Sept 26, 2005

Back from Oak Ridge and will give some more info now and hopefully get some new pictures up tomorrow. The top is the black denim.

Pushing the window forward slightly did help a little. It made the 430 miles each way at 60 mph and doesn't seem to be any worse for the trip. The pictures of the side windows doesn't really do the top justice as the top of the windows weren't properly tucked in under the rain flap. Haven't seen any rain yet but will have a partial test when I rinse all of the Oak Ridge dust off but feel that it will be pretty good.

The wind noise with the top all zipped up is minimal and acceptable without any noticeable drafts (at least from openings in the top).

The rear bows fold down to the back and the front bow folds down behind the rear seat. However, because of the door support pieces on the front bow, found it best just to leave in pace.

The top took a number of branch rubbings and one minor tree bump without any noticeable signs. The tree bump was from leaning over into a tree and was hard enough to push the bow over about 2". The bow returned to its proper position. Until its washed, won't know for sure, but it doesn't seemed to have any been marred by the bump.

If anyone would like a picture of anything tomorrow, please let me know so I can snap a shot of it.

Sept 29, 2005 (11:19pm)

The top with the side windows properly tucked into the drip flap.

Two rear bars in latched position and then unlatched. By placing the bars in the unlatched position, it is easier to install the side windows ant top. Have not found it necessary to unlatch the rear bar to install/open the rear window.

Sept 29, 2005 (11:20pm)

How the side windows atttach to the fast track. The front edge and tail gate fit into a channel like all other tops I've seen for CJs.

Doors, side windows, and rear window removed.

Rear bars down, front bar and door frame still up.

All bars down. Notice that the front bar doesn't fold down very well for storage. For this reason, I usually leave it up with a small bungie to keep the upper door frame bars snug to the window.

Better view of the rear bars folded down.

Decided to go ahead and take the bars off. This requires the removal of 6 bolts but they could be changed out to pins. Getting closer to the clean look I like.

Here is the top folded up for storage. It is about 30" x 20" x 8" and folded up nice this time.

If there are any other questions, will be glad to take more pictures.

Oct 4, 2005 (10:11pm)

Took all the hardware and everything off last Thursday and enjoyed riding around with a clean looking jeep. Have finally figured that even with the savings offered, no one is really go to buy it so I reinstalled all the hardware tongiht. While putting it back on, move the rear hoop out one more hole (last hole) so it pulled the top much tighter. Now there isn't any sagging (except very slight in front section) and looks much better. Still need to have pull the front section a little tighter by placing a washer or two at the window thereby puching the front hoop rearward slightly.

At least now I'll be able to drive it in the rain tomorrow for my Southern Mudders club meeting. Plan it to replace the bolts for the hoops with pins so it will be quick and easy to remove the hoops for storage, even on the trails. Will also make a 5-1/2" tall storage compartment in the bed for storing the doors and windows.

Hopefully my pics and comments will save someone else from making the same mistake I did.

Since the rear hoop is already extended to max, will the top shrink over time when not being used or will it stretch? If it will stretch, than I may have a problem a few years down the line.

Think once this is done, will enjoy the top more. Now if it will just snow so I can have some fun in the white stuff.

Jan 03, 2006 (8:32 PM)

Last time I put the top on I did change out all the bolts for 1/4" x 2" pins secured with hairpins. Was a lot easier to remove the top, no additional rattles when the top was on. The pins are definitely the way to go.

(c) 2006