Adjustable Hardtop Hinges / Latches?

[Chris]

It would seem for some reason that the hinges / latches that hold the front of the hardtop down to the windshield / header on my TJ aren't pulling down with as much force as they should. I know this because when driving at high speeds you can hear some air getting in through the header seal.

However, when I have my wife slightly unbuckle one of the latches (while going about 60 mph) and then use the handle to pull down on the top, the noise goes away. This leads me to believe that my hinges aren't pulling down with enough force when fully clamped, and therefore the hardtop is not 'sealing' with the header seal well enough.

I looked at the stock hinges and it appears they are not adjustable. However, this got me thinking, does anyone know if any adjustable hinges out there that would replace the stock ones but allow for a certain level of adjustment?

 

[billiebob]

I,ve never had mine off but if there is a gasket in there it might just be flattened out. A new gasket might resolve the issue.

 

[Chris]

I,ve never had mine off but if there is a gasket in there it might just be flattened out. A new gasket might resolve the issue.

That was my thought. The gasket on mine doesn't look flat, but it does have 76k miles and 10 years on it, so maybe it's just time to change it.

 

[billiebob]

Easy gasket test. Put a piece of paper in. Close the clamps. If you can slide the paper out... the gasket is ready to be replaced.

 

[Chris]

Easy gasket test. Put a piece of paper in. Close the clamps. If you can slide the paper out... the gasket is ready to be replaced.

Ahhh, didn't think of that. As soon as I get home I will try this!

 

[05LJ]

On the back end at the window, don't forget those hinges. I have read the OEM hinges tend to wear out over time and the LJ I just bought had rods stuck through the hinges to hold them together. Not a good fix. I ordered the Kentrol hinges and fixed that issue. $60.00 Amazon and they get better reviews than the $300+ OEM from the dealer. Better quality than the plastic OEM.

 

[Chris]

On the back end at the window, don't forget those hinges. I have read the OEM hinges tend to wear out over time and the LJ I just bought had rods stuck through the hinges to hold them together. Not a good fix. I ordered the Kentrol hinges and fixed that issue. $60.00 Amazon and they get better reviews than the $300+ OEM from the dealer. Better quality than the plastic OEM.

I just installed brand new metal hinges in the rear so I know those ones are good to go. From what I can tell it looks my my front header seal is shot and that's why it's making the noise on the highway.

 

[badlieutenant]

Chris if you're going to take your top off and replace that seal, I highly recommend installing a seal along the bed of your LJ. I bought some thin black rubber seal that's made for home door and windows from
Home Depot and ran it across the angled portion under the lip along where the hard top sits. It fit perfectly and looks stock. I will take a picture of it tomorrow so you know what to buy. It was like $10 bucks. It not only helped a little with wind noise - it also serves to protect your LJ's body because instead of that hard top resting on your paint, it is resting on that rubber gasket!

 

[Chris]

Chris if you're going to take your top off and replace that seal, I highly recommend installing a seal along the bed of your LJ. I bought some thin black rubber seal that's made for home door and windows from
Home Depot and ran it across the angled portion under the lip along where the hard top sits. It fit perfectly and looks stock. I will take a picture of it tomorrow so you know what to buy. It was like $10 bucks. It not only helped a little with wind noise - it also serves to protect your LJ's body because instead of that hard top resting on your paint, it is resting on that rubber gasket!

Good idea! I had thought about this before since I was concerned about the paint. You'll have to snap a picture of your seal just so I can see what it looks like.

 

[LJRubiconGuy]

I'll bet it's your header seal. I had a similar issue and it turned out to be my header seal.

 

[Derek Taylor]

I have a question and didn't know where to ask it but here. I have a 2000 Jeep Wrangler Sport and I am missing a latch on my hard top on the passenger side but it is in the back. Does anyone know where I can get a replacement part

 

[glwood]

Chris if you're going to take your top off and replace that seal, I highly recommend installing a seal along the bed of your LJ. I bought some thin black rubber seal that's made for home door and windows from
Home Depot and ran it across the angled portion under the lip along where the hard top sits. It fit perfectly and looks stock. I will take a picture of it tomorrow so you know what to buy. It was like $10 bucks. It not only helped a little with wind noise - it also serves to protect your LJ's body because instead of that hard top resting on your paint, it is resting on that rubber gasket!

Wouldn't it accomplish the same end result to put a new seal on the underside of the mounting surface of the hardtop? I know those can flatten out over time, and they do sell replacement seals for that.

 

[badlieutenant]

Wouldn't it accomplish the same end result to put a new seal on the underside of the mounting surface of the hardtop? I know those can flatten out over time, and they do sell replacement seals for that.

The section you are referring to is different. The seal I applied is more on the side of the LJ tub than the flush part above it on which the top rests. I think replacing the old seal AND getting the seal I did would be the way to go.

 

[glwood]

The section you are referring to is different. The seal I applied is more on the side of the LJ tub than the flush part above it on which the top rests. I think replacing the old seal AND getting the seal I did would be the way to go.

Thanks, I figured as much. I was looking for a solution that wouldn't show when the hard top was off.

 

[badlieutenant]

Thanks, I figured as much. I was looking for a solution that wouldn't show when the hard top was off.

If it makes a difference to you, the seal I installed is visible with the top off but it looks factory.

 

[glwood]

If it makes a difference to you, the seal I installed is visible with the top off but it looks factory.

Did you have any photos of the seal?

 

[billiebob]

I have a question and didn't know where to ask it but here. I have a 2000 Jeep Wrangler Sport and I am missing a latch on my hard top on the passenger side but it is in the back. Does anyone know where I can get a replacement part

I'd say either the Chrysler Jeep Dealer or an auto wrecker.

 

[badlieutenant]

Did you have any photos of the seal?

I'll take some photos for you! I'll get it done this evening.

 

[badlieutenant]

Well, here ya go @glwood

I went ahead and threw in some extra pictures just to show off a little. I like black Jeeps, in case nobody noticed. I just love that HEMI in my Jeep Commander... and yes, that's my JK in the reflection.

Oh yeah, might as well show off my LJR's hard top hoist while I'm at it. ;-)

 

[glwood]

Well, here ya go @glwood

I went ahead and threw in some extra pictures just to show off a little. I like black Jeeps, in case nobody noticed. I just love that HEMI in my Jeep Commander... and yes, that's my JK in the reflection.

View attachment 20110

View attachment 20111

View attachment 20112

View attachment 20113

View attachment 20114

Oh yeah, might as well show off my LJR's hard top hoist while I'm at it. ;-)

Definitely looks factory. Thanks for the pics.