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Time for a new top - Need input

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by Southtowns27, Oct 21, 2004.

  1. Oct 21, 2004
    Southtowns27

    Southtowns27 Custom Title

    The Backhills of...
    Joined:
    Feb 4, 2003
    Messages:
    536
    It's time to get a new top for my '5. It's got a 15 year old Bestop on it now that is just about destroyed. It would work good for someone who doesn't have one, but not on a daily driver anymore. Basically, I want a nice top that I'll get some decent usage out of, but something that's relatively cost effective. Basically, I don't need a top with every possible feature. What are ya'll running or what would you recommend? Thanks in advance :beer:
     
  2. Oct 21, 2004
    linckeil

    linckeil Member

    Danbury CT
    Joined:
    Aug 19, 2004
    Messages:
    492
    The Tiger Top from Bestop is what I use. No fancy options like the Supertop. Still pretty expensive though, but good quality and fit. If you are patient and watch to see what comes up on ebay, you can get a good deal on a lightly used or even new top
     
  3. Oct 21, 2004
    michigan_pinstripes

    michigan_pinstripes I'm not lost, I'm wandering

    Clarkston MI...
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    Aug 20, 2003
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    605
    Call Herm. He sells the old Kayline tops which is now owned by a different company but same top essentially. You'll find his prices are the best too!
     
  4. Oct 21, 2004
    linckeil

    linckeil Member

    Danbury CT
    Joined:
    Aug 19, 2004
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    492
    Another thing, some wholesalers sell tops with factory blemishes for cheap. They are usaully not advertised. Call around and ask if they have any blems and what/where the blem is. Thats how i got mine. 300 bucks brand new - this was about 8 years ago. The blem was an inch long scratch on one of the rear windows that I was actually able to just about compound out!!!
     
  5. Oct 21, 2004
    xz3ltt

    xz3ltt I love hockey mom's

    Clarkston, MI
    Joined:
    Apr 3, 2004
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    96
    Repeat after me "Herm....Herm...Herm"
     
  6. Oct 21, 2004
    Mcruff

    Mcruff Earlycj5 Machinist

    Albertville, AL
    Joined:
    Sep 22, 2002
    Messages:
    5,349
    Do you want snaps or track, I filled all my snap holes in and will never put a snap back on my body again, two words Bestop Supertop the only way to fly. Mine has been on my jeep for at least 7 years now, sits outside most of the time and its still in pretty good shape. Once you go with rails you'll never want to see a snap again!!
     
  7. Oct 21, 2004
    firegod33

    firegod33 Member

    Grand Junction, CO
    Joined:
    Jul 7, 2003
    Messages:
    154
    4 Wheel Parts Wholesalers just had the Bestop Supertops on sale last weekend. I ordered one for my '77 CJ5. $621 shipped to my door. Mcruff is right. Once you use rails you'll wonder why they even still make snaps.
     
  8. Oct 21, 2004
    Boyink

    Boyink Super Moderator Staff Member

    Tulsa, OK
    Joined:
    Sep 20, 2002
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    6,197
    Oh...to have snap alternatives.... :oops:
     
  9. Oct 21, 2004
    firegod33

    firegod33 Member

    Grand Junction, CO
    Joined:
    Jul 7, 2003
    Messages:
    154
    Update.... My Supertop arrived about five minutes ago. On opening the box, I'm impressed. For a soft top, all the pieces feel pretty solid! There is nothing lightweight about this thing. I have an installation video to go watch. I'll be back. :D
     
  10. Oct 21, 2004
    Alex

    Alex New Member

    Frederick, MD
    Joined:
    Aug 3, 2004
    Messages:
    21
    Is Kayline the brand that looks like my original? Canvas?
     
  11. Oct 21, 2004
    Boyink

    Boyink Super Moderator Staff Member

    Tulsa, OK
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    Sep 20, 2002
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    6,197
  12. Oct 21, 2004
    sparky

    sparky Sandgroper Staff Member Founder

    Perth, WA
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    Sep 20, 2002
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    9,221
    "why is it that women hate the smell of canvas"?

    Ivan Ellis M38 Owner
     
  13. Oct 21, 2004
    Mcruff

    Mcruff Earlycj5 Machinist

    Albertville, AL
    Joined:
    Sep 22, 2002
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    5,349
    The same reason most women hate Wool.:D
     
  14. Oct 21, 2004
    James P. Enderwies

    James P. Enderwies Sponsor

    Lake Havasu City, AZ
    Joined:
    Feb 2, 2003
    Messages:
    747
    Mike: You're right. The PO of mine put a Supertop on, both door types (full and 1/2), and a bikini, 6 mo. before I bought it. Works great.

    But, the front edge of my door opening must have 10 snaps or more on each side. Some look like orig dealer instaled, and newer ones for a later top. If I removed them, I would have a LOT of holes to fill. :rofl:
     
  15. Oct 21, 2004
    michigan_pinstripes

    michigan_pinstripes I'm not lost, I'm wandering

    Clarkston MI...
    Joined:
    Aug 20, 2003
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    605
    The Kayline seems to have more of an old-school look for some reason (at least the 2A 3A does). Mine is an original Kayline but I don't think it changed with the new company.

    Check out Herm's pictures under convertible tops. I think Jerry's ran $540 shipped for his 3A.

    http://www.hermtheoverdriveguy.com
     
  16. Oct 21, 2004
    Ducks-Bass-n-Jeeps

    Ducks-Bass-n-Jeeps A Parade of One

    Brentwood, Tennessee
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    Aug 11, 2003
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    120
    Here is my $0.02 worth

    Spend the jack for the Supertop.
     
  17. Oct 21, 2004
    manden68

    manden68 Member

    O Fries Country
    Joined:
    Jul 16, 2003
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    214
    Supertop is a perfect fit. NO SNAPS!
     
  18. Oct 21, 2004
    AKCJ

    AKCJ Active Member

    Fairbanks, Alaska
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    Aug 12, 2003
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    1,035
    Supertop. It's worth the extra $ - especially for a daily driver.
     
  19. Oct 21, 2004
    Patrick

    Patrick Super Moderator Staff Member

    Los Alamos, NM
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    Sep 22, 2002
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    Did anyone mention the Supertop? It's the deal. Might have to shim the windshield frame up to make the doors fit right; I did.........
     
  20. Oct 21, 2004
    Southtowns27

    Southtowns27 Custom Title

    The Backhills of...
    Joined:
    Feb 4, 2003
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    536
    Thanks for all the replies. I have an oooooooooold Supertop now, and yeah, I had to make the doors fit too. Mine currently has the snaps. Does the Tigertop have the snaps also and will they line up with my old ones? Does anyone have pics of this "track" I've seen discussed? Thanks again
     
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