Hey everyone,

I've had my 2009 JK a couple of weeks now, and I have put the top down just to see how it works and put it back up.

I don't know whether this is just me, but I have the HARDEST time getting the drip rails from above the doors to come out...I'm literally destroying my fingers trying to get them to come off...are they supposed to be so difficult to remove?

Also today when I just wanted to put the top back down after using it as a sun rider for the day, the top wont latch into the latch panels...which in turn does not allow me to shut the roof up correctly...

And lastly, in this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PfcLA...eature=related there are some straps that hold down the side bows...but I seem to be missing mine? Is this included in the jeep or purchased separately?

Do any of you guys with a soft top have these problems?

 

The drip rails are pretty difficult on the JK. They do loosen up a little over time and a whole lot in the sun.

Not sure what you are talking about not latching but that doesn't sound good. You can't latch the windshield clamps at the end. There will be too much tension. You have to get them started, do the rest of the top, then finally clamp them down.

The straps come with the Jeep. They are just app. 8" pieces of velcro. You can make them yourself for cheap.

 

Ahh I see, but I'm not talking about the windshield clamps, but the clamps above the doors as well when you pull that little lever and it pops open, I can't seem to put the roof back into place. Basically the little hole wont go back and latch into place....I hope thats more clear..

 

The drip rails will certainly loosen up over time. Make sure that you have unclamped the windshield clamps before trying to loosen the drip rails.

 

try undoing the sail panels (the rear corners), then click in the side-bow (sunrider) latches and then hook but don't clamp down the header latches.

basically, when I raise up the soft top, I first click in the side-bows and hook the header latches. Then I start the sail panels and continue from there.

one issue that comes up for folks unfamiliar with the JK soft top is the front window retainer, the vertical edge of the window right by the back edge of the doors. You really have to roll it in. The new tops are definitely tight and stiff, especially under 50 degrees.

 

Ahhhhhhhh this is a great idea. Will definitely do this from now on.

And regarding the front window retainers, I noticed this after the first time i put the top back up, they are also a pain to get into place right if you do them last.

 

After the 20th time or so you'll be able to do in a matter of minutes. The two factors are technique (you'll figureout what needs to be done first and last, etc.) and temperature. It's much harder to install when it's freezing cold outside.

 

I found that first time in the morning was always a BiAtch. I would just point it in the direction of the sun and the added warmth seemed to help alot!

 

I see I'm not the only one with soft top headaches. I think it will come with time, practice and warmth. I got my JK Rubi in Dec and I just can't wait till Spring.

I put the top down in early Jan when it got to about 50 degrees out. I think it will be much easier when things heat up.

As for the sunrider option....tonight in my garage I finally got the plastic slides to move forward to fold back the sunrider top. Those plastic slides are a Pain in the ***... I tore the skin off my fingers getting those darn things to slide.

My question is to you all that have sunrider tops... does that get easier too with time, practice, warm temps and some wear?

 

Also, make sure the temperature is 70 degrees or above before taking off the soft top or putting it back on - colder temperatures make it a lot harder than it is because the material contracts in the cold.... This will also make it harder to get the drip rails as well.