Soft Top Retainer Rail On The Windshield

On my 60 CJ5 the rail is missing.
I see many types of soft top retainer rails for sale. Since the original was welded and I don't seem to find an original replacement for sale, here is my question.
Has anyone used a channel made for some newer Jeep, Scout, etc., and had any success? If so what bikini or soft top did you use?
I know the windshield on my CJ5 is 59". Over the years they get smaller so the channels for sale are smaller than the 59".

Bestop lists a 51209-01 for all their bikini tops. It mounts on the top of the frame rather than on the front.

Any thoughts?

 

I just got some aluminum channel from an awning shop and attached it with small screws.

 

MD Juan makes a canvas top retainer. Check it out.
Retainer – Canvass Top, Windshield - CJ5 Early VB/VC/VD - MD Juan

 

I like that. At this point I have not found it for sale. I clicked the inquiry and sent a message to MD Juan to see who might have one and pricing. No response yet. I appreciate your help.

I also found one for the M38 windshield that looks like it would work. We shall see.

NEXT QUESTION: Does anyone have a photo of how a YJ top attaches to the rail at the top of the windshield? If I could see how that's made I could determine if that one might work.

BTW: My wife is going to make me a top and can adapt the top to the rail. I just need a picture for her so she can think on it.

 

QTM (Quarter Ton Military) used to list the top channels on eBay. When Matt was there, he had NOS CJ and M38a1 versions. The A1 version has a little more arch, but still work fine. I bought one of the CJ versions. They also had the narrower flat-fender M38 version.
Give them a call to see if they still have any. Also, check with Brent Mullins Jeep in College Station, and Pete DeBellas Jeep. These guys may have the A1 versions.
-Donny

 

Mark, just checked eBay. QTM still lists the M38a1 top channel/rope channel. eBay item #2731 6673 8419.
Also, Midwest Military (Prior Lake, MN) listed the same M38a1 part, eBay #2752 6528 6266.
QTM’s price is half of MWM. Call QTM to see if they still have any CJ versions if it matters to you, but as I mentioned previously, there is a little more arch to the military version. The civvy version follows the top of the W/S frame, and the military one droops 3/4”- 1” at the ends, but soft tops fit either fine.
Also check with Mullins Jeep since shipping likely cheaper to you, provided he has them in stock.
-Donny

 

I recently bought a NOS channel from kaiserwillys for my ‘59. It is a little pricey at $120 but was the only place I could find one. It is listed as “fits 52-68 CJ5, 6, M38A1” and “for top mounted wipers”. I’m pretty sure it’s for M38A1 though cuz when I got it the curvature was too much (like keys5a mentioned) so I cut some slits, heated it and bent it. Drilled some holes and plug welded it onto the frame. After paint it looks factory
https://www.kaiserwillys.com/nos-windshield-frame-retainer-channel-fits-55-71-cj-5-m38a1

 

I think that will work. Thanks all.

 

Not sure if they still do but Bestop used to offer the channel for the windshield. Imho a factory one would be better or as was mentioned above one from a boat or upholstery shop that deals in soft/convertible tops.

 

Bestop offers one but it shows all CJ models for the same product. I wasn't sure if that was what I wanted. Ordered the NOS M38A1. That will actually work better as the metal is rough where the original used to be.

Again, Thanks all!

 

I did this too and it came out great.

 

How did this work out? Did you get the ebay one or the kaiserwillys one?
I want to put one on the front hoop of a roll bar. I have one I could try to remove from a spare windshield frame, but I think it would be pretty rough by the time I got it off.

 

It is the part for the M38A1. So far so good. Someday I will get it out of the box.

 

I would think the flatter one would be the best for your roll bar. If you are going to try one I would purchase one rather than risk your windshield frame.