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RNventions Soft Top Header Reinforcing Kit

If you have a soft top or bikini top for your YJ , you've probably noticed that the Phillips self-tapping screws used to hold the soft top windshield channel in place readily strip out after a few cycles of removal and replacement, no longer functioning to safely secure the soft top windshield channel in its proper place. Our friends at RNventions had a solution to our problem. They carry a retaining kit that effectively secures the channel in place by replacing the self-tapping screws with threaded rivet inserts and stainless steel screws.

This kit includes everything you need to complete this easy and effective job, right down to the spare hardware. This well-engineered, easy to install kit is a one time installation. The instructions are precise and have drawings of each step in the installation process.

Tools: Time:
Drill
Flat head screwdriver
Phillips screw driver
Scissors
Safety goggles

60 minutes
This project really impressed me as to the ease if installation and professional look. Thanks to RNventions for carrying such a useful and complete product. You Jeepers will not be disappointed with the outcome. For $39.95 you get all the parts and tools needed minus a power drill to do this project. Heres a direct link to this product. Written by themajor, If you have any questions or comments about this install visit

01shipping_box.jpg
Each piece is wrapped for protection.
02included.jpg
This kit is complete. It comes with almost everything you could possibly need. It comes with most of the tools required for the install. Threaded rivet inserts, Spare Rivets, Rivet gun, ¼-inch flat head screws, Spare screws, ½-inch drill bit, 3/8-inch drill bit, Weather stripping, Round file. How many items come with a Rivet gun?
03zremove_top.jpg
Remove soft top from Jeep

04remove_screws.jpg
Remove old Phillips head screws from retaining rail

05remove_rail.jpg

Remove Retaining rail

Note: Retaining rail is aluminum, be careful not to bend it when removing! Now clean that surface with a damp cloth before proceeding to the next step

 

06drill_fame.jpg
Using the supplied 3/8-inch bit, drill out the existing holes that the old Phillips screws were in. Be sure to wear your Safety Goggles.
07arivit_fitting.jpg
Test fit the supplied rivets into the drilled holes.

07rivit_on_gun.jpg
Screw a rivet onto the supplied rivet tool and Test fit a supplied 1/4-inch stainless screw into rivet.
07setting_rivits.jpg
Insert rivet into hole until seated at the rivet flange. Squeeze the tool handle until the rivet is firmly set and does not move.

If you have doubts on how to use a rivet gun RNventions has a nice howto.
07zrivits_in_place.jpg
Test fit a supplied 1/4-inch stainless screw into rivet.

08drill_holes_in_rail.jpg
Using the supplied ¼-inch drill bit, drill out the holes in the retaining rail. This is easily done because the rail is Aluminum.
08file_holes.jpg
Then using the supplied round file, enlarge the holes so the ¼-inch screw head misses the lip molded into the retaining rail. This is very easy to do due to the Aluminum.

Test fit the retaining rail over the installed rivets to make sure the holes line up. If they don't just file where needed.

 

09seal_and_holes.jpg
Install the supplied weather stripping to the bottom of the retaining rail. The adhesive side will stick to the rail. Be sure it clears the holes in the rail. Using scissors, cut the weather stripping to the same length as the rail.
09tseal_installed.jpg
Completed retaining rail
10tighten_screws.jpg
Install the retaining rail and ¼-inch screws. Using a flat head screwdriver tighten all screws.
10ufinished.jpg
10vfinished_2.jpg
11top_installed.jpg
Install top and you are finished.