walking past the "as seen on tv" aisle in my local Wallyworld and spied a large can of black Flex Seal. Hmmmm, black-check!, waterproof-check!, cheap-check!
I taped off the windows with blue painters tape and newspaper as well as the velcro strip. Sprayed one good coat and allowed to dry for 24 hours, per the instructions on the can. When the coat went on, it did NOT look good... Thick with lots of orange peel. However, after drying, the Flex Seal flattened out and flowed into the surface and it now looks like it was factory done! Even the fabric pattern is there. From five feet away, you can't tell it isn't OEM. I am super pleased with the result.
Total cost=
Flex Seal - 12.98
roll of 2" blue tape - 3.50
time - 2 hours total (plus 24 for drying)
bonus - extra set of clear side windows for emergency use
vs. 350.00 for a new set from Jeep
couldn't do the back since my original had bad zippers and remnants of a sticker on the tint but I can live with it for now. Two words of caution... Temps must be above 60 degrees F for the spray to work best and do NOT do this in your house. The fumes are horrible until it's fully cured. (I brought mine inside after 5 hours to avoid the heavy dew). It has the consistency of regular spray enamel while wet, but gets slightly rubbery after curing. Time will tell if it holds up and whether it can resist stains and dirt, but for now, I'm tinted and happy. Thanks for all the tips and tricks just trying to pay it forward
its probably out there somewhere, but I wanted to post my experience with tops and Windows for my 09 JK. My 09, bought second-hand back in August, had a tired khaki top on it. Back window zippers all fudged, etc. so, I went searching for a replacement. Found one from a 2011 (with the updated cable-style). Like new for 300 US. The only downside. Was that the windows were clear rather than tinted like my original. I REALLY wanted tinted windows!
I test fit the 09 side windows to ensure they would fit the '11 top and they fit perfectly! Now, to deal with the color mismatch. After searching options, I happened to be walking past the "as seen on tv" aisle in my local Wallyworld and spied a large can of black Flex Seal. Hmmmm, black-check!, waterproof-check!, cheap-check!
I taped off the windows with blue painters tape and newspaper as well as the velcro strip. Sprayed one good coat and allowed to dry for 24 hours, per the instructions on the can. When the coat went on, it did NOT look good... Thick with lots of orange peel. However, after drying, the Flex Seal flattened out and flowed into the surface and it now looks like it was factory done! Even the fabric pattern is there. From five feet away, you can't tell it isn't OEM. I am super pleased with the result.
Total cost=
Flex Seal - 12.98
roll of 2" blue tape - 3.50
time - 2 hours total (plus 24 for drying)
bonus - extra set of clear side windows for emergency use
vs. 350.00 for a new set from Jeep
couldn't do the back since my original had bad zippers and remnants of a sticker on the tint but I can live with it for now. Two words of caution... Temps must be above 60 degrees F for the spray to work best and do NOT do this in your house. The fumes are horrible until it's fully cured. (I brought mine inside after 5 hours to avoid the heavy dew). It has the consistency of regular spray enamel while wet, but gets slightly rubbery after curing. Time will tell if it holds up and whether it can resist stains and dirt, but for now, I'm tinted and happy. Thanks for all the tips and tricks just trying to pay it forward
Thread Starter
JK Newbie
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Smithfield, NC
Trying to figure out the photo hosting thing. It was in the eightys here yesterday and it seemed to get a little tacky after sitting in the sun all day. Still works for me for now.
