Installing Exhaust Vent in Hard Top

One more comment. I went out for a ride to wash it today and pick up some last minute items for thanksgiving. It is now a lot quieter in the cab. I’m amazed at how much difference having that piece on makes.

Also if you’re in the Midwest I picked up a bottle of Basil Hayden’s bourbon for $30 on sale at Meijer. Best price I’ve seen for a while. That made the drive back even better. (The price not consuming on the drive :crazylick:)
 
So update on this. The glue didn't make it very long before it started separating about a month ago. I tried a different plastic glue and when it dried it didn't even stick to the plastic that this piece is made out of. After a bit more thought I went and bought a $15 plastic welder from Harbor Freight and melted the tabs to the back plate and beefed up the plastic with the repair sticks that came with the welder. That seemed to hold extremely tight and snapping it in was the best it's fit. It looks like it was suppose to be welded before it ships; the assembly machine must have been messed up at the factory and QC sucks. So far so good with this fix. It really is crazy at the difference this vent makes in the reduction of noise that comes in the cab when it is in place...
 
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Not sure what gave you the idea that they are all defective ? I have had new ones which fit fine and really old one which were damaged on removal and needed to be fixed.
 
Just Relax said:
So update on this. The glue didn't make it very long before it started separating about a month ago. I tried a different plastic glue and when it dried it didn't even stick to the plastic that this piece is made out of. After a bit more thought I went and bought a $15 plastic welder from Harbor Freight and melted the tabs to the back plate and beefed up the plastic with the repair sticks that came with the welder. That seemed to hold extremely tight and snapping it in was the best it's fit. It looks like it was suppose to be welded before it ships; the assembly machine must have been messed up at the factory and QC sucks. So far so good with this fix. It really is crazy at the difference this vent makes in the reduction of noise that comes in the cab when it is in place...
Click to expand...

Thanks for posting the pics and the updates. Very helpful.
 
For anyone else struggling with getting the tabs to snap into the hardtop, this sucks. Brand new $92 vent and it wouldn’t click in. Trying to remove it just separated the back from the front. Back to square 1. It’s like you get 1 shot at this. If your tabs are not sticking out away from the body of the vent, you must get them to in order to be successful. Do as @Reign Mack said and put a shoe lace or something else under them for awhile before installing. Once that back piece separates you probably need the plastic welder to fix it. 🙄
 
Just Relax said:
So the hard top on my Jeep I bought was missing the passenger exhaust vent. The one I have is the long skinny vertical one behind the side glass. I purchased a new one to put in.

This is the first question I've had that doesn't seem to have much information on. Removing is frowned up as the tabs break but it seems adding one isn't discussed much. The part fits and is correct I believe, but it's loose. It doesn't appear that there is anything to snap it in place. Is it suppose to fit in tight? It's almost like the foam should have a sticky side to keep it in place. As it is I'm sure if I just put in it will blow out going down the highway. I think the drivers side is stuck to the top with some type of adhesive, not just snug or snapped in place. Any help would be appreciated!
Click to expand...

It sounds like you have a new passenger exhaust vent for your Jeep's hard top, but it is loose and you are concerned that it may blow out while driving on the highway.
It is possible that the new vent you purchased is designed to fit snugly in place without the need for any additional adhesive or snaps. However, it is also possible that the original vent on the driver's side was indeed secured with an adhesive, and that the new vent should be as well.
One way to determine if an adhesive is needed is to compare the fit of the new vent to the fit of the original vent on the driver's side. If the new vent is significantly looser, it may be necessary to use an adhesive to secure it in place.
Another option is to check the instructions that came with the new vent, or consult with the manufacturer to see if they have any recommendations for installation.
If you are unsure about how to proceed, it may be best to seek the help of a professional mechanic or a Jeep specialist to ensure that the vent is installed properly and safely.
 
JMT said:
For anyone else struggling with getting the tabs to snap into the hardtop, this sucks. Brand new $92 vent and it wouldn’t click in. Trying to remove it just separated the back from the front. Back to square 1. It’s like you get 1 shot at this. If your tabs are not sticking out away from the body of the vent, you must get them to in order to be successful. Do as @Reign Mack said and put a shoe lace or something else under them for awhile before installing. Once that back piece separates you probably need the plastic welder to fix it. 🙄
Click to expand...

So frustrating. Mine did click in alright, fortunately. But when I bought the hard top it was so loose I could remove it easily by hand, and the two pieces were already separated. I did my best to put them back together with some glue and clamps. So far so good, but we'll see.

I think I'm going to put some silicone around the edges, which should help with vibration and wiggling loose over time.
 
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If you can't get it to stay in the hardtop put a line of butyl rope sealant around the back of the surface flange at the inside corner of the flange and press the vent firmly into place on the hardtop. That's what I did to remount mine after the catch tabs broke from age and brittleness
 
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If the hardtop vents are rattling or won't latch tight use butyl rope sealant around the back side of the flange against the body of the vent, then press the vent firmly into the hardtop until it is seated. I used this method to mount mine when the lock tabs broke from age and brittleness
 

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