Fungi3
Well-Known Member
- Thread starter
- #1
I was asked recently at a Jeep event by a relatively new Jeep owner, "Are there things I need to do during the upcoming seasonal change". Since I'm in the Northeast U.S. and the person asking is also in this region, I thought it might be a good idea to create a list of seasonal things many of us need to do, or get done, on our Gladiators. You may want to share your own list or your own version of my steps, via this thread. I typically do these during November, when the average temps drop 30 degrees and night time temps in the 20s. Snow, ice, wet leaves, salt, and much earlier darkness all develop quickly.
My November short list:
o Switch from SOFT TOP to HARD TOP.
o Clean the vehicle inside and outside
o Apply a wax to outer surfaces and RainX windows
o Check and change wipers if needed
o Check/modify tire wear and pressure
o Check all fluids (including front/rear diff)
o Change oil (I do 5000 mile changes)
o Check condition and seals of bed covers or pads
o Switch back to heavy duty inside mud mats
o Check Manual for additional yearly and/or Winter items to be checked
ITEM #1 Above - SWITCH FROM SOFT TOP TO HARD TOP
Here are a couple things I keep in mind during my top change that aren't called out in Mopar's video or directions:
1. While removing the soft top, use the opportunity to apply a thin coating of silicone to rubber parts to keep them from drying out and cracking during non-use.
2. Store the soft top in a heated or semi-heated area if possible.
3. Store all screws and bolts in the holder under the driver's side rear seat bottom.
4. Clean the plastic rear window with very mild dish soap and water, and wipe very lightly with a cotton towel. Then store inside sleeve. Store with no hard bends.
5. Clean the hard top with mild soap and water.
6. Be sure to have 2-3 people to perform the hard top install. Place large solid item in bed as interim stop on way to install position.
7. Be sure to plug in the defrost cable to the back window.
8. Align top correctly. Install bolts loosely first. Alternate slight tightening across base of top. Final tightening not done until freedom panels are installed. Adjust top and panels as needed to make the best secure and water tight fit. Wipe on a light coat of silicone onto all rubber seals and seats. Do not over tighten bolts holding down the hard top. If tightened too tight, or not tightened evenly, it can cause breakage or damage to back window. Unclamp and re-clamp freedom panels.
MOPAR VIDEO:
My November short list:
o Switch from SOFT TOP to HARD TOP.
o Clean the vehicle inside and outside
o Apply a wax to outer surfaces and RainX windows
o Check and change wipers if needed
o Check/modify tire wear and pressure
o Check all fluids (including front/rear diff)
o Change oil (I do 5000 mile changes)
o Check condition and seals of bed covers or pads
o Switch back to heavy duty inside mud mats
o Check Manual for additional yearly and/or Winter items to be checked
ITEM #1 Above - SWITCH FROM SOFT TOP TO HARD TOP
Here are a couple things I keep in mind during my top change that aren't called out in Mopar's video or directions:
1. While removing the soft top, use the opportunity to apply a thin coating of silicone to rubber parts to keep them from drying out and cracking during non-use.
2. Store the soft top in a heated or semi-heated area if possible.
3. Store all screws and bolts in the holder under the driver's side rear seat bottom.
4. Clean the plastic rear window with very mild dish soap and water, and wipe very lightly with a cotton towel. Then store inside sleeve. Store with no hard bends.
5. Clean the hard top with mild soap and water.
6. Be sure to have 2-3 people to perform the hard top install. Place large solid item in bed as interim stop on way to install position.
7. Be sure to plug in the defrost cable to the back window.
8. Align top correctly. Install bolts loosely first. Alternate slight tightening across base of top. Final tightening not done until freedom panels are installed. Adjust top and panels as needed to make the best secure and water tight fit. Wipe on a light coat of silicone onto all rubber seals and seats. Do not over tighten bolts holding down the hard top. If tightened too tight, or not tightened evenly, it can cause breakage or damage to back window. Unclamp and re-clamp freedom panels.
MOPAR VIDEO:
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