[blacktjsport]

I recently got a hardtop for my 2000 tj sport. The fiberglass areas where the top meets the rear of the door openings have been split while taking the top on and off. The cracks in the fiberglass don't really affect anything other than the structural integrity of the top. I am wondering what is the best way to fix this?? Does anyone know where I am talking about on the hardtop?? What is the best product for fixing this?? Thanks so much.

[blacktjsport]

Anybody have experience with this??? I searched the past threads but nothing really dealt with this part of the hardtop. Help!!!

[ProfessorCRX]

JB Weld? Fiberglass isn't something you can really just jump into. There is much learning involved.

[chris06]

not sure what part you are talking about but this might be helpful: http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f9/repairing-painting-hardtop-lotsa-pics-108516/?highlight=hardtop+repair

[wherndon]

if they are only cracks, you might be better off using an epoxy type glue.

[Jerry Bransford]

If you don't care what the repair looks like, it's an easily accomplished repair. Just get a fiberglass repair kit for under $10 and go for it. The kit will include woven fiberglass matting that you cut to the size needed and resin that is brushed over the matting. It forms a very strong repair, albeit not a great looking repair. And if the repair is on the interior, who cares? A little white rattle-can paint applied to the repair afterwards will make it slightly less ghetto-looking.

Here's an example of a good inexpensive fiberglass repair kit that can be found in any boating supply or Home Depot type store... http://www.handsontools.com/store/show_product/?product_id=4273

This link, http://search.yahoo.com/search?p=%22fiberglass+repair%22&sm=Yahoo%21+Searc h&fr=FP-tab-web-t&toggle=1 will give you more information on how to do it, as well as more sources of repair kits.

[dieseljeep]

First thing, is anyone 100% sure the top IS fiberglass? I know the inside of mine does not appear to be fiberglass. Did I mention that fiberglass usually has an unmistakeable odor to it. Also it just seems too darn light for FG. Anyway to your question, don't know where exactly the problem is, but Marine Tex is very good stuff, might try it. Oh you want to know where to find it? Boat supply such as Boat US, West Marine etc.

[Jerry Bransford]

Originally Posted by dieseljeep

First thing, is anyone 100% sure the top IS fiberglass?

Yep it is.

[littleman66]

what jerry mentioned is a very stong repair, might look kinda bad but its alright...what i would personaly would do is also get the fiberglass that comes in a tub with short standed cloth inside of it, mix it with some hardner and spread in the crack as well, let it dry and sand it down...

[blacktjsport]

Thanks for the response guys. I think I'm gonna try the marine tex. I read positive stuff about it and it doesnt look too hard judging by the directions on the package. I post how it turns out after I do it tomorrow. The repair is right at the bottom of the top where it meets the back of the door opening. Once the marine tex is hard and cured I can sand the rough spots down and paint it black right????

[dieseljeep]

Since you are going to use this stuff, don't take the sanding lightly. This stuff is HARD, do as clean as job as you can before it dries. Yes you can sand it, but it borders on filing. Did I mention it is hard when it dries? Which really is what you want.