Anyone used a quick release latch for hard top?

[jsteed]

I'm down to the point where my hard top (half cab) only has two screws in the windshield frame and the seatbelt bolts holding it on. Obviously unsafe and noisy in the bumps. I got to thinking since most all the threads are stripped (including all the threads in the fiberglass) that I would try to find some secure latches where I could put 3 or 4 between the fiberglass top and the bulkhead and maybe 3 between the top and the windshield. Has anyone tried this? How did it go? Pictures or product recs? Thanks.

J

 

[ag4ever]

I had mine latched to the windshield and bolted to the bulkhead. It still rattled and moved a lot while running what I would call “fire roads” on the deer lease. Running around 20 mph max.

For a mostly street Jeep, latches would be fine, but if using the top off-road, I’d want bolts front and rear.

 

[Cmath]

I have toggle clamps on mine and they work great. I did put new rubber all around on the top. and no rattle (out of the top anyway)

 

[jsteed]

Appreciate the responses, thanks guys.

 

[ag4ever]

These are the mounts on my windshield frame. The latches are on the top.

 

[RMNP CJ-8]

I added latches and attached the clasp to the visor mounts.

 

[gr8dain]

Yep. I used the latches as mentioned above

 

[TexasAg77]

OK, that covers the front. My 4 built in brackets at the bulkhead are stripped. I have one idea on how to solve, but looking for ideas that other have done...

 

[John N]

OK, that covers the front. My 4 built in brackets at the bulkhead are stripped. I have one idea on how to solve, but looking for ideas that other have done...

I put nutserts in the bottom edge of the top and 5/16” bolts from below. It worked well..

 

[gr8dain]

OK, that covers the front. My 4 built in brackets at the bulkhead are stripped. I have one idea on how to solve, but looking for ideas that other have done...

I use the same latches on the back. The little hook pieces are not needed as the latch fits and grips the lip of the bulkhead

 

[TexasAg77]

I put nutserts in the bottom edge of the top and 5/16” bolts from below. It worked well..

Am trying to not have to remove the top. To me, it is a PITA...

 

[TexasAg77]

I use the same latches on the back. The little hook pieces are not needed as the latch fits and grips the lip of the bulkhead

Had thought of doing that. Am leaning to boring a clean hole above each stripped mount and screw threw the mount and put a washer and nut on it to tighten down, then a plastic insert cap, painted white... Scared mounting the draw down catch to the 40 y/o fiberglass may not hold up to the bumps and jostling, etc.

Thanks to both of y'all for replying.

 

[gr8dain]

I hear you about the 40 year old glass tops. The one from a parts rig I picked up a couple of years ago was in much worse shape than the one I am using. Hopefully the inside isn’t as baked. But still a concern. I thought about the nutserts or new bolts for my stripped thread inserts, but went with the latches for quick release.

And oh, I have had bumps pop my latches. Good thing you can give the latch a twist to shorten/tighten them.

 

[GreatCJ8]

Am trying to not have to remove the top. To me, it is a PITA...

Agreed. And for the few months I do use / need it, I'm thinking about trying a soft top for a few years, just for shiggles

 

[jsteed]

Great responses everyone, thank you, I appreciate the help. I know its been a while, had some speed bumps in life and relocated to Tucson AZ. Jeep is still in WA, and looking to get it back down here to the desert soon!