Adapting cj-8 halftop to early cj5/6 tub

Has anyone attempted this, even a test fit? Ive got a 66 CJ6, and a CJ8 halftop. I know the tub rails are diff, and I know the windshield would need to be changed out to a late model frame, can sealant be used to "fill" the gap that is square on the top of tub, vice the 45 degree angle on newer tubs? Im thinking a set of softdoors from a newer CJ5 bestop supertop may fit, for all "appearances", the top of those two piece doors mimic the newer model jeeps (they extend further back, and are rounded), and fit the lower existing door openings. Im just trying to see any bugs I might have before I cut into a great full cage and start installing tube disconnects only to find something else, like the tub is a completely diff dimension, etc.

 

Half stock CJ hard top. I am "thinking" some cuttting of fiberglass to notch where it turns 90 across the stock tub rail, and lots of sealant.....I hoped....its why I wonder if anyone had set that on a stock cj5/6 tub.

 

I think the bigger concern will be the doors. I don't know the dimensions but I can't imagine the top of a cj5 door is the same as th top of an cj7 door.

 

Yeah.....you are right. Just found this. Rear upper corner is not rounded like stock....this door fits "over" the top as opposed to in it like later cj7, yj, tj tops....

 

Hmmmm.....on the supertop the uppers seperate from the lowers......cant help but wonder if the upper from a late CJ7 will slip fit in the lower cj5 door......

 

You should look for something like this-

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1979-JEEP-CJ...59b76d&vxp=mtr ​

(that one's kinda rough, but you get the idea)

 

I had a CJ8 with that half cab top. The size is to big to fit the windshield frame. The top of a CJ8 window frame is totally different. It used sheet metal screws for its mount. As I remember my screws kept falling out. Then there is the door openings. I don't know what to do there. And there its how it mounts to the body. It used bolts that come up though the lip for the tub and thread into the bottom of the fiberglass top. Also the shape of the tub to top is totally different. I think it would be very difficult to modify even for a boat builder. Oh and then there is the sheet metal filler panel that you would have to make to fill the opening inside the tub. Way too much work.

 

Oh Jeez. Isn't there a big demand for these tops?

Correct, the door openings for the CJ7 and CJ-8 are totally different than a CJ5. Way too much work - you'd probably end up with something hideous or ruin a good top. I'd sell it and put the funds toward a CJ-5 style top.

If you really want a half-cab for a CJ-5 or CJ-6, I suggest you look around for a steel Meyer cab. Those are the most plentiful. A steel Meyer cab could be converted to a half-cab much easier than converting the CJ-8 cab.

 

Yup, pretty big market for those half cabs, they'll fit CJ8, CJ7, and YJ with little or no work. You'd come out ahead selling it and starting with something closer to working. What's the old engine swap adage? Just because you have it doesn't make it the right choice?

 

I would sell the CJ8 half top and then look for a CJ5 half top, I know for certain that Z&M in Toledo has a pristine one just laying there. That way you get the right fitment and no issues with doors not working/fitting.