I bought a bestop trektop nx softtop last year to replace my hardtop during the summer months. For the most part, I love this top ....

- very easy to put on and off
- flip back canopy gets rid of heat fast
- removable sides turns it into a safari top
- frameless = no excess hardware to deal with

However, there is one thing about this top that is driving me crazy. No matter how hard I try, the side panels will not stay put (flush) with the door surrounds. I followed the directions exactly (installed after they warmed up in the sun). Tried inserting the panel into the door surround, closing the door, then zipping everything up. No matter what I try, the top portion of the panel slips away from the door surround. This hasn't caused any issues with leaks in the rain. But its a real and obvious eyesore. I thought I was the only one, until I noticed other Jeep with the trektop nx and same issue (both 2 door and 4 door).



Am I missing something or is there a technique to make the panel stay put? Let us know if you are having the same issue (maybe a redesign / improvement is needed that Bestop needs to know about). And, let me know about any solutions / technique some of us are unaware of.

Thanks

 

Same on mine. It doesn't seem to cause any issues so I don't care

 

I have had my NX for my 4door for over a year now and I have never had that problem. Strange... It's almost as if your door surrounds are wider and do not grab the material as well.

 

The top inch or two of mine tends to pop out like that, not nearly as much as your pics though. No leaking issues, so I don't care.

 

I've had the same issue (2-door) - I feel your pain.

First of all, it will get better over time as the panels are warmed and stretched. That being said, here is what I did to help the problem disappear:

- Release the rear window bar from the tailgate.
- Release tension on the two rear straps, and the two mid-straps.
- Fold the sunrider portion back.
- At the hinge point, pull the spring loaded pin out and move metal bar out of the way (a few inches will do).
- Loosen the two screws that hold the pin receptacle carriage and move the carriage towards the windshield, and tighten screws down.
- Repeat for the other side.
- Reinstall hinge pin, re-tighten straps, re-install tailgate bar, close and latch sunrider.

This will force the top (and zipper) forward about 1/4 to 3/8 inches if the carriage was all the way back in it's adjustment; maybe enough to solve, or at least lessen the issue. I also put a penny between the door surround and the panel near the top corner, forcing it in until flush with edge. This helped to hold the panel in place and let the material stretch and "learn" it's proper position.

I also placed the two rear straps around the rollbar, under the seatbelt attachment, and hooked onto the side of the tub instead of the rear. This relieves some of the tension pulling everything towards the rear, yet keeps the top tight. I cannot stress enough that you follow the instructions exactly when re-installing window panels. I know that sounds pedestrian, and I'm not trying to insult your intelligence, but it really matters.

Hope this helps.

-John-