Glued down hard top removal

[Harry O]

Recently bought a 2004 TJ for a song. Knew it needed some rust work and new seats, but didn't anticipate that the previous owner had glued down the hard top!!!
That explains the two cracks in the top where someone tried to pry it off. It appears to be contact cement by the yellowing seen underneath the windshield clamp.

Any suggestions that won't eat up the paint and interior, and won't be a potential fire?

I'm beginning to think the top is a loss and just cut it up to remove...

 

[TJ4Jim]

The yellowing you see at the clamp is likely just the plastic paint protector decal applied at the factory.

 

[derekmac]

The yellowing you see at the clamp is likely just the plastic paint protector decal applied at the factory.

Yep, mine has that as well.

 

[derekmac]

Take some pics where it bolts to the tub. I'd say someone tried to remove the top with a bolt still in place.

 

[Drizit]

What kind of awfull human being would do that?

—
There must have been a time
when we could have said no.

 

[g.hayduke]

I recently removed the hardtop on my '05 LJ probably for the first time in its life. It was stuck but popped loose fairly easily when I basically crouched inside close to the center, with my lower back against the top and pushed hard with my legs. You might want to try that method if you haven't already.

 

[jjvw]

There is a foam seal where hardtop sits on the tub. The last couple years on mine, the foam has been sticking pretty hard where it is initially difficult to pull the top free. Assuming the bolts are removed, this may be the hidden problem. Work at a corner behind a door and it should start to peel free.

 

[billiebob]

I recently removed the hardtop on my '05 LJ probably for the first time in its life. It was stuck but popped loose fairly easily when I basically crouched inside close to the center, with my lower back against the top and pushed hard with my legs. You might want to try that method if you haven't already.

This is the method I use too.
Lifting under the roof, maybe lifting one rear corner first.

 

[Edward Turner]

A heat gun on low or hair dryer on high can soften the glues on the gasket tape and make the job much easier.

 

[AndyG]

Glued it on . Nice .

Proves my theory - when someone does something really thorough , they are a Craftsman.

When you go behind them , they are an idiot.

 

[06TJ35's]

I recently removed the hardtop on my '05 LJ probably for the first time in its life. It was stuck but popped loose fairly easily when I basically crouched inside close to the center, with my lower back against the top and pushed hard with my legs. You might want to try that method if you haven't already.

I used to do this method when I had a 83 Blazer. Come summer time that camper was coming off don’t have the luxury of a hard top now.