Make a soft top tighter?

extremeYJ · #1 (**permalink**) 07-20-2003, 08:00 PM

does any one know how to make a soft top tighter? i bought a replace-a-top from Bestop during the summer and the little booklet that came with it said that the top should shrink or tighten to fit the jeep better, but it was only gotten looser. does any one know how to solve my problem? im open to any suggestions.[addsig]

bigTlilODD · #2 (**permalink**) 07-20-2003, 08:00 PM

I think if you get it wet, while it's not on the Jeep, then leave it in the sun? [img]modules/phpBB_14/images/smiles/icon_confused.gif[/img] [addsig]

Natty · #3 (**permalink**) 07-20-2003, 08:00 PM

Get a big snorkel...drive it through a lake...let it dry on the other side [img]modules/phpBB_14/images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif[/img] [addsig]

judge09 · #4 (**permalink**) 07-20-2003, 08:00 PM

Your lucky. I had to fight to get my soft top to stretch and fit my old YJ.[addsig]

crazy-canuk · #5 (**permalink**) 07-20-2003, 08:00 PM

if you have ever looked at a convertable top you'll see that it has bows...if you buy a spare 4 foot fire stick anttenna you can use it as a soft top bow.. this will tighten the front part of the top and also if you snap your cb anttenna on the trail you'll have a back up... just rig it from side to side.... [addsig]

extremeYJ · #6 (**permalink**) 07-20-2003, 08:00 PM

thanks for your help, ill try to get it wet and let it dry in the sun, and if that doesnt work ill try to rig up a bow or something [img]modules/phpBB_14/images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif[/img] [addsig]

marc · #7 (**permalink**) 07-20-2003, 08:00 PM

or you can get the adjustable spreader bars i bought those when i bought my top and love them they are pretty inexpensive compaired to most things you can find them in quadratec for around 30.00 i think or maybee a little more

marc[addsig]

bigTlilODD · #8 (**permalink**) 07-20-2003, 08:00 PM

Judge09, I have a similiar problem. I can't get the first button on the driver side, to snap. I think it's the snap though, not that it won't stretch.[addsig]

Craig · #9 (**permalink**) 07-20-2003, 08:00 PM

You can try to adjust your windshield frame a little further forward. This will pull the back of the top forward making it a little tighter. Be sure not to go too far or your doors won't close properly and they won't seal properly to your windshield frame causing a water leak. The only way to to get my top to fit properly was to move the windshield frame forward causing the doors to leak where they seal to the frame. I formed seals down the sides of the windshield frame with silicone. Run two strips of tape about an inch apart down the frame and smear silicone down the center of them with a putty knife. Take the tape off while it is still wet and you'll get a nice straight finished edge.[addsig]

Tug-n-pull · #10 (**permalink**) 07-20-2003, 08:00 PM

Check in at your local dealer and ask to use their jeep strecher. It will work both end to end and side to side. Just be careful cause once it is streched it is streched. There is no going back! [img]modules/phpBB_14/images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif[/img] [img]modules/phpBB_14/images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif[/img] [img]modules/phpBB_14/images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif[/img] Tug[addsig]