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Top Tricks

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by DJ Maloof, Aug 19, 2020.

  1. Aug 19, 2020
    DJ Maloof

    DJ Maloof New Member

    NC
    Joined:
    Aug 12, 2020
    Messages:
    5
    Any tips to installing a bikini top or soft top into the windshield groove?
     
  2. Aug 19, 2020
    Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    Tantallon, Nova...
    Joined:
    Nov 22, 2003
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    8,102
    No not really, if the channel is clean & hasn't been doinked the top seam should slide in without too much trouble.
     
  3. Aug 19, 2020
    DJ Maloof

    DJ Maloof New Member

    NC
    Joined:
    Aug 12, 2020
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    5
    It doesn't want to slide right in..lol.thank you
     
  4. Aug 19, 2020
    Boyink

    Boyink Super Moderator Staff Member

    Tulsa, OK
    Joined:
    Sep 20, 2002
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    6,193
    It was always a matter of learning just how to cup your hand right and get one end to slot in...then chasing the edge of that across to the other side. I always stood inside the Jeep as much as possible.
     
  5. Aug 19, 2020
    DJ Maloof

    DJ Maloof New Member

    NC
    Joined:
    Aug 12, 2020
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    5
    Thank you. I will try that again.
     
  6. Aug 19, 2020
    Alan28

    Alan28 Well-Known Member 2022 Sponsor

    Châtillon en...
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    Oct 21, 2012
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    I stand up in the car and push slowly the top, after 3 trials generally it is ok. 5/10 minutes.
     
  7. Aug 19, 2020
    PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hills of NH
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    Aug 3, 2003
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    9,754
    It helps to support the exposed part so it is exactly in line with the channel as you feed.

    And yes, I do it standing in the jeep, with the top upside down on the hood until I get the welt all the way into the channel.
     
  8. Aug 19, 2020
    TonyM

    TonyM Member 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Middle Tennessee
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    Jul 30, 2017
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    170
    Good advice given here. I may add that you can also take a bar of soap and lube up the welt that’s goes into the channel. The soap will help it feed easier. If you haven’t already you may wish to also try to clean any rust scale and blistered paint out of the channel. My 3A, M38 and CJ5 all needed a little channel prep due to neglect but I had no problems installing after market, repros of original and home designed/made tops. One of them had a 5 inch dirt dauber nest in there that required a little extra effort. Take your time and you’ll be fine. Please post pics when you have it on!
     
  9. Aug 19, 2020
    Keys5a

    Keys5a Sponsor

    Florida Keys
    Joined:
    Jan 23, 2014
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    4,170
    Instead of soap, I've always used candle wax or surfboard wax on the roped edge. It helps both for installing, and later sliding it back out later.
    -Donny
     
  10. Aug 19, 2020
    Fireball

    Fireball Well-Known Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Pullman, WA
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    Feb 9, 2018
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    5,627
    With mine, the ends with the sewn seams don't like to tuck in. They will slide in from the end though.

    I start with the top a little off center, tuck it in and then slide it to the other side. That pulls the thick bit into the channel. Then I do the same for the other and finally center it.

    I usually stand in the Jeep like others while doing all this.
     
    ojgrsoi and Twin2 like this.
  11. Aug 20, 2020
    Bigdaddy13

    Bigdaddy13 Member

    So.Cal
    Joined:
    Nov 19, 2019
    Messages:
    556
    two people. one to apply pressure on the leading edge/end and one to keep the fabric edge in the channel.
     
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