First Time Soft Top
Thread Starter
JK Newbie
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Geraldton Western Australia
First Time Soft Top
Took the hard top off today for the first time.Thought I had better try and fit the soft top to my 4 door to see if any problems with it prior to my first service.
After hours of attempting to get it to fit , I find that the rear tailgate section seems to be about 1 inch too short .
If I hook the rear on first I have the same gap at the front.
Anyone else had this kind of gap on a first time fit , hoping some time in the sun tommorow may help but I am worried.
Any feedback greatly appreciated.
After hours of attempting to get it to fit , I find that the rear tailgate section seems to be about 1 inch too short .
If I hook the rear on first I have the same gap at the front.
Anyone else had this kind of gap on a first time fit , hoping some time in the sun tommorow may help but I am worried.
Any feedback greatly appreciated.
JK Newbie
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Longview, WA
I had the same problem. Do you have all the windows in? I spent a couple of hours on it myself the first time too. I think it was mainly because it was new and needed to be stretched. If you have all the windows in try leaving the tailgate one out until after the front is hooked down. It is a very tight fit.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 210
Likes: 0
From: Cincinnati, OH
When I got my Jeep it had about 1000 miles on it, So I can't really remember if the top was hard to put up. But now when I put it up I leave all the windows out, put the top up but dont strap it in, I put the lips in on the back, then strap down the middle straps, then the straps by the windshield. I'm not sure it will work for you but thats what I do. If not let it sit in the sun like you are already doing.
JK Junkie
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,122
Likes: 0
From: Mount Carmel, PA
Took the hard top off today for the first time.Thought I had better try and fit the soft top to my 4 door to see if any problems with it prior to my first service.
After hours of attempting to get it to fit , I find that the rear tailgate section seems to be about 1 inch too short .
If I hook the rear on first I have the same gap at the front.
Anyone else had this kind of gap on a first time fit , hoping some time in the sun tommorow may help but I am worried.
Any feedback greatly appreciated.
After hours of attempting to get it to fit , I find that the rear tailgate section seems to be about 1 inch too short .
If I hook the rear on first I have the same gap at the front.
Anyone else had this kind of gap on a first time fit , hoping some time in the sun tommorow may help but I am worried.
Any feedback greatly appreciated.
We had the same problem with ours and when we bought our TJ. I hooked the windsheild but didnt close the latches yet, then I pushed down on the rear bows and my fiance hooked the rear flaps. Then close the front latches and do the sides and windows We also didnt completely remove the top for about two weeks or so to really let things stretch out. Now its fine, still tight, but loosening up more everytime. And yes, when it is new the sun is your best friend!
JK Enthusiast
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 370
Likes: 0
From: Southwest CT
Gotta leave it out in the sun to loosen up for a while. Never had much of an issue with mine, but the dealer did ask me to drive with it on for a week before removing it so it would loosen up a bit.
My dad bought a 2dr a month later and his dealer didn't pass on that advice. He went home, took off the top for a month, and then found himself in your situation. I told him to let it sit in the hot sun for a few hours and it loosened up quite a bit. He fit it up and then left it for another hour, then refastened it again. No more problems.
My dad bought a 2dr a month later and his dealer didn't pass on that advice. He went home, took off the top for a month, and then found himself in your situation. I told him to let it sit in the hot sun for a few hours and it loosened up quite a bit. He fit it up and then left it for another hour, then refastened it again. No more problems.