Anyone running freedom panels only?

[Andrzej77ff]

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.

I also bought the master top and am not impressed. It took about 45 minutes to install it has about a dozen straps and yes, it makes a lot of noise. I also don’t like the look as it drapes over the speaker tower. I’m gonna return mine.

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[Y-Guy]

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.

We take my Gladiator or her Wrangler out on the highway with just our SWS on, made a few runs without the doors too. If find the SWS does a great job taming the wind, but that's just us.

 

[Gvsukids]

Those seem kind of important at highway speeds.

The strongest connection is from the front windshield clamp.

I also bought the master top and am not impressed. It took about 45 minutes to install it has about a dozen straps and yes, it makes a lot of noise. I also don’t like the look as it drapes over the speaker tower. I’m gonna return mine.

I wasn't pleased with it either.

 

[Sandman 4x4]

Yea the biggest problem I see? The Gladiator and Wrangler both in their most basic form is no where as open to the weather resistant as the previous previous generation of of YJ’s or CJ’s, with easily removed drain plugs with easily removed carpet or just mats. With minimal electrical items with wiring running all around the floors. I had a nice Bestop Bikini top on my half Dr 95 YJ, that I ran all spring, summer and late fall with the roof completely off and just the Bikini top for sun protection and the upper half doors and zipped up windows in the strongest of rain storms on the S.E. Mass Coast. Or run through the inner beach and small scrub oak trails on Chappy/Wasqee after the same storms flooded then half way up to half doors! With the hd vinyl bucket seats and fold and tumble rear seat, just a towel dry away. I would never consider opening my Gladiator to the weather like that! Especially with heated/power seats and steering wheel. 12.3” touch screen!

 

[Gvsukids]

weather resistant

The interior electronics were tested with a spray test.
https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/water-fording-question.31667/post-515478

with easily removed drain plugs with easily removed carpet or just mats

Those are present. The carpet comes out with a seam near the driver's seat. If you install armorlite flooring, then the rear plugs are accessible to open.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Those seem kind of important at highway speeds.

Our sudden side winds could be a problem. I've seen trucks blown into the other lane after passing a grove of trees. It's one reason I seldom ever take doors off - when you are driving along and a gust comes at your side it sucks your breath away, empties your truck for you, and will rip off anything not securely attached.

But then this is one of the more windy states in the country.

 

[NC_Overland]

Our sudden side winds could be a problem. I've seen trucks blown into the other lane after passing a grove of trees. It's one reason I seldom ever take doors off - when you are driving along and a gust comes at your side it sucks your breath away, empties your truck for you, and will rip off anything not securely attached.

But then this is one of the more windy states in the country.

I’ve driven all over for 5+ yrs now with the front panels only. It’s still securely fastened front and rear. It’s not an issue. Lots of 80+ mph too.

 

[jmr]

Yes I've done that before it works out well if you want open air but not fry in the Sun and it's a cheap option too. They are held in place with 3 of the 4 fastening points.

 

[NC_Overland]

Yes I've done that before it works out well if you want open air but not fry in the Sun and it's a cheap option too. They are held in place with 3 of the 4 fastening points.

That’s why I do it. I keep the panels in the bed in case it gets too hot or it rains. If you’re moving with the front panels in and the windows up, it doesn’t get that wet inside. It’s not ideal, but it’s saved me more times than once. I keep my Jeep cover in the bed too if I’m more than an hr from home without the top.

 

[Alaskajeeper83]

First time I have ever heard or seen someone do this, pretty interesting!! I may have to try it

 

[Spirits]

Yea the biggest problem I see? The Gladiator and Wrangler both in their most basic form is no where as open to the weather resistant as the previous previous generation of of YJ’s or CJ’s,

My 92 has been rained in like crazy for a long time with no issues. Floor drain pulgs are clutch for that stuff, seats being made to get wet, no electronics to worry about etc.

Modern Jeep owners might as well buy sedans for how they use them lmao.

 

[Sandman 4x4]

I really miss the simplicity of my 95 YJ, with a comparison to my 78 CJ, was a better highway tripping small SUV, but off road just as able in stock form. If Jeep were to build something similar with the same chassis as the latest Wrangler, but totally stripped of all electronic gizmos, just a basic radio with plug for cell ph, with all the federally mandated safety equipment, like air bags and emissions controls. Half doors with zipper windows, all made exclusively in 2dr only. Call it Kilroys Willys. Keeping it under $28k

 

[NC_Overland]

I really miss the simplicity of my 95 YJ, with a comparison to my 78 CJ, was a better highway tripping small SUV, but off road just as able in stock form. If Jeep were to build something similar with the same chassis as the latest Wrangler, but totally stripped of all electronic gizmos, just a basic radio with plug for cell ph, with all the federally mandated safety equipment, like air bags and emissions controls. Half doors with zipper windows, all made exclusively in 2dr only. Call it Kilroys Willys. Keeping it under $28k

You can still get a two door JL pretty basic. I’m pretty sure in the last two years they made power windows and AC standard. You could probably purchase one for $28k, but a super basic one like this 3.6l manual with zero options would be tough to find in most markets.

 

[Sandman 4x4]

You can still get a two door JL pretty basic. I’m pretty sure in the last two years they made power windows and AC standard. You could probably purchase one for $28k, but a super basic one like this 3.6l manual with zero options would be tough to find in most markets.

Oh yea I forgot to mention the 95 YJ cost me $14,200 out the door!

 

[NC_Overland]

I’m not sir if you can w

Oh yea I forgot to mention the 95 YJ cost me $14,200 out the door!

Oh yea I forgot to mention the 95 YJ cost me $14,200 out the door!

Considering all that you get with the new one, it’s a better deal.

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