Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ engine mounts

Newish Jeep owner desperately trying to solve a few problems

Hurricane Kat

New Member
Original poster
Joined
Oct 11, 2025
Messages
4
Location
Durango, Colorado
Help me going into winter, please! I have 3 big problems going into winter, first the door latches just don't work anymore. It started locking by itself, so I bought new handles which did not work (one broke the first time I used it, cheap plastic I guess) because the locking mechanism is so tight it jams up. Right now I have a wrench on it and have to leave part of the window unzipped so I can pull it down to open the door and the passenger door locks by itself, even after I replaced the new handle. I've tried a few different websites and tried to just purchase a new door, but those are very hard to find and very expensive. I did see a post on this forum about replacing the plastic clip, which I will have to give to my husband to see if he understands it. The second problem is almost zero visibilty out of the tinted plastic windows. I'm not sure if I should get a different top or just zip in clear windows. The third problem I have is the back tires don't have a mud protector over them so my windows get sprayed with mud, then it's extremely dangerous. I won't even get into the death wobble at 15 miles per hour by hitting a little bump or sewer cover or the fact that I can't put my groceries in the car without breaking my back to get them in the back seat because lack of trunk space, haha. I absolutely love my Jeep. It's just not practical for a stay at home mom buying groceries lol I guess I could've thought that through a little bit better, but here we are. and I'm ready to solve these problems going into (what I think is going to be a terrible winter with lots of snow). Any solutions would be greatly appreciated. Also suggestions for different websites or links to parts would be amazing. I have checked out several websites, but things start getting very confusing very quick. Thank you so much for your help!!


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Problem 1...remove the plastic inner door skin and see what's going on inside. Probably needs cleaning and lube. Door skins are easy to pull...three screws on the bottom...door pull... plastic clip at the front top. Pull the plastic inserts for the soft upper. Probably plenty of YouTube videos showing how to take it apart.

Problem 2...I've never seen a product that truly unclouds clear vinyl windows. I'd consider a new soft top or ditch the vinyl and get a hard top for the winter.

Problem 3...get rear fenders.

My winter mode (I live in Oregon and it rains...)

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Summer mode...

IMG20250905172925.jpg


-Mac
 
What are you using the Jeep for?

The reason I ask, that Jeep is built to be a rock crawling/hard core off roading vehicle. It's not a daily driver....although it can be driven daily if you're willing to be uncomfortable.

It's definitely not a grocery getter. Also, it has a very modified suspension due to the lift and tires. So, there's a lot of things that need to be worked over for the suspension to be reliable.
 
Tinted plastic windows are terrible.clear is much better.if access and visibility are an issue then a hard top is what you want. I hate trying to work cold zippers.

As far as trunk space you do know that the back seat folds up and flips forward right?then you can fit much more in the back.

Get rear fenders.you can buy steel ones if you want them to match

Pay someone to fix your doors if you can't get the latch cleaned and lubed yourself.

For any wobble have someone fix loose suspension parts and have the tires balannced.
 
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I know a lot of people like their soft tops. Nothing wrong with that. But, I am not one of them. I despise them. I got rid of mine and went to a hard top. MUCH better. Quieter and more comfortable to drive long distances. I’ve done two long distance trips out west with it. One with the soft top and one with the hard top. Never again with a soft top.
 
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Sheesh...even with 31's and 8" wheels, the mirrors and interior got covered when in the snow,rain or mud on my YJ and TJ. Your have a considerably bigger issue with your rig for a winter DD IMO. You can likely buy just the sides of the top if its a Bestop. It wont be cheap though. IIRC when I bought full soft top door uppers only because of trashed zippers they were over $150 a side. Far as DW goes have the hubby lay in front of it on the ground while you turn the steering wheel back and forth 1/4 turn or so and have him watch for a bad trac bar and bad tie rod ends. Also jack the front axle off the ground and grab each wheel at the 12 and 6 positions and rock it checking for bad unit bearings. Thats easy stuff to see and feel and see what that gets you in the way of $$$$ repairs needed.
 
Get new windows. I bought 3 sets over the past 20-some years due to hazing snd scratching. Be aware that the plastic scratches easily, so don’t roll up the rear window while driving around. Store all of the windows carefully when removed.
 
A hard top and full doors will make Colorado winter MUCH easier and safer. You will freak out to be able to see out the windows ! Get some kind of flairs in the rear fenders . Especially if you drive on dirt roads at all. Have a blast with your Jeep !
 
Get new windows. I bought 3 sets over the past 20-some years due to hazing snd scratching. Be aware that the plastic scratches easily, so don’t roll up the rear window while driving around. Store all of the windows carefully when removed.

As a follow on to this, only use a cleaner on the windows designed for plastic windows. I use Plexus on my mustang convertible window and half door uppers

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00092CKN4?tag=wranglerorg-20
 
Would you happen to have a website for the zip in windows? I’m not sure what type of top I have, and I was only able to find drop in windows with the plastic and they were about $1000 for two. I think that is the most reasonable thing I can do until I find a new car to drive. Thank you for the window cleaner link!
 
Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ engine mounts