Drilling Hardtop - Anyone done it? Things to know?

[EGSquatched]

I purchased a used TrailRax for my Bronco (2 door) for $500.

I’d definitely consider that if I came across a good deal, but alas I haven’t and a new one for $1500 doesn’t make sense when you can find used hard tops on marketplace for under $500 with the front panels and storage bag. Crazy considering what Ford charges!

Sponsored

 

[Tricky Mike]

I first tried the Hooke Road rack which is sort of a knockoff Trailrax and it's super noisy so I get your concern. I just got scored a Zroadz for an deal-of-a-lifetime $150 that I'm trying next.

I was contemplating getting a second top to drill through and flush mount my RTT to it and maybe cut down on noise. I'd want plates on the inside to spread out the load.

 

[Area51BS]

Appreciate all the input. I have no idea what to expect which is why I bought a second top so if it all goes to hell then I’m only out a few hundred bucks. Sleeving the bolt is a good idea, any links to something like that? I can picture it but…

Any suitable material or size metal pipe or tube. Heck 1/4 in copper tube could work.

 

[EGSquatched]

Any suitable material or size metal pipe or tube. Heck 1/4 in copper tube could work.

Perfect, K.I.S.S. !!!

 

[KABQ]

You could also use sleeve nuts to keep from compressing the top, you just have to make sure you get the length right

 

[EGSquatched]

You could also use sleeve nuts to keep from compressing the top, you just have to make sure you get the length right

Neat, appreciate the info, seems like a good option too.

 

[jbacon47]

Following. I recommend using a permanent water tight structural adhesive like 3M 4000 UV. That will prevent cracking, but the mounting hardware will never come off. Let us know how it goes. I also want to drill my hardtop someday, to add interior structural support brackets.

 

[EGSquatched]

Hoping to get rolling on it in the next couple weeks. Just got back from a week out west and actually found a 2 dr in Moab that must’ve had the same idea. Didn’t see the owner but he through bolted a rack to his roof so I took some pictures. I could peek through the window and see he used fender washers on the inside but that’s about it. Gave me hope.

I have used quad max osi sealant with good success on a home built trailer I did years back so will likely add something similar to the process.

 

[Scottyd80]

Did you end up drilling through your hard top? I’ve been wanting to do the same.

 

[EGSquatched]

I haven’t, life threw a curveball last summer and I was tied up elsewhere for a long while. Maybe this year.

 

[Area51BS]

While at it. Tape bottom of hole. Insert a bent wire and carve out some of the paper core. Fill with 2 part liquid epoxy and redrill when cured. Will add strength and help seal from water intrusion.

 

[23OBX2.7]

IMO with current adhesive and high performance 3M automotive and industrial twomwayntapes thers no need to drill anything if its designed properly. More likely to het tear outs on the fragile paper &epoxy mix tops that even crack and disentegrate on their own.

Id just get a small trailer and skip roof mounts all together.

 

[Scottyd80]

IMO with current adhesive and high performance 3M automotive and industrial twomwayntapes thers no need to drill anything if its designed properly. More likely to het tear outs on the fragile paper &epoxy mix tops that even crack and disentegrate on their own.

Id just get a small trailer and skip roof mounts all together.

Good idea. I was considering 3m VHB tape

 

[swamp2]

I wouldn't do it for the reasons mentioned prior; non load bearing locations, waterproofing and known MIC top issues.

Some mitigating tips if you proceed. Use butyl tape for waterproofing. It's sticky, gummy, tough and water proofs well. Also consider the JCR hardtop reinforcement kit. It "routes" the roof loads into the factory roll bar and prevents top side bowing under load.

 

[23OBX2.7]

Good idea. I was considering 3m VHB tape

Make sure getting Autobody or industrial grade.

Sponsored