Dust and Soft Top Zippers

[grahamfitter]

On dusty trails I find that enough dust gets onto the rear window its almost impossible to open or close the zippers. I'm actually considering putting the hard top back on just so I can get to the back of the Jeep which is a real shame during the summer. Is there any magic formula that will keep the zipper free of dust?

Cheers,
Graham

 

[PhulesAU]

No magic bullet, but BLUE painters tape works fairly well for super dusty conditions. A/c or vent on medium to over pressure the cab a bit, IF you've done a filter for the HVAC intake.

 

[grahamfitter]

No magic bullet, but BLUE painters tape works fairly well for super dusty conditions. A/c or vent on medium to over pressure the cab a bit, IF you've done a filter for the HVAC intake.

Thanks!

You'll have to help me out here. What is A/C? ;-)

I assume you just put the tape over the zippers and take it off when you need to open the window. Sounds sensible enough but I doubt it would work for me - I'm always opening up the back to get stuff out.

Cheers,
Graham

 

[Gear]

How about an air hose to a PowerTank. Just blow off the window and zipper before entering. Or maybe a can of air that you use to blow off a computer keyboard or monitor. Sold at CompUSA, BestBuy, etc. A little pricey per can but might do the trick.

 

[flyingwil]

While I do not own a Jeep any more, but what about using zipper wax?

 

[XXXpedition]

You'll have to help me out here. What is A/C? ;-)

a/c = air conditioning
hvac = heating ventilation air conditioning.

if you do not have a filter in the hvac you'll blow all the dusty into the cockpit through the vents...

 

[TenaciousTJ]

Lot's of people use candle wax, works great! Just rub candle wax on the zipper and it'll keep them working. Or you can try dry silcone spray sold at any hardware store.

 

[grahamfitter]

a/c = air conditioning
hvac = heating ventilation air conditioning.

Actually it was a bad joke on my part - my Jeep doesn't have AC!

(Similarly neither does the 2nd floor bedroom of one of my teenage kids. His story is he tried to remove the window mounted air conditioner and forgot to hold onto it after opening the window. Sometimes I'm lost for words. Not that time!)

Thanks for all the suggestions. Keep 'em coming...

Cheers,
Graham

 

[WJinTRSC]

How about some velcro to hold the flap down closer to the zipper. It can be sewn or glued in. It may work for what you need with a bit of creativity, but at least you won't be using, discarding, and replacing tape. Good luck!!

 

[PhulesAU]

Down here in the swamps of south TEXAS day time A/C is not a requirement. However after dark it is just to keep from bleeding to death. A soft top really will stop the mosquitos.:chowtime:
On another note and showing possible DumbA$$edness you by chance don't have metal zippers? I thought "maybe" an Expo model might.... If so you might look for the thin magnetic striping used for fridge magnets. a roll of that to stick along the zipper tracks would be real quick and easy.

 

[grahamfitter]

Lot's of people use candle wax, works great! Just rub candle wax on the zipper and it'll keep them working. Or you can try dry silcone spray sold at any hardware store.

Wax seems to have done the trick. The zippers work fine and are almost as smooth as before the dust.

Candlelit dinners make for working zippers!

Thanks, y'all.

Cheers,
Graham