CJ-5 Hardtop questions

Hi all,

I am looking to replace my soft top with a hard top on my 75 CJ5. The 75 and earlier hard tops are pretty hard to find in or around NJ. Is it possible to install a 76+ hardtop on a 75 or earlier CJ5? If so, what needs to be changed to make it work? Thanks.

Pete

 

i believe it is just the windshield frame and hinges.

 

If you buy a hardtop make sure you get ALL the components to it. If you are looking for an Orville/Meyers top there is a curved piece that mounts on the tub where the old fuel filler indent is. This piece seals the door. There are also windshield to door filler plates-I have searched for a set of these for my post '76 top for 2 years without luck so I am going to build my own out of sheet metal and a set of the '72-'75 plates. There is also a different lower door hinge that mounts with 4 bolts. I also found that I can't use my factory windshield hinges unless I cut off the mounts for my soft doors so I am going to modify another set and either paint them black or maybe white to match the hardtop. Doors are the same the windshield just gets tilted fowardon the '76 and later CJ5's via the special windshield plates for these tops(I think you could slot the holes in a stock plate and bend it slightly in a vise).

 

You might want to check Craigslist as I think I recently saw a steel hardtop listed in NJ. It might have been a complete Jeep(parts Jeep) which might be a good idea so you get all the parts you need.

 

Heres how the '79 top looks on my '83 CJ5.