Author Topic: soft top question  (Read 1148 times)

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Offline stan98tj

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soft top question
« on: October 13, 2008, 09:14:51 PM »
ripped my soft top today (factory original) while putting it back on. it's 10 yrs old now and it was showing wear. i read up in the forums tops 101 page and the only question i have left is if i buy a bestop, this means that it will be pretty much a factory original as they are the ones who make the tops to begin with?  how difficult is this to replace, i ripped the rear panel that fits above the brake light-i only want to replace the top-windows are fine and the hardware is good to go. does anyone know if that's possible, or will i have to purchase top, windows and hardware all over again? and lastly, is this a simple and cost effective task?
thanks in advance for any input.
98 TJ 35"Maxxis Trep.Old Man Emu 2.5""+1"BL,IronMan Fab control arms,4.56gears,Ford 8.8+ARB,Currie/IronMan steering, WARN VR10,HP D30 sleeved+ RCV,Body Armor Rock Rails WISHLIST:TDi.Girlfriend hates it :) If you can read this don't flip me over i dont have any $$ left to fix it

Offline Jeffy

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Re: soft top question
« Reply #1 on: October 13, 2008, 09:19:49 PM »
You're going to have to buy windows with the top.

If it's not too bad you can buy iron on denim patches that you can apply to the inside so the tear will be closed..
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Offline stan98tj

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Re: soft top question
« Reply #2 on: October 13, 2008, 09:25:11 PM »
id love to patch it, but the tear is right at where the fabric meets the plastic that hooks under the body's lip. im afraid the patch wouldnt work...it's good for now as it's all buttoned up and i prob wont be takin off the top anymore as fall kicks in...but i guess im gonna have to be in the market for a new top.
98 TJ 35"Maxxis Trep.Old Man Emu 2.5""+1"BL,IronMan Fab control arms,4.56gears,Ford 8.8+ARB,Currie/IronMan steering, WARN VR10,HP D30 sleeved+ RCV,Body Armor Rock Rails WISHLIST:TDi.Girlfriend hates it :) If you can read this don't flip me over i dont have any $$ left to fix it

Offline Jeffy

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Re: soft top question
« Reply #3 on: October 13, 2008, 09:51:41 PM »
Well, you can always look for a replace-a-top and keep the skins for the doors and the rear windows for later on.

I'd proably try to repair it somehow.  You might try taking it to a soft top/ upholstery shop and see if they can do anything.  It might even be cheaper if they cut you a new top.
Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZNlr60GXH5OlKIFrT7P6mg
My Jeep: http://4bangerjp.com/forums/index.php?topic=2783.0
"If the motor car were invented today, there is absolutely no way that any government in the world would let normal members of the public drive one."

Offline SKI BOY

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Re: soft top question
« Reply #4 on: October 14, 2008, 08:15:47 AM »
ripped my soft top today (factory original) while putting it back on. it's 10 yrs old now and it was showing wear. i read up in the forums tops 101 page and the only question i have left is if i buy a bestop, this means that it will be pretty much a factory original as they are the ones who make the tops to begin with?  how difficult is this to replace, i ripped the rear panel that fits above the brake light-i only want to replace the top-windows are fine and the hardware is good to go. does anyone know if that's possible, or will i have to purchase top, windows and hardware all over again? and lastly, is this a simple and cost effective task?
thanks in advance for any input.
[/color]

Check ebay or craig's list; many times you can find just the top skin at a decent $, just be sure it is OEM (if that's what your's is) otherwise the window zippers etc. may not be compatible!
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97 TJ, AT, 31'S ON AR CAST WHEELS, 4.0L TB / TBS, JET CHIP, CUSTOM HI-FLOW INTAKE, ON BOARD AIR, ELECT. RAD. FAN, SOFT TOP!

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Re: soft top question
« Reply #5 on: October 14, 2008, 02:10:32 PM »
A buddy of mine had a problem with his soft top and he had it repaired by a shop that made boat covers.