So I am curious as to whether people are actually screwing in their freedom panels, or are they not using them?


Scott

The only time I use the screws is when we install the front panels without the rest of the hard top. But that isn't one of your options.

Traditionally, I did not.

Seasonally though I am using the Sunrider top which utilizes them, so when I put the Freedom tops back on again, it was easier to put them back in again for storage.

I do. I live in a downtown with pavers everywhere. It helps reduce the amount of vibrational noise created in the roof.

Don't even know where they are currently.

I did before I added the sun screen mesh which has bungees going through the holes.

Probably in your center console.

^^^This ^^^

No, I think they're in a box with some other take-off parts that I've accumulated. I never run in golf cart mode, so I don't need them. Have had my hardtop off and on a dozen times at least, and no issues with leakage or misaligment. I remember when the Jeep was new, and they were still installed, I had some leakage issues if I went through a high pressure wash. Just ran it through one this morning on the way to work and still no leakage issues.

I have typically not put mine back in since the first year I had it and never had an issue.

If you decide to use them, I will caution you the some have reported water leaks caused by overtightening those screws.


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I screw them in so I will have them handy when they are needed. (When running with just freedom panels)

I keep them in, but loose - just tight enough to not rattle. Too tight causes leaks.


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I screw mine in.. It only takes a minute or so. But I rarely remove/replace my freedom panels.

I only take the panels and hard top off once a year (in the spring) in order to install my soft top, and then I don't put them back on until the late fall. Screwing them back in once a year in the fall is no big deal.

Only realized recently I didn't need them as I forgot to put them in...They are on now for the Winter months since I won't be using them, but come warmer weather I won't use them.

Always screw mine in.

“Never. I never use them.”

As in “I never use the screws” or “I never use the freedom panel” ?

Like other have posted. If mine are in and tighten down my panels leak if I run through the car wash. Remove them and no leaking.

Mine are the way God (ok, Jeep) made it.

Same. They seem to prevent leaks at the rear of the panels.

I haven’t screwed them down in years on my wife’s jku but if I don’t screw them done on my jk I can hear them clunk on hard bumps so I keep them screwed down when I’m not removing them frequently.

I Always screw them down to keep them tight and leak free.


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mine live permanently in the center console...probably should just put them in my Jeep crate in the garage.

Never thought it was an option. I just assumed that if I didn't use them, the panels would rip off going down the highway. I am not a gambler. lol

Yep, happened to a friend of mine.

I think the screw retainers are a safety backup for the lever slides(?). Seems to me the slides could work loose over time and allow the panels to flop with only the front retainer clip.

In a roll-over situation I'm sure they are there as a backup to prevent pressure on the top from causing the panels to release.

Live in Michigan so, once the cold sets in, I put the screws in. Come March/April they'll come out till fall/winter again.

When the temps dip below freezing the freedom tops can rattle thats when I screw them in but not super tight.

thanks for reminding me to get them out of there...They've only been in there for the past 3 years...........

I can't imagine this happening if both front clamps and both rear levers were all properly locked. Although sometimes the rubber "foot" on the front clamps falls out, and then the clamp doesn't make good contact with the footman loop... I guess I could see it popping off at speed without the rubber foot. If that happened, the rear screw might keep the panel on the vehicle... or the panel might just break when the wind catches it and shattered pieces would go flying anyway.


Anyway, I only use my screws in golf cart mode. I live in rainy PNW, and no leaks so far! The screws make popping the panels on and off a PIA, ain't nobody got time for that.

I don't screw my panels in. I don't use those locking screws on the doors, and all the locking clips have been cut off the door electrical connectors.


I believe in shortcuts