Bestop Supertop fitment question

[Vidar]

Ran across a local CL post for a new in box bestop super top for an 03-06, model 51719. I have a 97, anyone know why it won’t fit, or if there is anyway to adapt it? Price is exceptional, and my factory header is rotted so I need a replacement anyway.

 

[Jeffreybomb]

The only difference I know of is that the LJs were produced from '04 to '06.

Otherwise, I don't think it matters.

 

[Vidar]

The only difference I know of is that the LJs were produced from '04 to '06.

Otherwise, I don't think it matters.

It’s not an LJ top. The info I could find about them was that Bestop produced two distinct versions, 97-02 and 03-06. But they are discontinued now, so I can’t find any specifics. Was hoping someone on the forum know the reasoning did the two different versions.

 

[WallyWest]

I have an '03 with the Supertop. Have not installed it yet, I was missing the door surrounds. Just got those so I'll probably be pulling the hardtop and putting the soft on next weekend.

I believe the difference is the 97-02 used the factory mounts, and the 03-06 had a new type of frame. Instead of the attaching to the sides of the roll bar it has a bracket that bolts onto the top of the tub, in one of the holes the hardtop bolts use.

I could be wrong though, I didn't even know what I had until I researched it a bit, still not 100% sure it will work on mine. If nobody else has any solid info I'll post again once I try to put it on.

 

[Jerry Bransford]

IIRC the only differences between 2002/older and 2003/newer are the widths of the front latches and the directions the zippers pull.

 

[Vidar]

IIRC the only differences between 2002/older and 2003/newer are the widths of the front latches and the directions the zippers pull.

Thanks for the feedback everyone.

@Jerry Bransford, do you know if the front latches are comparable if they are a different width? I'm not worried about zipper direction, just want to make sure it fits.

 

[Vidar]

Here’s hoping it fits properly. Going to pick it up tomorrow. Brand new with the frame and all hardware, for $260. Apparently he bought the clear windows for his wife’s Jeep, but she wanted tinted so they bought another one and left this one in the box for years.

 

[WallyWest]

Dang, if it doesn't work out let me know, that's a great price for new in box and my top isn't in the best of shape. I bet it'll fit just fine though, nice score.

 

[Vidar]

Dang, if it doesn't work out let me know, that's a great price for new in box and my top isn't in the best of shape. I bet it'll fit just fine though, nice score.

Yes it is. My top is actually in great shape, but my header is rotted out. So it was either pay $105 for a new header, or take this deal that includes a new top too! Hopefully this one lasts longer than my cheaply tops.

 

[dla]

Should fit without problem. I have an OEM 2006 Sunrider that fits my 2000 just fine.

 

[Vidar]

Should fit without problem. I have an OEM 2006 Sunrider that fits my 2000 just fine.

Thanks for the confirmation. Hopefully it’s just the zipper direction like @Jerry Bransford said. Considering I’m already on my second 3rd party cheap too, I couldn’t even tell you which part the zippers are on.

 

[Vidar]

Update. They are not interchangeable. The latches on the header do not fit my windshield. Anyone want to buy a brand new Supertop for 03-06?

 

[Jerry Bransford]

Update. They are not interchangeable. The latches on the header do not fit my windshield. Anyone want to buy a brand new Supertop for 03-06?

Oh no, mine fit ok. Can't you just grind off just a bit of the width to make it fit as I believe I did?

 

[Vidar]

@Jerry Bransford, It’s not a width thing. They don’t extend down far enough.
I had a soft top from the factory. Do I need to remove the seal from the top of the windshield to install this top?

 

[Jerry Bransford]

I'd grind the top of the slot just enough to let the hooks engage. There'd be enough left so that wouldn't cause a problem and it would only take a couple minutes to grind and file it smooth.

 

[Vidar]

To follow up, I decided to throw in the towel and cut my losses. I didn’t really feel like cutting into my windshield frame. Had another forum member reach out to me that not only has a 2003, but also only lives about 20 minutes from me! He’s going to have a brand new Sunrider top, and I’ll get looking for a replacement header for my existing top. Win some lose some, at least I’m not out any money for this experiment. Man would my wife have killed me if I wouldn’t have been able to sell it.