How to protect bar cover from sharp top hinge?

[proto57]

Hi: The original bar covers for my wife's TJ were cut and torn where the convertible bar hinge rubbed against them. This is on both sides, near the top back of the bars, when that hinge between the solid rod and top-tube rubs as it goes up and down.

I didn't want this to happen again, to the new bar covers I just installed, so I cut a couple of little plastic flaps and taped them to the bars. They cover the little hinge part, where the solid bar attaches to the tube with a rivet. But this is temporary, as it is a bit sloppy looking, and they are already tearing a bit. I also thought of filing down the sharper edges of the metal hinge, and might still do that.

I searched, but was unable to find any fix for this. Is there a protector for this? Or is there a fix that anyone has used?

Thanks for any help in advance. Rich.

 

[Chris]

Would these work?

https://www.amazon.com/Bestop-80022...r-Unlimited/dp/B000VLF9N6/?tag=wranglerorg-20

 

[Chris]

Nevermind, I think I'm just confused on what exactly it is you're talking about without photos.

 

[proto57]

Nevermind, I think I'm just confused on what exactly it is you're talking about without photos.

Thanks Chris... yes, not the actual covers and padding. We found a nice used set of those on FB Marketplace, from a car that had a hard top on it it's whole life. I DL'd a pic of the top bows/frame, and marked where the sharp hinges are, and where they rub on, and tear, the roll bar covers...

 

[JMT]

Remove roll bar covers.

Sorry, I know that’s no help, but I did remove mine.

 

[Chris]

I guess I never knew this was an actual issue. I wonder if others experience the same thing?

If it were me, I'd probably get a piece of foam and then wrap it around the problem spots and use a velcro strap like this:

https://www.amazon.com/WSZJINB-Adju...t-Organiser/dp/B0B93R3CYW/?tag=wranglerorg-20

Seems sort of ghetto, but if you do it correctly I don't think it would be that noticeable.

As for me personally, I prefer no roll bar covers.

 

[TheBoogieman]

Never had that issue. Seems strange.

 

[LittleGiant]

I was surprised to hear someone else has this issue. My roll bar cover has torn at on the drivers side. The covers are old and somewhat faded, but still in great shape so I was a bit ticked off when it happened. Every time I take pull the soft top back I make sure to pull the bar a little bit when it's passing by that section.

I have to admit though, I've been so occupied with other things on the jeep that I haven't taken the time to dive into this issue, but I would love to hear ideas.

Here is a pic for reference if that helps.