Soft Top for 63` CJ5, things to consider and recommendations

Hmmmm.....Tiger Top fits tight...........This time on a CJ5.....


http://www.earlycj5.com/forums/showthread.php?91463-Tell-me-this-will-fit&highlight=cj6+tiger+top

 

Mark, took a look at that threaded, man I hope I do not run into those problems.

 

The supertop uses that style of door catch, too.
It's the 1 thing I really don't like about that top. However, it does make it possible to use the lower doors by themselves as a 1/2 door.

 

Does anyone know if beechwood canvas would do a top in a marine fabric material such as Sunbrella? I would think that would be the best of both worlds for a custom top

 

Another vote for the supertop. Mine has worked very well over many years.

One bad thing about soft tops is rolling up the rear window. That didn't work for me so I made a couple straps that go around one of the top hoops forward of the roll cage. These straps have a snap on the end so I can pull the rear window over the roll cage top hoop and snap it to the two straps. It's good to be able to get the rear window out of the way without having to roll it up.

 

canvas.... my besttop sucks. glad i traded some junk for it if i bought it for 700 id be ****ed

 

sterclan, why did your Bestop suck? Why do you prefer canvas?

 

I would say Bestop as well... keeps my cj looking sexy

 

I've used both off and on since the 70's. If you are going to garage the jeep, baby the top and wash it regularly then both the canvas and the vinyl will give you good service. If you are using the jeep as a daily driver and not garaging it and babying the top then you'll get a lot more years and miles from the canvas top then the vinyl.

 

I see Bestop offers the supertop in both vinyl and in denim. Same price. Any advantage one over the other?

 

I've got a tan denim supertop.....WAY better than the vinyl. The denim does shrink and move a little in the weather but not even comparable to vinyl. It's pretty similar to new wrangler top material. I do like how you can zip or roll up the back window, zip out the side windows and do half doors with the supertop. In the summer, it turns into kind of a full length bikini top.

When I was looking to buy a top, I looked at Beechwood. They advertise a 7 piece top for a Cj5 but didn't list the price. I called and left a message. The owner of beechwood called me back and said he only sells maybe one of those per year. He quoted something like $3500 for it and that didn't include any hardware. You have to use your own bows and door frames. I see why he doesn't sell many. Another drawback to the original style top is the size of the windows; IMO it's like trying to drive a box deer stand.

I'd almost