1998 TJ soft top not fitting on 2004 TJ

[Impaqsol]

So I have a 98 TJ soft top and I’m trying to put on a 2004 TJ, somehow it seem to not been able to install correctly (it’s not closing) seem to be smaller. Shouldn’t all TJ soft top be the same?

Any advise will be greatly appreciated.

 

[Moab]

Sunshine is your friend. If its not above 70 in direct sunlight they won't go on. Tjey are made to fit tight. 80f+ is desirable.

 

[AndyG]

The problem is 1998 -that is 23 years of Florida’s sun. The top has lost its elasticity.