Topic: Cracked hardtop YJ

[SamsonJR]

Ok, so it's starting to get cooler at night, it's about time i fix the hardtop. I'll post a pic of the crack "right above the rear window where the wiper motor mounts". The question is, what is the best stuff to use to fix this? I've done research, the top is made of SMC, so regular fiberglass wont fix it correctly. I know I need a Resin Epoxy made for SMC. Anyone Fix there top with this type of stuff? Like I said, I'll take a pic of the crack. any ideas are appreciated

[neale_rs]

I had some damage fixed at a body shop that also did fiberglass repairs.  They didn't say they had to use anything special.  The repair is holding up well so far.

[SamsonJR]

sorry for the delay, here's some pics of the crack

[mrcabinet]

I recently picked up a top for my son's JKU that had two good sized holes and a crack in it. The very knowledgeable owner of our local auto body supply store recommended Dynatron DYNA-HAIR, aka "dead cat in a can". The stuff worked great.

You'll need to cut the crack back to solid material for best results. If you can. glue some type of backer behind it to keep the filler from falling through, or just start with small amounts on the edges, let it set, and bridge your way across little by little. The product doesn't sand out really smooth, so I used a skim of Bondo for the final coat.

[SamsonJR]

thanks mrcabinet, I called albert kemperle "auto body supplier" there down the block from me. they have something called U-POL they said is made for SMC repairs. I told the guy where the crack is, and that I will reinforce it with sheet metal. He said this stuff should do the trick. I can buy it roughly by the quart too,so that's nice. I'm going to do some research on this stuff a little later on, I have some running around to do now :P

[Jeffy]

Once you fill the crack up might be able to close it by lifting the back up.  I don't think you'll need to reinforce it though.  Epoxy is strong enough. If you build it up a little it should be more then fine.  You could also drill a small hole in the end of the crack to relieve any pressure that may cause it to continue. That must be an earlier top too.  Later YJ's have the wiper motor attached to the glass.

[mrcabinet]

I've seen posts where people have used sheet metal backers, but I don't know if it's really needed. Upol should be fine, so long as it has the fiberglass in it. I used their Raptor liner to finish the top after the repair. Here's what the filler looks like - you can see where the "dead cat in a can" comes from.