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Soft top question

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by dubc56, Aug 6, 2013.

  1. Aug 6, 2013
    dubc56

    dubc56 Member

    Illinois
    Joined:
    May 7, 2013
    Messages:
    125
    Do all soft tops snap onto the body?

    On my fiberglass tub, there are the back side of the snaps every couple inches or so. I don't know if this is normal or just how the original owner installed the top!

    If it's not proper, that's a lot of holes to fill and it's going to be a lot of snaps to drill out!

    Ben-
     
  2. Aug 6, 2013
    Diggerjeep

    Diggerjeep Member

    Joined:
    Oct 19, 2010
    Messages:
    196
    Many soft tops attache to the body with snaps. Hopefully the snaps are in the correct position if you decide to get a soft top. Besttoo can Yp is a common vendor for aftermarket tops. You can google them and download instrucf tions if you are interested. If you decide to remove them, I would hold on to them in case you pick up a used top. The snaps are not cheap to replace.
     
  3. Aug 6, 2013
    dubc56

    dubc56 Member

    Illinois
    Joined:
    May 7, 2013
    Messages:
    125
    Digger,

    Thanks for the reply! I'll just leave them be if that's the case! I just wasn't sure if someone fashioned some up themselves or what was going on. I have no other Jeeps to compare this body to!

    At this point, my main focus is on getting it running smoothly. Aesthetics are secondary to having a nice running engine!
     
  4. Aug 6, 2013
    lynn

    lynn Time machine / Early CJ5 HR Rep Staff Member

    Huntingdon PA
    Joined:
    Sep 20, 2002
    Messages:
    3,437
    The used 'glass tub I installed on the '71 already had snaps in place. When I installed a new Bestop Tigertop, none of the snaps lined up so I had to remove the existing snaps and install new ones in location to match the top.
    Consider a Bestop Supertop with the rail system... a much better fit than the snap style.
     
  5. Aug 6, 2013
    dubc56

    dubc56 Member

    Illinois
    Joined:
    May 7, 2013
    Messages:
    125
    Will I be removing all the snaps to install the rail system?

    Is it worth patching up all the holes created prior to installing the rails? Obviously this would be a lot of work but, damn if I don't like to get it right the first time.
     
  6. Aug 6, 2013
    Corveeper

    Corveeper Member

    Chanute, Kansas
    Joined:
    Jul 29, 2005
    Messages:
    817
    Yes you will have to remove the snaps to install the rails.
    Makes for a nice, tight fit and I think it’s easier to take off then put back on than a top with snaps.
    The instructions that come with a Super Top are pretty straight forward. The only critical measurement is the top of the windshield frame to the back of the tub. That has to be correct for the top to fit but then the rest just indexes off the back of the tub, and the bottom of the doorway for the door hinges.
     
  7. Aug 6, 2013
    dubc56

    dubc56 Member

    Illinois
    Joined:
    May 7, 2013
    Messages:
    125
    is it worth repairing the holes from the snaps prior to installing the rails?
     
  8. Aug 6, 2013
    68BuickV6

    68BuickV6 Well-Known Member

    Hesperia, CA.
    Joined:
    Mar 12, 2012
    Messages:
    2,160
    I had a Whitco top before (period aftermarket). When I got my Tigertop, I noticed that the snaps were all in different spots. The Tigertop's fit is not that great either. If I could do it again, I'd get the Supertop.
     
  9. Aug 6, 2013
    CJ Joe

    CJ Joe Truckhaven Tough!

    Pinon Hills, CA
    Joined:
    Nov 9, 2002
    Messages:
    390
    I recently removed my soft top rails for some other body work and found snap holes. I had forgotten they were there over the last 10+ years. So no you don't have to fill the holes. Your choice.
     
  10. Aug 6, 2013
    nickmil

    nickmil In mothballs.

    Happy Valley, OR
    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2002
    Messages:
    12,529
    I've had three different Bestops and one Kayline on my '59-5 since Ive owned it. 3 of the 4 tops required the snaps to be in a different location.


    Sent from my iPhone
     
  11. Aug 7, 2013
    Bob-The-CJ

    Bob-The-CJ Member

    Italy, Texas
    Joined:
    Nov 6, 2012
    Messages:
    386
    I have the rails for the Bestop on my Jeep and the snaps are still there just below. I bought it this way
     
  12. Aug 7, 2013
    dubc56

    dubc56 Member

    Illinois
    Joined:
    May 7, 2013
    Messages:
    125
    Bob, do you have pictures of the rail/snap combo?

    Seeing as I've never worked with fiberglass before, it does seem like a lot of extra work. But, like I said yesterday, I'd rather get it done right once...then do it over again later. There's nothing worse in my mind than doing the same thing twice! If the rail/snap combo still looks good, I don't see why I'd take all those snaps out.

    I know we're not paid to think but, some type of standard for the spacing of the snaps between vendors makes sense, no?
     
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