Soft Top Channel Sealing Problem

[Special_K]

Sully has a web site

Anyway, I'm having windshield (or soft top) problems. The soft top whindshield channel started to leak because the screws were loose so I took it off and reattached it with silicone. It still wasn't screwed down tight (a few holes had gotten a little too large) so after a few months it started to come loose again.

Now I've completely striped the old bubbled paint off the channel and repainted it. But before I put it on, what sort of sealant (if any) is best to use to keep it from leaking? Is any sealant required or just a good screwing? I don't remember noticing any sealant on it when the Jeep was new (from the factory).

Also, what's the best way to get the old silicone off my windshield frame without damaging the body paint?

 

[TwistedCU]

Mine was pop riveted on and had no sealant whatsoever. It never leaked.

 

[BENT]

mine did the same thing. do to flapping of the top,the screws wiggle loose, and as the top flaps it ripped the screws out of the frame therefore stripping the holes. there is alot of force on the top when you are at highway speeds. heres what i did to mine, if the metal around the screw holes is bent up, get a hammer and pound it flush. put a small bead of silicone along the top of the windshield frame. put the soft top mount in place, use a little bit bigger of a screw than you had in there before, put a medium liquid thread lock on the screw first, and screw it in place. i havent had a problem since.

 

[Special_K]

Hey, thanks for the advice. I'll definitely use the thread lock this time.