Soft Top install

First off, here is a shoutout THANKS to all the experts on here!!! You guys have been very helpful!!!

Okay, next dilema........ I dont see any snaps on the body and there were no holes for them when I painted the jeep. How does one go about installing snaps? Is there a template or is it a guesstimate? I think I read on here about a rail system as well...............

Lee


here is the best side pic I have........no snaps on the rear of the tub......

 

you usually have to transfer the snap location from your top as they seem to be placed somewhat haphazardly by the top mfr's

 

No instructions with the top?

You're going to have to put a lot of holes in your Jeep's body.

Put the top on on a warm, sunny day. Stretch the top down so that the snaps are at the location you want them to be. Tap on each snap with a soft-faced hammer to transfer their location to the body. Install snaps at those locations.

The Jeep mechanics would punch holes for the snap screws, not drill. A scratch-awl works well. Punched holes are faster and are less likely to pull out than drilled holes.

<edit> Also, I recall you start at one location, and punch-screw-snap to keep the top stretched as it's installed.

Be sure it's where you want it to end up, before you start.

I've only installed one (a Whitco), but I've seen dozens of them installed.

 

although Tim is right
I would start with the rear curtain snaps or straps
whatever the case may be
stretch/pull this as tight as you can (or you feel comfortable with)
then work around from the rear to the sides
keeps the tension the same all the way around
if you don't do it on a warm day, when a warm day comes around, the top will be very loose from stretching in the sun.

 

If it is a Bestop, they have the instructions in PDF forms depending on your model.