Sunrider installation advice

[wrknk9s]

Hi all, My first post here.... I just got my Gladiator a week ago and I'm completely smitten. I've ordered an A.R.E. cap for the bed and am planning on getting a Mopar Sunrider for the top. My question is whether I should have the dealer install it or just do it myself. I had a Bestop Sunrider for my Wrangler, which we installed ourselves, but it always leaked. I definitely don't want leaks in my new ride! I'm not concerned about the money, but the guy at my dealership said the mechanic on duty put one in his own Wrangler and it leaks! So... is the mechanic who installed it just bad at his job? Or is it a fitment issue on Wranglers? I saw the earlier thread on here about Sunriders and no one mentioned leak issues... What's the collective brain say?

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[grant1]

Best top will do the install. I put theirs on my a couple of years ago and take it off for the winter. No leaks. The Har cover wad put on by the dealer and leaks bad. They say they can't do anything about it

 

[am1978]

My wife got one of the very first JL Sunriders for hardtop—they ‘gave’ it to her to test and review. It’s been installed and removed seasonally since late 2018. No issues at all, none. The only reason I don’t have one for my JT is because I sold my JLU last summer when I bought the JTR, but I kept the JLU softtop for her JLU thinking she would switch to that and I could have the Sunrider. No luck. She has me swap the hardtop for the and Sunrider out for the softtop and never wants the freedom panels in.

 

[am1978]

Just pay attention to the assembly.

 

[DirkG]

I had a Bestop Sunrider for my Wrangler, which we installed ourselves, but it always leaked.

Anyone else have issues with leaking? I was going to order a Bestop Sunrider, but this gives me a little pause.

 

[JRobes]

Only slight leakage I've had is in a touch less car wash if one of the jet streams hits it just right from the side. Otherwise no issues whatsoever in rain.

 

[mert34]

did the install myself on mine, and i can go through car washes without a leak.

 

[darksidedesign]

did the install myself on mine, and i can go through car washes without a leak.

I concur. I installed it myself. I have mine on from March till October. It’s seen many car washes and several rain storms without a single leak.

The key is to make sure you follow the instructions carefully that very first time. After that, installation and removal takes less than 5 mins. The Sunrider is my favorite modification to date. I love it!

 

[learjet]

agrred with above, self installed, on and off each winter in 10 mins, never leaked.

 

[BaliMawr]

Anyone else have issues with leaking? I was going to order a Bestop Sunrider, but this gives me a little pause.

I bought mine second hand, so it's not nly been on and off, but on and off of two different JTs. No leaks, and Ive had it out in driving rain a few times.

 

[BtrLtThnNvr]

I’ve installed two. Take your time, make sure that silly little z bracket is seated well, don’t fold the fabric at the back, and I’ve never seen a leak. These are fantastic.

 

[IOS-XR]

No leaks on ours at all. Went Twill and installed it ourselves.

 

[CoachA]

I concur. I installed it myself. I have mine on from March till October. It’s seen many car washes and several rain storms without a single leak.

The key is to make sure you follow the instructions carefully that very first time. After that, installation and removal takes less than 5 mins. The Sunrider is my favorite modification to date. I love it!

I think I agree. Never having had a convertible, this thing rocks!

 

[MATADOR1]

Best top will do the install. I put theirs on my a couple of years ago and take it off for the winter. No leaks. The Har cover wad put on by the dealer and leaks bad. They say they can't do anything about it

I would definitely recommend this option. I installed one on my JK a few years ago and it was a pain in the backside. Nothing seemed to line up just right. I finally got it working with modifications three hours later.

 

[Alaska-HWY JK]

Put ours back on yesterday. 10 - 15 minutes tops including zipping up freedom panels in storage bag.

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