Hard top install with tailgate bar retainers

[micro]

Hi all,
I picked up a 99 TJ with a soft top a couple of months ago and just purchased a used hard top for it.
I'm trying to find out if I can leave the soft top tailgate bar retainers in place when I install the hard top or if they need to be removed for the hatch to seal properly?
Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[RAWZ08]

No need to remove them. I can't speak for all model years, but i suspect it's true. 06 LJ.

 

[RAWZ08]

Also, that's with a factory hardtop, I dont know anything about aftermarket ones or if that makes a difference.

 

[micro]

Also, that's with a factory hardtop, I dont know anything about aftermarket ones or if that makes a difference.

It's a later model factory hard top without the vents behind the side glass.
So my next project will be finding a vented tailgate.
Thanks for your help!

 

[Ericict]

I have an aftermarket for an 02. Keep the bar retainers in place. Looking at my seal on the glass it is formed and solid to fit in the retainer. Top is made by Rally Tops.

 

[Ericict]

It's a later model factory hard top without the vents behind the side glass.
So my next project will be finding a vented tailgate.
Thanks for your help!

Just buy a vent and install it. That's what I plan on doing. Right now I just crack a window when closing the door.

 

[micro]

I have an aftermarket for an 02. Keep the bar retainers in place. Looking at my seal on the glass it is formed and solid to fit in the retainer. Top is made by Rally Tops.

Good to know!
Thanks for the reply!

 

[Ericict]

Good to know!
Thanks for the reply!

I just looked up the vent (exhauster for 05) that goes into the tail gate. Its $20. 26 55055 998AD (EXHAUSTER, Bodyside Aperture) My year should have it in the top, but being an aftermarket, I'm not sure if it will fit. Im sure I can make it fit in the tailgate.

 

[micro]

I just looked up the vent (exhauster for 05) that goes into the tail gate. Its $20. 26 55055 998AD (EXHAUSTER, Bodyside Aperture) My year should have it in the top, but being an aftermarket, I'm not sure if it will fit. Im sure I can make it fit in the tailgate.

Where did you find that at?

 

[L J]

Where did you find that at?

http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-5...0001&campid=5337789113&icep_item=333024225738

 

[Ericict]

Where did you find that at?

Google search, I think it was a mopar site. Amazon has them as well for 28.