I have 2012 Unlimited (4 door) with factory soft top. The front upper corners of the windows always peel back at highway speeds on both the passenger and drivers side. The only thing holding them is friction from closing the door against the plastic window frame installed when using soft top. This has not been adequate at anything above 50 mph.
Anybody have suggestions if I'm missing something or simple fix? I was thinking of inserting a small T-bolt into upper corner of window and drilling hole in plastic frame that it could seat itself in when window on. But maybe I'm missing something in OEM install as I have not noticed other Jeeps with this problem. Thanks
Thanks kjeeper10 - understand what you are saying. There is no channel built into the plastic window frame on rear doors nor into the window attachment point it self - both are flat. Why they would change to flat section makes no sense to me if they used U channel in past.
Thanks kjeeper10 - understand what you are saying. There is no channel built into the plastic window frame on rear doors nor into the window attachment point it self - both are flat. Why they would change to flat section makes no sense to me if they used U channel in past.
Thanks kjeeper10 - understand what you are saying. There is no channel built into the plastic window frame on rear doors nor into the window attachment point it self - both are flat. Why they would change to flat section makes no sense to me if they used U channel in past.
I have a 4 door and there is a channel for them to install into. Take it to the dealer and have them show you if you can not see. Edge that goes in must be bent in to form a u and not a l shape.
I'm at work and Jeep in driveway (took motorcycle today), but there is definitely not a channel. I'll snap a picture and post tonight. I watched that same airpark video this morning prior to posting this thread hoping for enlightment, but found none. Tnewcomb - is your 4 door a 2012?
Here's a write-up I did for another poster having the same problem. This is the answer, trust me. You've got to look harder:
MTH said:
Yup, you're not installing them correctly.
(1) With top otherwise up and done, hang a window using the Velcro.
(2) Zip the zipper NO MORE than 6". Just get it started.
(3) Fold the part that you're currently seeing flap in the breeze in toward the plastic door surround behind it, tucking the hard plastic that's embedded in the window fabric into the channel in the door surround. It folds over in a "u" shape. This is the step you're presently missing.
(4) Zip the zipper the rest of the way.
(5) Stretch and leverage the plastic strip on the bottom of the window into the channel on the jeep's body. You may need to go back to step 3 and retuck a bit to make sure it's still in tight after doing this.
(6) Fix the Velcro and admire handiwork.
The window will be very tight. Nothing flaps in the breeze.
In essence, the window is secured on the top and rear by the zipper, and on the bottom and front by attached/embedded plastic that's folded into a channel on the jeep/door surround. You're missing the step to secure the front.
If you still think there's no channel, then take some pictures of the black plastic door surround that sits under the flapping window portion and post it here. Make sure you get a picture looking back at the front edge of door surround, where it is adjacent to the closed door. You'll see a thin channel going up and down its center . . .
Here's a write-up I did for another poster having the same problem. This is the answer, trust me. You've got to look harder:
If you still think there's no channel, then take some pictures of the black plastic door surround that sits under the flapping window portion and post it here. Make sure you get a picture looking back at the front edge of door surround, where it is adjacent to the closed door. You'll see a thin channel going up and down its center . . .
MTH, thanks so much for this. I got my Jeep Thursday and left the top off all weekend. Then today on the way to work I finally got up to highway speed and noticed flapping. I pulled over and tried to fix it but I couldn't figure it out. This made perfect sense and worked like a charm.
Thanks Guys - I think I got it. I did not know they were called "Surrounds" so had a hard time googling problem prior to posting. I just googled image and see the track. I'm pretty sure the dealership messed up - they originally did not give me surrounds when I bought Jeep and I had to pick them up month later from their parts department. I'm now pretty sure they gave me the wrong ones, even though they bolt on OK, based on pictures I googled. I'll report back, and include a picture of what I got. I really hope I'm being a retard and just missed it as I don't to have go back to dealership again. I did look specifically for track, twice, as it only made sense there would be one - didn't see it.
You would not be the first one to miss them. I have stopped numerous jeeps and ask them did they know their windows were not in right and they did not have a clue. Look hard right where the door shuts and you should see them. Good luck.
^^This. Truth be told, I had the same issue back when my jeep was brand new. Couldn't figure it out for the life of me. This forum set me straight though. :thumb:
Thanks all for post, especially NJeepchic and MTH. I truly hope for ID-Ten-T status on this one as easy fix for me (but maybe not society :banghead
It was raining last night so snapped a couple pictures this morning on way to train. There is indeed a channel in the plastic Surround. I would assume the plastic embedded in window would be shaped like U to fit in it, but it's shaped like L. I don't see how there is enough material turn it 90 degrees and fit into this channel and still be able to zip it, but when I get home tonight I'm going to wrastle with it.
Thanks all for post, especially NJeepchic and MTH. I truly hope for ID-Ten-T status on this one as easy fix for me (but maybe not society :banghead
It was raining last night so snapped a couple pictures this morning on way to train. There is indeed a channel in the plastic Surround. I would assume the plastic embedded in window would be shaped like U to fit in it, but it's shaped like L. I don't see how there is enough material turn it 90 degrees and fit into this channel and still be able to zip it, but when I get home tonight I'm going to wrastle with it.
I had the same concern, no way it fits into U shape when I installed the first time which was a week ago, after reading this post went back out today and VOILA it works it goes in U shape and now its nice a snug...Great Great information and thanks to all members, it sure saved me hassels putting soft top on the first time.
Do not attempt to tuck it into the channel while installed. It won't work. Completely remove the window, then read post number 2 above. Then accept your IDtenT status! Your pennance will be to post the answer the next 10 times this question arises. Don't worry, it'll only take a week or two. :rofl:
Quick tip. Undo the soft top front latches from the windshield. Then zip the window in about 2 inches and use the velcro to hold in place. Then drive the leading edge into the channel. Once that is in then continue to zip the rest and flip in the lower edge.
After a few times the leading edge fits like a glove into the channel. The trick is to not have front latched down tight before getting the leading edge into the channel.
I would assume the plastic embedded in window would be shaped like U to fit in it, but it's shaped like L. I don't see how there is enough material turn it 90 degrees and fit into this channel and still be able to zip it, but when I get home tonight I'm going to wrastle with it.
The key to getting it into the channel is not to zip the window in all the way before you do it. Note in my "how to" post above that step 2 is to only zip the zipper about six inches or so, THEN tuck the channel in, and THEN zip the rest of the zipper. If you zip the zipper all the way first, you'll be correct that there isn't enough fabric and you'll never be able to tuck the leading edge into the channel.
You can see in NJeepChic's post above what the window looks like when it's properly installed--it's tight, but there is indeed enough fabric.
Now click on my profile and look at all the threads (not posts, big difference) made by me. If you scroll way back, you'll find that I asked this same question when I was a baby jeeper. Daggo and others answered, and I was also designated an "ID-10-T" by Daggo.
I've been answering these questions ever since. It comes up all the time--so next time, you're up. :thumb:
We all have an issue at some point with the soft top and can later joke another it. I never had an issue with the windows, mine was probably worse. I couldn't for the life of me figure out the "W" fold. I couldn't understand why the top would slide back over the rollbar.
Apparently I was using the "M" fold method. Finally after reading the instructions an watching the videos, the difference between an "M" and a "W" hit me.
We all have an issue at some point with the soft top and can later joke with one another about it. I never had an issue with the windows, mine was probably worse. I couldn't for the life of me figure out the "W" fold. I couldn't understand why the top wouldn't slide back over the rollbar.
Apparently I was using the "M" fold method. Finally after reading the instructions and watching the videos, the difference between an "M" and a "W" hit me.
We all have an issue at some point with the soft top and can later joke another it. I never had an issue with the windows, mine was probably worse. I couldn't for the life of me figure out the "W" fold. I couldn't understand why the top would slide back over the rollbar.
Apparently I was using the "M" fold method. Finally after reading the instructions an watching the videos, the difference between an "M" and a "W" hit me.
We all have an issue at some point with the soft top and can later joke another it. I never had an issue with the windows, mine was probably worse. I couldn't for the life of me figure out the "W" fold. I couldn't understand why the top would slide back over the rollbar.
Apparently I was using the "M" fold method. Finally after reading the instructions an watching the videos, the difference between an "M" and a "W" hit me.
I was blind but now can see! Yes Sir - worked beautifully. Thanks to all that helped me thru this 30 step, I mean post, process. I even learned about the W fold along the way as I too have been living with the pain and suffering of the M fold. I promise to chime in next related thread and spread the good word. Fair winds and following seas to all.
When installing or closing the soft top, make sure you have the rear window unzipped and the lower window arm/bar (which the rear door is holding in place) open and loose.. pull the top forward making sure the top is securely attached on both sides (window channels out) before hooking the latches.. This means walking back and forth from side to side before you actually lock the top in place..
This is the second post I've responded to that has had this same type of soft top issues.. so I guess this weekend I'll do a write up on it.
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