Jeep Factory Windscreen Header

[03REDTJ]

G'day fellas, I'm new to this thing so I'll keep it simple. I have a Bestop Supertop and I'm not happey with its fitting, particularly at the windscreen. The bolt on header just doesn't seem to fit properly (it 'rolls' back as it tightens)and the top has come off once at about 60km (on a very windy day).

Will the Bestop fit the factory clip on type header? Has anyone else had this problem?

[simonj]

G'day 03redtj! I've had a Bestop half-top with the bolt-on header for several years now. When I first got it, I had the same problem as you - I thought they must have supplied the wrong one or something. Turns out it's just a bit tricky to fit. It almost takes 2 pairs of hands - you really need to push down hard on the header while holding it in the correct position - while you do up the bolts. It doesn't feel 'positive' until the bolts are done up - but fitted properly you could just about tow the car from it! Maybe you need to go back to where you bought it and get them to show you how to fit it, or try the extra pair of hands??? Having said all of that, the quality of the Bestop is really good; and the half-top is a must for summer!

[03REDTJ]

simonj,
Thanks for your reply. I have tried 2 pairs of hands and I've also tried using longer bolts. Overall, I have no probs with the Bestop quality but you lose a bit of confidence when it comes off at the header and destroys a window zipper in the process!!!

I'm moving to Darwin next month and the half top or bikini top is definately on the cards!!

[Red Rat]

Originally Posted by 03REDTJ

simonj,
I'm moving to Darwin next month and the half top or bikini top is definately on the cards!!

They call it a half top cause it gets in half as much water as having no top at all - you are going to know all about tropical downpours in Darwin!

It leaks like a biarch around the soft top doors/windscreen pillar (looks like an absolutely shite-house design which could be fixed with the jeep OEM angled door snappy thingys - but why should you have to rectify a manufacturer f-up on such an expensive piece of kit), and some of the stitching as already come apart and some straps have unthreaded! (its a month old). Plus i can't keep the top snapped into the header!

Having said that for looks its an absolute killer and it is very functional - I would get another one - its just that I am pedantic and have been let down a little bit by the quality and sealing attributes. Actually I wouldn't get another one - I would get the 3 piece combo from Bestop instead. Would still have the same issues but it would at least cost a whole lot less.

[03REDTJ]

Originally Posted by Red Rat

They call it a half top cause it gets in half as much water as having no top at all - you are going to know all about tropical downpours in Darwin!

Thanks Red Rat. I've spent 4 years in Darwin before but not in a Jeep! I have a hard top I plan to use during the wet. I'll use the soft top or bikini during the dry.

I am also looking at a three piece but the bikini is the cheaper option to start with.