Girls and Soft Tops - help need tips!

joymizzoni · 09-13-2009, 01:14 PM

I am not sure if this is the place to post this, or how many other people have already posted this but I just bought a 2002 Jeep Wrangler Sahara soft top. I am a smaller woman, with pretty small hands. It is really difficult to get my soft top back on, all the flaps secured and things zippered.

Is this just a matter of it coming with the territory? The more I get it on (no problem getting it off) the easier it will become? My fingers are so sore after wards. It's very difficult to get things zippered.

I'm not a wuss, but are there some tips or tricks for women who don't have fingers as strong as men? Or am I just doing it wrong. Or is this something I'm just going to have to buck up and deal with if I want to own my jeep?

Thanks so much!

Sgalway · 09-13-2009, 01:24 PM

Wow! There are so many different directions I could take this... I will keep it clean though.

My wife hangs by one hand on the rear bow and uses the other hand to latch the sail panel in the track. As far as the zippers go, try spraying some silicon lube on them (try not to get any on the window itself).

**waterboarder** · 09-13-2009, 01:31 PM

It helps a LOT if you open a rear door and stand in the back while putting the top up. The difference is like night and day - even for a big guy like me. With this approach, you can easily grab the top in the middle somewhere and pull it up to get it at roof level. Then, get back out and finish it up.

tkob1060 · 09-13-2009, 01:34 PM

since you own a TJ you might want to move this to the TJ technical section.

**j_bydesign** · 09-13-2009, 01:40 PM

first congrats on your getting your new jeep! it is a great way to go through life! For more leverage with the zippers... first lube them once or twice a year... any good marine suply store will have zip lube... in a pinch chapstick works... then you can take a small 4"x1/2" wood dowel... drill a small hole in it... thread a boot lace threw the hole with a knot on one end... thread the other end through the zipper pull andthen back to the dowel and wrap a couple of times... this will give you more leverage and distribute the weight across the t-handle(dowel) it is always easier to drop the top and raise the top when the are warm... so leave the windows out in the sun hour an hour or so before you plan on putting them back on... as far as the front latches... make sure the rear corners are not in the track... and raise the levers all the way up... it helps extend the hook sid eof the latch a little further down... best of like and welcome to the jeeo life style... it might be a bit dirty... and certainly not the most comfortable ride... but it is a sh!t load of fun!

**Hilldweller** · 09-13-2009, 04:34 PM

Is it hot in here?

joymizzoni · 09-13-2009, 05:56 PM

Thank you so much for the replies. I LOVE my jeep and have wanted one for 15 years now!! I love the way it drives. I just wish I lived some place warm all year long. I still can't fathom how such a small vehicle though sucks so bad on gas!

joymizzoni · 09-13-2009, 05:58 PM

Um...TJ? Gosh I'm so confused now. I'm just a girl with a jeep and no fingernails anymore.

**RogerG** · 09-13-2009, 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joymizzoni

I still can't fathom how such a small vehicle though sucks so bad on gas!

No way!! My other ride is 12 mpg so for me im going green with the Jeep

**Hilldweller** · 09-14-2009, 07:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joymizzoni

Um...TJ? Gosh I'm so confused now. I'm just a girl with a jeep and no fingernails anymore.

The Wranglers went through a few incarnations. You have a TJ which was discontinued after 2006 and you posted in the JK area; JK's are in their 4th year of production now with the 2010 model year.
JK people are cool with all Jeeps/Jeepers. But there are some TJ people who shun the JK's due to their size, road manners, and ability to fit 33's without a lift.

Welcome to the forum; please post pictures.
...of your Jeep too...

daggo66 · 09-14-2009, 07:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hilldweller

Welcome to the forum; please post pictures.
...of your Jeep too...

Yes, preferably topless...the jeep, I mean.

thejafe · 09-14-2009, 11:18 AM

This might help: Jeep spotters guide, identify a Jeep

joymizzoni · 09-14-2009, 04:08 PM

LOL! I love all the replies! Thank you for the clarification regarding the TJ and the JK. I personally think a jeep is a jeep if the roof comes off, the doors come off, etc. We should just all get along! I have to take some pictures of Sasha (any Scrubs fans here?) my jeep. She's very beautiful but I guess I'm supposed to go with my own kind in the TJ forum... lol

daggo66 · 09-14-2009, 09:54 PM

There's no issue about what kind of Jeep you have. It's just that if you have a technical question regarding the TJ, you would have a better chance of someone knowing the answer in the TJ forum. Of course there's always the general forum for anything else, including topless pictures....of the Jeep.

**rustywrangler** · 09-14-2009, 09:56 PM

Moved to TJ tech. Keep the flaming down.

09-14-2009, 09:56 PM	#15
rustywrangler Got my eye on you..... Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Syracuse, NY Posts: 18,657 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	Moved to TJ tech. Keep the flaming down. __________________ http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p...k_banner-1.gif Congenital Heart Disease is a reality for me, BOTH of my children have it. Please read up and become aware for future generations Lydia Ann-Acquired 08/05/05 Open Heart surgery 08/10/05 Jacob Patrick-Acquired 01/17/08 Open Heart surgery 02/15/08