So, I'm switching to a soft top (I know I'll get a lot of feedback on that--I'm 62 and tired of the hard top). I installed the tailgate bar and the weatherstrip is keeping the top left of the tailgate pushed out. I can't adjust the latch anymore--it's all the way in. Can I just cut off part of the seal on the bar where it interacts with the tailgate seal? That seems to be where the issue lies. I don't see how water could get in there.
Tailgate bar keeping tailgate from latching tightly
- Thread starter TLT1964
- Start date
On all of the soft tops designs I've seen you close the tailgate first and then insert the bar which keeps the rear window in place. How are you installing the rear window?
Edit: Had to rethink this and what I wrote and I have it backwards in my head and you have it correct. Did you tailgate close all the way with the hardtop? I would not cut anything as it does deform over time.
Edit: Had to rethink this and what I wrote and I have it backwards in my head and you have it correct. Did you tailgate close all the way with the hardtop? I would not cut anything as it does deform over time.
Last edited:
WestCoastDan
TJ Addict
That gasket along the underside of the rail is suspect from what I see.
None of the rails I've used/seen have a gasket.
There is a gap along the top of our tailgate, but the top overhangs it by maybe 1/4", so any runoff goes outside.
None of the rails I've used/seen have a gasket.
There is a gap along the top of our tailgate, but the top overhangs it by maybe 1/4", so any runoff goes outside.
The weather seal tailgate lip will form to each other over time.
Proper order.. tailgate bar attached to the window, close the rear window then close the tailgate.
I am older than you, live in the NE and have been soft top only on my last four Wranglers.
Proper order.. tailgate bar attached to the window, close the rear window then close the tailgate.
I am older than you, live in the NE and have been soft top only on my last four Wranglers.
Thanks for the info--hoping to get the top installed next week. I have the frame in place and am working out the process in my mind. I look forward to the soft top, and it just looks more like a Jeep in my opinion.
Best to let the top deck sit in the sun for a few hours. A little bit of stretch is your friend.
egclassic
TJ Enthusiast
I just installed a new Quadratop soft top on my jeep this week too, and I am having the same issue with the tailgate not completely closing at the top. Did you ever figure this out? I was ready to start trimming the seal and my wife stopped me.
I also have a Hardtop but was thinking the jeep will be more versatile with a soft top. With the hardtop off, I have to check the weather if I want to drive it to work.
Yes. I took the advice on this thread and closed the tailgate first before putting the bar in. That worked, but I also ended up buying a new bar because the old one had bad weatherstrip. Things tend to settle in after awhile and it's closing great now.
egclassic
TJ Enthusiast
Ok thanks!
I think I'm still going to trim my weather seal. The factory weather strip on the tailgate itself is thick and in good shape and that is what is pushing against the seal on the bar. I'd rather sacrifice the tailgate bar seal instead of smashing the factory seal.
Here’s a pic of mine with the window not attached. My gate doesn’t poke out , but the bar flex’s in just a bit when I shut the gate. It’s a tight fit and requires a bit of umph to shut it solid.
Yeah, it didn't close as easy with mine as it did with the hardtop. Sometimes I still have to open and close it a second time to seat the bar in. There is some adjusting he could try on the latch post if it isn't all the way in already.
At least you’re fitting in to a true Jeeper. Soft tops are the only way to go. Topless is next. Then the doors. Little bit at a time
My windows are out March to November
My windows are out March to November
egclassic
TJ Enthusiast
I will take some pics of mine in the morning. Basically it is getting hung up on the "harder" part of the seal under the "half-round" softer top seal if that makes sense. That combined with the thicker factory seal on the tailgate itself is a lot to squeeze in that space and I don't want to twist my door out of shape.
egclassic
TJ Enthusiast
At least you’re fitting in to a true Jeeper. Soft tops are the only way to go. Topless is next. Then the doors. Little bit at a time
He's not kidding either, I still can't believe him though when he said he had never been off-roading before.............
View: https://youtu.be/58aEdtzjSVg?is=KqSDFuVhHf5kJ03H
My bad. I didn't realize your rear window isn't installed yet. Never had mine removed from the rear window.
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