Some people are attracted to jeep convertibles due to the way it fits on their jeep. The truth is that some people do not envisage that the convertible might not be tight on their jeep.
Hence, they are worried about the possible reason and how it can be fixed. Are you in this category? You are at the right place. The reason for the problem and how you can resolve it will be discussed in this article. Keep on reading.
What are the reasons why the jeep convertible is not tight?
It is disheartening after installation or a few months of usage and you discover that the convertible is not tightened on the jeep again. This reason has made some users switch back to the hardtop.
The jeep would look tacky and the cover could get ruined soon if not fixed quickly. Below are some of the reasons why the convertible might not be tight on the jeep.
Faulty top
Some users do not understand that the convertible could become faulty also just like the other parts of the jeep. In a situation where the convertible is not in good condition due to wear, lack of maintenance, and many more, it is likely that it will not be tight on the jeep again. This could be the reason why yours is no longer tight, especially if you have been using it for a few years.
Problem with installation
The instructions in the manual are detailed and many people would have counseled you that you can install the convertible yourself. Well, this is the truth but you can run into problems during installation if you are not careful.
That is why you have to pay attention to every detail in the manual. In a situation where a poor job has been done during the installation of the convertible, there is a high chance that the convertible will not be tight on your jeep.
Wrong size
You can either get the OEM convertible or you opt for the aftermarket counterpart. If you notice that the convertible is not tight after installation, you have likely installed the wrong size, especially if you have bought an aftermarket convertible. In most situations, it could be that the size is a little bigger than the size of your jeep.
Lack of maintenance
Even if you have installed the right size properly, the convertible might become unfit after a while if you do not care for it.
For instance, a loose screw or bolt could make the convertible loose also. It is during inspection of the top that you will discover the loose ends.
Possible solutions to a convertible top that is not tight on the jeep
Many people think that the convertible is condemned when it is not tight on the jeep again. Being loose doesn’t mean that the convertible is useless. You can still fix it easily and continue to enjoy it. The following are some of the things you can do to make the convertible tight again.
Readjust the hooks
After a few months or a year of usage, the hooks would likely have shifted position, especially when you drive off roads often. Once you notice that the convertible is not tight on the jeep again, you can readjust the hooks, gently drag the convertible until it is tight again, and then tighten the bolts.
Tweak the frame
In a situation where you notice the problem immediately after installation, you should readjust the position of the frames. This is because the frames might have been fixed wrongly. You should gently do this and then retighten the bolts once the convertible is tight. This is, however, applicable when you are sure about its size.
Warm it up
Due to exposure to different weather, the material of the convertible will likely shrink or expand. If the convertible does not fit tight, you should warm it up. You can do this by exposing it to weather of about 70⁰ and above.
Seek help
You should be able to resolve the problem with any of the steps highlighted above. In a situation where the problem persists, you should seek assistance from a professional.
What can I do to make sure that my jeep convertible is always tightened?
The risk of getting ruined quickly is potentially reduced when the jeep convertible is tightened. Not only that, but it will also look attractive on the jeep.
However, you might experience the problem of not being tight at some point. The problem is fixable but it is better prevented than fixed. The following are some of the things you can do to prevent the problem.
Proper installation
Several problems could arise when the jeep convertible is not properly installed, including the problem of not being tight. You can avoid this problem with proper installation.
The instructions in the manual should guide you on proper installation. There are several tutorial videos online also. However, you can opt for a professional installer if you do not want to go through the hassle of installing the convertible yourself.
Adequate maintenance
If you go through the manual, it is stated there that the convertible must be maintained adequately. Maintenance of the jeep convertible is not limited to cleaning it alone.
If you neglect the maintenance mode recommended by the manufacturer, there is a high chance that the convertible might not be tightened with time.
Be mindful of the weather
It has been stated earlier that the convertible could shrink or stretch, depending on the weather. In a situation where the convertible is not tight during a particular season, you can switch to the hardtop, if possible.
Buy quality OEM
There are instances where the convertible could give you problems due to the quality of the material. Though OEM jeep convertibles might be relatively more expensive than the aftermarket ones, there is a minimal risk when you install them.
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Effects of a jeep convertible that is not tight
The jeep convertible is designed to be tight. You should know that something is wrong when you notice that it is no longer tight. This won’t stop the jeep from functioning but it will surely have its consequences. Below are some of the consequences of a jeep convertible that is not tight.
Easy ruin
To get a new jeep convertible costs a few bucks, right? That is why you need to take proper care of it. The truth is that you are subjecting the jeep convertible to further ruin when it is not tight and you fail to fix it. The material, hooks, and frames would be exposed to quick damage.
Unattractive
A jeep convertible that is properly installed and tight is attractive. The material is not only exposed to quick ruin when it is not tight, but it will also make the jeep look unattractive.
There is a bigger problem if you have a plan to sell the jeep in the future. The convertible that is not tight might dissuade the potential buyer or reduce the value of the jeep.
Prone to leakage
When the jeep’s convertible is not tight and you leave it in that condition for a longer duration, there is a high chance that the seat and the interior of the jeep would get wet when it rains.
Void of warranty
Did you know that the warranty of the soft top could be voided if you do not install it right and it leads to a problem?
Uneasiness
Have you ever been on the road and began to hear windy noise? The noise could be disturbing, especially when you are at a higher speed and you start feeling uneasy. You could be in this type of situation if the jeep convertible is not tight.
Cleaning the jeep convertible
You cannot clean the convertible the way you will clean the hardtop. This doesn’t mean that cleaning the convertible is difficult. With soap, water, a soft brush, and a dry microfiber cloth, you can clean the jeep convertible with ease.
It is recommended that you do not use a high-pressure washer to clean the convertible. Here are some of the steps involved.
Rinse the cover
Before you start the cleaning, it is recommended that you first rinse the convertible with clean water. Doing this will allow you to first get rid of the dust on it and have a better view.
Apply soap
Gently apply soap to the convertible and then use a soft brush to clean it. However, avoid the use of harsh cleaners such as acid-based and alcohol-based soaps.
Rinse again
After washing the convertible and you are satisfied, you should rinse it immediately. Do this until there is no residual soap on it again. You can then use a dry neat microfiber cloth to dry it.
Conclusion
Neglecting a jeep convertible that is not right for a longer duration will ruin the convertible quickly. This guide has provided details on what you can do to fix and avoid the problem.
