Tiger Top Install

Three years ago I picked up an older tiger top for my jeep and I finally got it mostly installed. Amazingly the snap holes in my fiberglass body actually line up pretty close to the top so I am thinking this is an older top since it doesn't quite match the info I got from Bestop. The directions I got from Bestop for installation say that I need 69.5" from the back top of the windshield frame to the rear upper corner of the body which I verified I have. Unfortunately at this dimension the doors would not align properly so I am going to need to shim the windshield to force the top forward. So, what have folks used for shimming? Also, I don't recommend trying to install a softop in October when the temps are in the 50s lol. I ended up pulling it into my heated garage hoping it will stretch a little better. Man it is a full body work out trying to get it installed!

Thanks

Todd

 

Getting out in the sun will often help a lot.

 

I put my Tiger top on in the full sun in mid summer, and it took quite some effort. Common for these windshields to lean back more as the cowl gasket ages. I'd suggest old inner tube, maybe buy a bicycle tube and cut it up. I recall someone suggested neoprene strips from McMaster-Carr... would work too, and you could select the thickness and width.

https://www.mcmaster.com/products/n...ltipurpose-neoprene-rubber-sheets-and-strips/

 

rubber roof material could be a good shim

 

I've got some of this covering my rough sawn lumber piles I could steal some from

 

I had a full roll cage so I used a nylon strap with a plastic buckle through the center windshield footman loop and around the top bar of the cage. Allowed me to adjust the tension and made it easier to install the soft top. Worked for a lot of years.
If you have a garage a heat lamp hung above the Jeep can really help with installing a soft top on cool days if the sun is not shining.

 

Its a new gasket. I like your ideas nick. I'm trying to get it installed so I can park it outside this year and use my garage for another project

 

I have that same strap in my 3B for its TigerTop. A "milk house" heater works great for heating those up when it's cold so you can stretch the sides down.

 

I lift the doors slightly when I close them.

 

Wish me luck. We use an electric heater in our RV when we camp at sites with elec. hook-up. I'm going to set it on the floor with the doors shut on the top and leave it running for a bit. My wife said that doesn't sound dangerous at all(she can be a bit sarcastic at times LOL). Of course I will keep an eye on it. What could go wrong?

 

Good luck! What I find interesting is Whitco tops require 71.25 inches from the top of the windshield to the top of the rear tub.

 

Tell her she's right so you put an LP heater on the fuel tank.

 

It’s on!

So heater did not work since it wouldn’t go any hotter than 80. Left the jeep parked in the 70 degree garage for the last week or so and it did relax a bit. I was able to use vice grips and carefully pull it and install snaps in the new locations. The doors are still in need of a couple snaps but they work for now!