Soft top rear window modification

[BoldlyGoing]

The zippers on my rear window are trashed. Once I source a new window (that isn't cracked) i'm thinking of taking it to an upholsterer and having them replace the one long zipper that surrounds the whole thing on both the top and the window itself with three zippers – one of each side and one long one across the top.

My biggest gripe with the TJ rear window is how difficult it is to turn the corners when it's even slightly cold outside. Nine times out of 10, I only want to unzip the two edges and then roll the window up. This is the way it is on my dad's old YJ window, and I really think it's a Sapir your design.

Thoughts? I'm sure they'll be some gaps, but I'll be tucked under the lip, so rain intrusion shouldn't be a big deal.

 

[glwood]

I get you with how hard it is to get around the corners...Bestop does sell a lubrication for the zippers, that could help. Also, do the side zippers even need to 'turn the corner' in order to roll up the window? It seems you could without them doing that, but I am not speaking from experience, as I never roll up the rear window.

Novel idea about three zippers. I'd be curious to see what the upholstery shop says. I can't imagine having to start 3 zippers. I have enough trouble with the one.

 

[BoldlyGoing]

I get you with how hard it is to get around the corners...Bestop does sell a lubrication for the zippers, that could help. Also, do the side zippers even need to 'turn the corner' in order to roll up the window? It seems you could without them doing that, but I am not speaking from experience, as I never roll up the rear window.

Novel idea about three zippers. I'd be curious to see what the upholstery shop says. I can't imagine having to start 3 zippers. I have enough trouble with the one.

In order to roll my window, I still have to turn the corner to the flat section across the top otherwise it’s still ~6” or so “zipped”. It never fails that the teeth end up binding and making re-zipping a huge, knuckle skinning ordeal. I usually lube the zips with a mix of oil and beeswax which helps a ton, but still!

The last time I had an upholstery shop fix my top it was fairly painless. Hopefully this will be too.

 

[Infernicus]

I had a top like that on my Suzuki Samurai. It was kind of a pain to align the zippers. I never ended taking them out, just took the entire top off.
Www.ebay/itm/271469650123

 

[Jeep9748]

if you have both zippers on opposite sides you can roll up just the sides and then use the button straps on the top. I have done it for a while now. I never mess with the corners as it usually rips.

 

[ohiopatriot]

if you have both zippers on opposite sides you can roll up just the sides and then use the button straps on the top. I have done it for a while now. I never mess with the corners as it usually rips.

This ^^^^

 

[05 Blue Unlimited]

I know what you all are saying. I use a lenght of wire (coat hanger) with a hook on the end to help with the leverage. Like Boldlygoing I use wax (cheap white unscented candle) to lube the zippers. It really helps a lot.

 

[cjaama]

In order to roll my window, I still have to turn the corner to the flat section across the top otherwise it’s still ~6” or so “zipped”. It never fails that the teeth end up binding and making re-zipping a huge, knuckle skinning ordeal. I usually lube the zips with a mix of oil and beeswax which helps a ton, but still!

The last time I had an upholstery shop fix my top it was fairly painless. Hopefully this will be too.

I'm surprised to hear that it's so difficult for you to "turn the corner". That being said, my rear zippers are completely seized on the LJ I just picked up this Fall.

Was using the upholstery shop very expensive? I'm probably going that route come Spring and I'm going in blind on what pricing will be like.
Did you use a marine upholsterer or just a regular upholsterer?

 

[05 Blue Unlimited]

I'm surprised to hear that it's so difficult for you to "turn the corner". That being said, my rear zippers are completely seized on the LJ I just picked up this Fall.

Was using the upholstery shop very expensive? I'm probably going that route come Spring and I'm going in blind on what pricing will be like.
Did you use a marine upholsterer or just a regular upholsterer?

Without any other damage it should be pretty straight forward to get the zipper to release.

 

[cjaama]

Without any other damage it should be pretty straight forward to get the zipper to release.

I'm sorry, easy for me or easy for an upholsterer?

 

[05 Blue Unlimited]

I'm sorry, easy for me or easy for an upholsterer?

Of course I have not seen your situation but if the zipper is not damaged and only bound up, apply a little lube and work it back and forth. If it is hard to grab a hold of try putting a hook in a section of coat hanger to get it to free up.

 

[cjaama]

I’ll definitely give it a try, thanks! Mine is pretty gunked up. I honestly don’t think the original (one) owner ever took the top down.

 

[05 Blue Unlimited]

I’ll definitely give it a try, thanks! Mine is pretty gunked up.

Clean it with the wife's tooth brush first to get excessive dirt off.... I'm sure she will understand.

 

[cjaama]

Clean it with the wife's tooth brush first to get excessive dirt off.... I'm sure she will understand.

She doesn't use it anyway.
This is a picture of my older daughter's collection of toothbrushes from a couple of years ago. We now have a second daughter and there is about 8 more of them. Unfortunately I'm not home to take a picture of them right now. You do all kinds of crazy crap to get your kids to brush their teeth.

 

[L.Ross]

I know this is an old thread but I was wondering if you ever actually went ahead with this mod? I’ve been thinking of asking an upholstery shop to do this for my rear window, now that the zipper bit the dust. Thanks!

 

[Goatman]

I use a keyring (that round thing that holds your car and house keys) through the hole instead of the tab that likes to break off. Then you can put a finger through it and it makes even the toughest zippers way easier to move. I also found some zipper lube on Amazon that really works. It looks like a really big crayon that you just rub on the zipper. Dosen't harden or gook up in the cold.