somewhereinla

When I got my JK, I got the dual tops thinking that I would put the soft top most of the time and only use the hard top for cold winter days (not too many of those in south Cal.) or when I go to ski... However I am really loving the freedom top, the front panels are really easy to take on and of, they fit perfectly in the back (I have a 2dr), I find them extremely versatile. The only thing I don't like is the 2 nobs that screw in and out, so much so that I am thinking to stop using them altogether, it seems that the latches are enough.

Any negatives in not putting them on that you guys can think of ? Do they have a special purpose?

cmpmacchia

Yea, the panels get really freaking noisy!

d8piccini

X2 on the noisy. I had the panels off whenever it topped 50 or so this past spring. Put 'em back on with just the latches a couple times. Lot noiser without them. Not insecure sounding, just noisier.

Geezle

Like the others said, noise is the main concern.

I'll sometimes leave the screws out of mine if I'm parking it at the end of the day but I know I'll be taking the panels off again in the morning, but I usually screw them back if I'm driving around with the panels on.

derff96963

I don't know what they are talking about. I leave the screws out of mine all summer long. I just put mine back in for winter this week. My hardtop only creaks when it gets really cold. Less than 32 deg. F. That's really the only reason I put them in for winter. Mine is a Nov 31, 2006 build and this will be my third winter with it if you count getting it Dec 29 06 as winter one.

My top has also NEVER leaked.

dream catcher

I have an unlimited and leave the screw knobs out most of the time, even in the rain and have not had a problem with noise or leaks.

def9112

I don't use mine and I don't hear any more noise

Don't know what they are talking about

somewhereinla

Thanks guys, I guess I'll try it and see if the noise is a problem.
I do have one comment about the water leaks, Since I do take the panels off quite a bit I noticed that the seal get very dusty very quickly and wonder if the leaks that some people have reported is not due to the poor seal that dust will cause. The reason I say that is that I am an avid scuba diver and and know for a fact that even a tiny dust particle stuck on a rubber O ring will usually create a leak.
I personally clean up the seal with a sponge and water almost every time I put the panels back on.

RedneckJeep

I've left the screws in mine a little loose by accident and it made all kinda noise. I can only imagine what leaving them out would do. My top doesn't make any noise as long as everything is tight. I've not had it leak once yet, either. I would leave the screws in. Just my

derff96963

Its much louder with them loose then with them out. One morning last winter on my way to work the top was rattling really loud. I was wondering if it was the ice still on the roof. I reached back to tap on the roof and knock the ice off. Before I got on the highway and felt the loose nob. I tightened it back in and all was quiet.


Like I said before mine are out all summer after the first time I take the tops off. Until it time for the snow to fly and I won't be taking the panels off until spring again. Mine is an early build. Nov of 06 when leaks were really rampant and mine has never leaked. I have just over 42k miles on mine and the tops have been off more times than I could possibly count.