Bikini Top

[Green97TJ]

So the good news: My girlfriend finds a bikini top for the jeep at a yard sale for 15 bucks. Thats the top and the header, and the guy says that it was for his 05 TJ so it should fit my 03.

Bad news. It evidently wasnt for an 05 because it has a drill in style header and Bestop doesnt list a drill style header bikini for 03 and newer. But at the same time, the header is one piece, and from what I can find on Bestop's website, all the TJ drill style headers are 2 piece.

So now I'm lost. Is it not even the right header for the top? If it is right, can I make the drill style header work with my 03? It seems like it will, even though the soft top is TIGHT to get hooked in the front with the header there. (I havent installed it yet, just set it up there and hooked the top to see if it would latch.)

Any ideas? I'd love to be able to make it work. But for all I know the bikini isnt even for a TJ. No packaging, just the top and header. Throw me some ideas yall.

Thanks,
Nathan

 

[Sparky-Watts]

Wish I could help ya out, but I know nothing about TJ's and how the soft tops hook on, nor do I know the difference between a drill-type header and non-drill. Just wanted to say that even for $15, it's not a half bad deal. Are you sure it's a Bestop? If so, there should be a small tag somewhere on it identifying it by name. If it is, perhaps you could call Bestop and talk to one of their techs and describe it to them. Good luck!

 

[Green97TJ]

Yea its definately a bestop. Its got the tag. I may try to call them.

anybody else?

 

[KrazyJeeper]

Take a pic of the top and the tag. I just bought a bikini for my 2000. I will see if they compare.

 

[Green97TJ]

I tried to call Bestop, and it didnt really help any. Anybody else want to make a guess?

 

[jterp]

did something change on the '03 TJ that it wouldn't use the same bikini top as the 97-02 TJ? I know bestop made a drill in style header and a latch style header for my '02 TJ.

 

[Green97TJ]

Yea, there's a lot bigger rubber piece on top of the windshield frame, I'm pretty sure thats why they dont make the drill type header for the 03

 

[mud4feet]

Yea, there's a lot bigger rubber piece on top of the windshield frame, I'm pretty sure thats why they dont make the drill type header for the 03

THAT answers a question I've had for a long, long time. I'm wanting to get a bikini/safari top for my '03 (and I like your price, Green!!!!!!), but have always wondered why the '03's were different.

 

[Green97TJ]

Well I'm glad I could help Mud! lol I actually decided to just go ahead and try it out anyway, and it didnt work, so be sure you get one for an 03 or newer. I mean, I was able to make the header fit, and the soft top and everything still fits right, but the bikini itself doesn't quite fit right.