Anyone have suggestions on how to remedy these small separations in the zipper? Happened to me 3 times the very first time I tried to take my back window off my soft top. [sorry for the poor photo quality, but you can still see what I mean]
How to fix small zipper separation?
- Thread starter TJosh02
- Start date
Here is what ChatGPT had to say:
Thanks for the clear photo — the issue looks like a zipper tooth misalignment or fabric bunching near the teeth, both common in automotive soft tops. Since the zipper slider gets stuck and can't pass that point, here’s a step-by-step process to attempt a fix:
Look closely where the slider is stuck:
If any fabric or grit is visible, try to gently remove it with tweezers or a soft brush.
Rub a graphite pencil along both sides of the zipper teeth near the jam. You can also use:
If the slider is jammed:
Sometimes the slider loosens over time and can't properly align the teeth. Try this:
Do this only once, and test the movement again.
If a zipper tooth looks bent or out of place:
You may need to:
Would you like help identifying your zipper size or a video guide for replacing the slider if it’s needed?
Thanks for the clear photo — the issue looks like a zipper tooth misalignment or fabric bunching near the teeth, both common in automotive soft tops. Since the zipper slider gets stuck and can't pass that point, here’s a step-by-step process to attempt a fix:
- Small needle-nose pliers
- Graphite pencil or zipper lubricant (optional but helpful)
- Patience — forcing it can make it worse
1.
Look closely where the slider is stuck:
- Are the teeth bent or misaligned?
- Is there any fabric or dirt caught in the zipper?
If any fabric or grit is visible, try to gently remove it with tweezers or a soft brush.
2.
Rub a graphite pencil along both sides of the zipper teeth near the jam. You can also use:
- Zipper lube (like Gear Aid Zipper Lubricant)
- A bar of soap or wax (sparingly)
3.
If the slider is jammed:
- Gently try pulling the zipper slider backward a bit to see if it frees itself.
- Wiggle it slightly side to side while pulling gently — no forceful yanking.
4.
Sometimes the slider loosens over time and can't properly align the teeth. Try this:
- Use needle-nose pliers to slightly squeeze the slider top and bottom together.
- Do this gently — you're trying to realign the grip without cracking the slider.
Do this only once, and test the movement again.
5.
If a zipper tooth looks bent or out of place:
- Use a pin or tweezers to gently nudge it back into alignment.
If Nothing Works…
You may need to:
- Remove and replace the slider (zipper repair kits work well — you can match the slider size).
- Take the top to an upholstery shop familiar with Jeep soft tops (many convertible top repair shops can do this).
Would you like help identifying your zipper size or a video guide for replacing the slider if it’s needed?
KennethS
TJ Addict
Lubing the zipper may help prevent it form happening again. I recall discussions years ago about the best lube. The only thing I remember is lip balm if you're not in a dusty environment.
That's pretty much what happened to my back window the first time I zipped it on. There was no solution really. Now I don't have a back window!
FWIW, it has been sitting directly in the morning sunlight in ~70-74ºF temp. The day go progressively warmer, but that is about the time I tried. I am not impressed with this $2,000 top if this is what happens on first try to unzip. Bestop, do better!
P.S. I only tried to put it back on after I couldn't get it all the way off as it would come off the end, not quite aligned. FFS
P.S. I only tried to put it back on after I couldn't get it all the way off as it would come off the end, not quite aligned. FFS
I found my side window was like that the first time I tried to remove it. Separated like that in one place, and misaligned in another place. I tried splicing it back together but ended up forcing the zipper past the bad spots as I meticulously fed the teeth into the body of the zipper. I really thought it would be useless afterwards, but luckily everything stayed together and it works great. I keep a can of lube with me at all times now. YMMV
Steal a Black/Purple/CornFlower/Whatever Crayon from a kid. Color the Zipper. I also pull down on the rear corner of the top to take some tension off and that seems to help the zipper make the corners.
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