Rear cargo area side window molle panel question

[MGF]

I’ve looked at both DV8 and ADD bolt on molle side panels and both use mounting brackets that use the same mounting holes as the rear roof cap. The brackets mount between the quarter panel and the top. My question is - won’t this shim the roof up by 1/8” of the bracket thickness? Seems like the lower mounting brackets get sandwiched between the quarter panel and top?

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[JimKrrk]

The bracket is on top of the hardtop mounting surface, not underneath.

 

[1979]

The bracket is on top of the hardtop mounting surface, not underneath.

What happens when you take your hardtop off? Also, is it a pain to reach the bolts to remove the top?

 

[MGF]

The bracket is on top of the hardtop mounting surface, not underneath.

So you have to take the brackets off to take the top off?

 

[JimKrrk]

So you have to take the brackets off to take the top off?

No, just take the bolts for the top out, the rest of the panel remains attached at the top.

 

[MGF]

Don’t the brackets that remain in place then shim the top higher by the thickness of the bracket that goes between the quarter panel and top roof mounting flange?

 

[18KingRanch]

This may not be helpful, but I am sharing anyway as it may help you or someone else.

I have the DV8 side molle panels but I flipped the lower Bracket around and mounted it to the bracket of my Mountain2Metal flip up cargo shelf which does not interfere with the roof at all. The first image shows it with the bracket on the roof flange. The lower image shows it flipped around to the shelf bracket which mounts the the side of the bed that plastic door. FYI M2M does sell the mounting brackets separately if you need that option.

M2M shelf bracket
M2M Cargo Tray

I bought the DV8 panels specifically because they mount to the outside taking up less space in the cargo area.

To answer your question about removing the bolts for the roof, I take the rear windows out to make access easier and remove that extra weight. I know that isn't and option on most 4 door models with static windows. I would imagen that front bolt would be difficult to remove with the window and molle panel installed.

 

[Deadpool392]

Not sure if your looking specifically at the ones you mention or just in general, I have the BroAddict version that does not attach using the hardtop hardware.

https://www.broaddict.com/products/4-door-rear-window-molle-panel-system

I have not taken the top off yet since I installed them, so I am not sure how hard the bolts will be to reach. I did replace the bolts with the thumbscrew ones from RockWorkx.

 

[retiredarmymp]

You can also check out JCR Off-road, they make the Molly panels that attach differently and not to the hard top mounting bolts. You really can’t see the Molly panels in the pictures, but the shelf attaches to them.

 

[JohnGalt]

I’ve got the ADD panels. I run them under the hard top. Not been an issue in any way After 18 months of hard use. Mounting them on top of the top means you’d have to remove two brackets on each side that would be very challenging to replace with the top on.

they are rock solid and I store so much stuff (sleeping bag, emergency clothes, large first aid kit, jackets, etc) behind them due to the smart spacious design. I also have my ARB twin compressor mounted on one, again…rock solid. I did expand one molle hole on drivers rear to pass the wiper motor harness connector through.

if you decide on ADD this post might be helpful

Post in thread 'What did you do to your Bronco Raptor today?'
https://www.broncoraptor.com/threads/what-did-you-do-to-your-bronco-raptor-today.1138/post-18544

 

[MGF]

I did decide on ADD because I too like their design. But I won’t be using the brackets that go under the hardtop. These will definitely shim the hard top up by the thickness of the bracket due to the raised molded landing pad around each mounting bolt (see picture). If the brackets are mounted between the quarter panel and the roof, the roof rubber seal will not even touch the quarter panel. I have a Diabolical Slipstream and I’m going to modify the brackets that came with the ADD panels and mount them internally.

 

[MGF]

Molded in stand-offs on my 2026 hard top

 

[MGF]

I also modified the left rear corner molle cut outs to allow the electrical plug to hard top to pass through. You can see the Diabolical Slipstream mounting plate on the inside of the ADD molle panel.

 

[JohnGalt]

I also modified the left rear corner molle cut outs to allow the electrical plug to hard top to pass through. You can see the Diabolical Slipstream mounting plate on the inside of the ADD molle panel.

I did the same cut to allow the harness to pass through. If I had the slipstream, I would definitely try to mount to that (my Goose Gear drawers and seat delete sit too low). that solution also avoids the hassle of lining up the bracket holes for insert the bolts for the top, which would be nice

Fortunately I’ve had zero issues with rain, snow, wind or dust making it past the top seal and I’ve been through a lot of each of those since the install

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