Anyone running freedom panels only?

[Andrzej77ff]

Curious if anyone is running the 2 front freedom panels with no top on occasion? I used to run my JK like this when the top was off and I had a real long drive somewhere or weather was iffy for a day. On the JK there were 2 bolts that held the back of the panels down so it seemed more secure than just the latches on the JT.

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[Thunderspud]

What in the reverse mullet is this?

Seriously, though, I can't say that I have ever even considered doing this.

 

[Andrzej77ff]

It actually works very well and is really easy and fast to do, Especially since there isn’t a good Bimini top option for these.

 

[ConqSoft]

So, you're only using the front two attachment points, I guess? Doesn't seem very secure.

 

[Andrzej77ff]

So, you're only using the front two attachment points, I guess? Doesn't seem very secure.

No I’m using 2 points on the rear also. The only ones not used are the 2 outside rear corner points.

 

[D_JT]

It actually works very well and is really easy and fast to do, Especially since there isn’t a good Bimini top option for these.

Bestop and Mastertop both make a decent looking bikini/safari top for the Gladiator.

https://www.bestop.com/products/header-standard-targa-style-bikini-top/?sku=5260635

https://www.bestop.com/products/hea...SXPBd6UZ6ydk00FyiF2gt_gDEwFC8XewaAi7yEALw_wcB

https://www.quadratec.com/p/mastert...RhYwb9wzTv4VFeslJHEUCrC5F0AhE5_caAueUEALw_wcB

 

[Janster]

I've done it... and I've run with only the drivers side panel in. Worked just fine with only 3 attachment points.

 

[NC_Overland]

I’ve done it many times. It works great.

 

[Deleted member 57233]

Bestop and Mastertop both make a decent looking bikini/safari top for the Gladiator.

https://www.bestop.com/products/header-standard-targa-style-bikini-top/?sku=5260635

https://www.bestop.com/products/hea...SXPBd6UZ6ydk00FyiF2gt_gDEwFC8XewaAi7yEALw_wcB

https://www.quadratec.com/p/mastert...RhYwb9wzTv4VFeslJHEUCrC5F0AhE5_caAueUEALw_wcB

I have the Master Top and it's pretty meh. Annoying to install, and it flaps a good amount no matter how much you cinch down the straps.

 

[Gvsukids]

Curious if anyone is running the 2 front freedom panels with no top on occasion? I used to run my JK like this when the top was off and I had a real long drive somewhere or weather was iffy for a day. On the JK there were 2 bolts that held the back of the panels down so it seemed more secure than just the latches on the JT.

Like these people?

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/freedom-tops-only.41685/

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/thinking-about-running-freedom-panels-only.30054/

 

[NC_Overland]

Like these people?

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/freedom-tops-only.41685/

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/thinking-about-running-freedom-panels-only.30054/

Haha. That second link is from when my Jeep was just a baby. I’d had it maybe two months. Seems like forever ago. Going on six yrs now.

 

[COmtnbiker]

I have run freedom tops only around town and on the highway. They work very well. I had a biking top i never put on after discovering it.

 

[Y-Guy]

I took those bolt things out on my 2011 and never put them back on until I sold it. The new JL/JT freedom panels should be plenty safe to ride with back on, they were designed to to this. I've seen it more in the hot areas with peak sun. I prefer my SpiderWebShade but do what makes you happy.

 

[Sweetums]

No I’m using 2 points on the rear also. The only ones not used are the 2 outside rear corner points.

Those seem kind of important at highway speeds.

 

[Andrzej77ff]

I took those bolt things out on my 2011 and never put them back on until I sold it. The new JL/JT freedom panels should be plenty safe to ride with back on, they were designed to to this. I've seen it more in the hot areas with peak sun. I prefer my SpiderWebShade but do what makes you happy.

Agreed. I also run a spider web shade most of the time but it’s nice to throw those panels on if you have a long highway drive and the wife asks to put the top on.

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