M38a1 top on a Cj-5

I'm restoring my 63'. I want to put a canvas top on it when I'm done. I have a roll bar that I want to leave on for safety reasons. A seven-piece canvas top would not work with the roll bar. What is the consensus of installing a M38a1 top?

 

I ran M38A1 set of bows with a military style canvas "summer" top. Worked fine.

 

If you don't need it completely enclosed, try a Bikini top.

 

I do want it enclosed. I like the original canvas top look, but I have a rollbar in the Jeep which I want to keep for safety reasons. The civilian 7 piece top will not work with the bar. And other than Beechwood (read: $$$$), I can't find a reproduction anywhere. So I figured on using an M38A1 "Winter Enclosure" instead. Any suggestions or comments would be welcome.

 

Yes, it should work. I have the holes drilled for a roll bar in my '53 and by the looks of it, the bar will be back far enough for the front bow. Also, check out New Life Canvas. They are little less pricey than Beachwood.

 

What is the fitment issue? To tall? I have a CJ-6 rollbar installed on my CJ-3A and my Bestop Tiger top fits just fine with it.

 

My bar is large enough that it crosses the location of the mid-body bow socket.

 

I have the precise bows that you have on your Jeep. They came with my 3A. . I have to restore my 5 first though

 

The M38A1 bows will clear the rollbar.

 

I think you are right Pete. Here is my CJ-% with the rollbar which I have been referring to:

 

And here is an unmolested CJ-5 with its original canvas top (saw it on Ebay or somewhere):

 

Vin, bear in mind you will need to find bolt-on pockets for the military style bow. It is a pivoted dual unit, mounted in a single pair of pockets. One rigid bow leaning back, mounted with a second hinged bow coming forward more or less over the driver's head. Then minor diameter steel rod components to frame the doors etc. Pockets are available on ebay.

Try 'google images' if you need visuals. Several good pictures there.