1975 CJ 5 but is identical to a 76

I have a real problem.
I have a 1975 CJ 5 but it appears to be identical to a 76 and later. The real problem is that I recently purchased a used top on ebay for a 76 and later and it appears to be the perfect size, except it has snaps on the part that connects above the windshield. The top is a Whitco and I have never seen a top that does not use the rail on the windshield frame. Am I missing something or does this top actually snap to the windshield frame and if so how well does that work??????????
Thanks

 

It is fairly easy to fit a '76 and later windshield to an earlier model CJ. That's all it takes to change from fitting one style of top to fitting the other.

Post up some pictures of your Jeep and we can tell you if it's really a ''75 or a '76. Look at the frame, the rear axle, the floors, the dash ... lots of things changed for the '76 model year. I presume your VIN starts with "J5"?

 

Have you ever seen a soft top that is attached to the windshield frame with snaps???? I looked at the frame of this jeep and it is not straight.

 

I've only seen snaps across the top for an MB
and it was a Kayline top
can you post pictures of the frame and the top ?