Freedom panel security

[Professor_Chaos]

I think the idea of the additional screw was not replacing the torx screw but adding another one lower down on the lever. Then removal at least requires a tool and not just a flick of the wrist.

Right on. That makes sense, was thinking without a visual aid.

Thanks for that. Appreciated.


Edit... now that I'm thinking about it though.... those freedom panels are damn thin... not sure it could take much depth to secure a screw against strong arming.

I'll keep thinking. Not gonna let the crackheads win this one.

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[Bestop]

Hey... since I got your attention... just bought the gladiator trail cover... how come it doesn't fit in the supplied bag without the effort of six greek gods?

I haven't messed with it too much, just opened it about an hour ago, as folded by factory, will not go in the bag. I guess I could fold it a bunch and see but I'm just gonna put it in a grocery bag I guess.

It don't fit.

It doubles as a puzzle? ?‍
I'll pass along your feedback.

Lee
- the Bestop team
www.bestop.com

 

[MPMB]

It doubles as a puzzle? ?‍
I'll pass along your feedback.

Lee
- the Bestop team
www.bestop.com

Admit it. You want to beat Coleman as the best company to stuff 10# into a 5# bag. Too bad you're miles behind my wife when she packs for a weekend and still needs 3 duffles and a Sherpa.



plot twist: she doesn't wear 1/2 the clothes she brings.

 

[Bestop]

Admit it. You want to beat Coleman as the best company to stuff 10# into a 5# bag. Too bad you're miles behind my wife when she packs for a weekend and still needs 3 duffles and a Sherpa.



plot twist: she doesn't wear 1/2 the clothes she brings.

Plot Twisterer: I think your wife was on the design team?

Lee
- the Bestop team
www.bestop.com

 

[Sazabi19]

Hey... since I got your attention... just bought the gladiator trail cover... how come it doesn't fit in the supplied bag without the effort of six greek gods?

I haven't messed with it too much, just opened it about an hour ago, as folded by factory, will not go in the bag. I guess I could fold it a bunch and see but I'm just gonna put it in a grocery bag I guess.

It don't fit.

Which 6 though?

 

[Higher_Ground]

I feel like your problem is that most of the things you could rig to make it a bit harder will only make it a bit harder. Hence anyone with a bit of determination or time will be able to defeat it relatively easily.

The panels are too thin to drill into. If you wanted to attach something, I would suggest using 3M VHB tape instead.

There are several companies that sell all sorts of aluminum channels that you connect together. Erector set yourself a way to connect to two panels together from the inside and secure with fasteners. That way they would either have to remove the tops together at once (pretty difficult) or undo all the connecting hardware. Unistrut/telespar/xcessories squared are companies that come to mind but I'm sure there are generic pieces that would do the trick too.

That being said, I have been resisting the urge to chime in with "have you considered a sun shade that just covers the front half?" If someone steals it you won't be out nearly as much money.

 

[5JeepsAz]

U buy up a cheap bikini top to remove the enticement?

 

[Professor_Chaos]

U buy up a cheap bikini top to remove the enticement?

Now thats an idea.

 

[Professor_Chaos]

Which 6 though?

I didn't ask. One of them had a gun. It was already weird enough.

 

[aceisback]

If something happens it does, what are you gonna do, shoot everyone?

Jes

 

[ShadowsPapa]

I am not sure why someone would want to steal them but you could put a security bit in place of one of the screws to throw off would be thieves.

Really? You haven't heard about all of the T-top and similar thefts?
It's a big deal - makes money for the thief. You have your roof panels stolen, you report to insurance and/or look for replacements and wow, there happen to be some good used ones for sale out there. And the process repeats.
When we had our t-top Camaro, it was a big deal to make sure they were locked in place or otherwise secured to prevent theft.
It's a very real thing for some vehicles to have roof panels stolen.
I don't know if it is or ever will be a problem, big or small, for Jeep, but those panels fit tens of thousands of Jeeps, so............

 

[Professor_Chaos]

Just brainstorming here but since the backseat is out and the rear hardtop removed... maybe I could pick up one of these?

Any suggestions/reviews? Did a search but didn't come up with all that much. Maybe check JL threads?

 

[ShadowsPapa]

This is why you NEVER put such a decal on a Jeep................

 

[Professor_Chaos]

Really? You haven't heard about all of the T-top and similar thefts?
It's a big deal - makes money for the thief. You have your roof panels stolen, you report to insurance and/or look for replacements and wow, there happen to be some good used ones for sale out there. And the process repeats.
When we had our t-top Camaro, it was a big deal to make sure they were locked in place or otherwise secured to prevent theft.
It's a very real thing for some vehicles to have roof panels stolen.
I don't know if it is or ever will be a problem, big or small, for Jeep, but those panels fit tens of thousands of Jeeps, so............

Yup yup. Yup.

I was surprised no locks on the panels. I think even my moms 90's geo tracker had locks.

I don't know about Jeeps and how often it happens but I read enough stories on the MR2 forum to keep mine locked up at all times.

I do get the people saying don't worry about it.

Its not worry though. Its experience.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Yup yup. Yup.

I was surprised no locks on the panels. I think even my moms 90's geo tracker had locks.

I don't know about Jeeps and how often it happens but I read enough stories on the MR2 forum to keep mine locked up at all times.

I do get the people saying don't worry about it.

Its not worry, though. Its experience.

My neighbor had the tops stolen off his Trans Am. He collected insurance and it was enough to buy a set of good used ones, and he said for months it bothered him - was he buying his own roof panels back, or perhaps the roof panels of someone he knew?

There's a reason those lock on most cars that have them - maybe all, but I've not seen all so can't say that LOL.

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