Differances in Tops

[cide1]

When I bought my Jeep (1960 CJ5), the top was pretty ragged. My landlady recently got divorced, and her ex husband had always owned Jeeps, and left two Bestop tops when he moved out. She said I could take one if it fits. One I believe is for a CJ7, as it is completely differant. It is narrower, and has the windows permanently attached. The second one looks almost identical to what I need, seems to fit the jeep really well, except the channel lock across the front of the windshield. It is about one inch too short.

Did the top style change? I see that Bestop has one style offered for 1955 - 1975, and another one for 1986 on. Anyone had this problem before? At the risk of posting in the wrong thread, anyone need to trade?

Thanks,
Doug

[Glenn]

From what others have said the major difference after '75 was in the windshield frame being more narrow at the top. Sounds like you found a top for the '76 up.

[cide1]

My windshield frame needs replaced anyway, as it has rusted badly, and the glass is already broken. Is the 76 or later windshield frame a direct bolt on? Anything else to make this top fit well?

Doug

[timgr]

A '76-83 windshield frame is the right width across the dash. It tilts back more and narrows at the top, making it fit the top you have. I think the hinges are the same. Attachment to the dash is different though - instead of the pull-down latches, it uses a tab that sticks down from the windsheild. These tabs have a wing-bolt with a big plastic knob that screws through the tab and into the dash. The dash on a '76-83 is different too. Take a look at the CJs for sale on ebay - there may be an interior shot. CJ-5,7,and 8 will all be the same in this respect.

[timgr]

Also, the windsheild motor is on the interior side instead of being in a can on the exterior. It's usually hidden by the large padded dash.