So, there might be a few pieces that are hard top specific. You probably don't even notice them because you had dual tops. But if it comes soft top only from the factory the parts vary slightly to accomodate the hard top. I'm very interested in this if we can make sure I get all the necessary parts associated with the hard top. If you would like, and never intend on using a hard top again we could switch out your hard top parts for my soft top parts.
1. C-Pillar Brackets (Side Window Retainers)
1. C-Pillar Brackets (Side Window Retainers)
- Visual Description: These are exterior trim panels located on the C-pillar (the vertical post behind the rear doors). On a soft-top model, these are often different or missing because the soft top side windows clip into them. For a hard top, you need the specific brackets that allow the hard top side panels to seal correctly against the body.
- Part Numbers:
- Left: M2DZ-78255A34-BA
- Right: M2DZ-78255A35-BA
- Location: Exterior, behind the rear passenger doors, hidden by the hard top side glass when installed.
- Visual Description: Two plastic trim pieces that snap into the interior cargo area walls. On soft-top-only models, these panels are either missing or have a different shape (without cutouts) because they need to cover the hard top mounting bolts. The hard-top versions have specific relief cuts or mounting points to accommodate the hardware.
- Part Numbers:
- Left: M2DZ-7831288-BA
- Right: M2DZ-7831289-BA
- Location: Interior cargo area, covering the bolt holes where the hard top secures to the vehicle body.
- Visual Description: Metal brackets that mount to the center of the roll bar (above the windshield/header area). These allow the hard top to latch securely to the roll bar in the center. Soft-top-only models often lack these specific mounting points or the brackets themselves.
- Part Numbers:
- Right: M2DZ-78515A52-B
- Left: M2DZ-78515A53-B
- Hardware: Requires bolts W721070-S450B (M8x33mm).
- Visual Description: Specific bolts used to secure the rear portion of the hard top (the roof cap) to the top of the rear quarter panels. These are distinct from the soft top bolts.
- Part Number: W721071-S450B (often 8 to 10 bolts total depending on configuration).
- Note: Some sources suggest reusing soft top bolts if the thread/length matches, but dedicated hard top bolts are recommended to prevent cracking the panel due to overtightening.
- Visual Description: Small brackets located at the very rear of the cargo area, just above the tailgate. They catch the rear window of the hard top when the tailgate is closed.
- Part Number: M2DZ-78515A54-D (often sold as a pair).
- Alternative: Aftermarket options like those from Mountains to Metal are popular as OEM versions can be expensive or hard to source.
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