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74 Soft Top Frame

Discussion in 'Intermediate CJ-5/6/7/8' started by dkozma, Oct 22, 2016.

  1. Oct 22, 2016
    dkozma

    dkozma New Member

    New York
    Joined:
    Jun 17, 2014
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    23
    What is the difference between a stock soft top frame and a current new replacement? Is the fit the same?
     
    dkozma, Oct 22, 2016
    #1
  2. Oct 22, 2016
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    Aug 10, 2003
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    23,596
    Stock? There were several types of tops over the years. Each of them has its own design for the bows.

    Why do you ask? Are you thinking of buying just the fabric, or using fabric from another top with the bows you have?

    I believe that the bows and hardware don't represent a lot of the cost of a new top. I would say that the fabric is the most expensive part.
     
    timgr, Oct 22, 2016
    #2
  3. Oct 22, 2016
    dkozma

    dkozma New Member

    New York
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    Jun 17, 2014
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    Well, I am just about done with my restoration project. Jeep was stock with a SmittyBilt roll bar from that year. I will at least put a bikini top on it but if I decide to go with a full soft top, should I try to find an original frame or go with a new replacement from one of the vendors out there? If I go new, any suggestions on the best one out there.
     
    dkozma, Oct 22, 2016
    #3
  4. Oct 22, 2016
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    I think the only practical choices today are from Bestop, either a Supertop or a Tigertop. I have a CJ-6, and only the Tigertop is available - I would have opted for a Supertop if it were available. Jeep 1969 CJ5 Products | Bestop
     
    timgr, Oct 22, 2016
    #4
  5. Oct 22, 2016
    dkozma

    dkozma New Member

    New York
    Joined:
    Jun 17, 2014
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    23
    Thanks, Supertop looks good. Appreciate the advice.
     
    dkozma, Oct 22, 2016
    #5
  6. Oct 22, 2016
    FinoCJ

    FinoCJ 1970 CJ5 Staff Member

    Bozeman, MT
    Joined:
    Jul 18, 2013
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    5,676
    In some ways I miss the old snap on style tops that i had on my CJ7, but truly once past the total restoration focus its hard to beat a supertop. I don't love having to drill holes in the body to mount the bottom lip rails, nor do I like the door latches mounted on the rails that stick-up, nor even how the bows and support system fold down, but the supertops are really solid in terms of fit, flap, noise reduction and even hold in a bit of heat (more so if you have a better than stock heater). The tigertop style I ran on my cj7 whacked and flapped and the one piece doors banged so much it was hard to think. If it was raining, my entire left side got pretty wet even with the top on if you were cruising at much speed. Even with the top on and parked outside in the rain, I would have good puddles on the floorboards as it would seep down between the top and door. The supertops are much better, and generally for a minimal price increase over the tigertop. I like the supertop especially if you plan to have your top on most of the time. Or in my case, I take the whole thing off, including the bows and door latches for the summer through fall months (with bikini), and then put it on for the winter and spring.
     
    FinoCJ, Oct 22, 2016
    #6
  7. Oct 22, 2016
    nickmil

    nickmil In mothballs.

    Happy Valley, OR
    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2002
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    12,529
    There were so many revisions to even the same model tops over the years I'd shy away from trying to replace just the canvas. I had several Besttops for the same model too and vehicle and the bows and hardware were slightly different for each. I also found differences in the hardware for the other brands as well. Best bet is to get stuff that matches in one shot.
     
    nickmil, Oct 22, 2016
    #7
  8. Oct 23, 2016
    dkozma

    dkozma New Member

    New York
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    Jun 17, 2014
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    Good advice guys. I'll post a pic soon of the cj.
     
    dkozma, Oct 23, 2016
    #8
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