Bestop Trektop confusion and question

[Pistol58]

First time post. I have learned a ton from lurking on this site. Much appreciated up front!

I have a 2001 jeep tj recently purchased. It had a bikini top on it. I recently purchased a best top trek top (model bst56820-35).

The bikini had a header that bolts down to itself for the clips. When I remove that, all that’s left is the rubber seal above the windshield.

I “dry fit” the new soft top header and it doesn’t feel right. The clips go into the holes, but the clamps are super loose. No way it could ride like this, it would blow off immediately.

Am I missing a piece of hardware that sit above the rubber seal before the new header? Does it somehow lock down once you have the surrounds, cloth etc attached? It just doesn’t make sense to me how the header can be that loose.

I’m new to the jeep world, so please take it easy on me. lol. I’ve searched this forum and many others for days before posting.

 

[MikekiM]

Pictures would sure help.

If you bought a true Trektop the canvas secures to the header bar and the windshield header bar sits on top of the windshield and the only thing between the two is the gasket that runs across the top of the windshield. So it sounds like you have what you need.

Did you try to do this without actually installing the soft top? Possible it will be loose until you have tension on it from the top being secured at the tub rail. Never tried so I am not sure how tight my top is without it secured at the rear.

 

[Pistol58]

Thank you for the reply.

I am sure it’s because the canvas isn’t on etc. just seems weird to me.

The first few pictures are the header that came with it. Then a picture of it removed, just the rubber. Last few are the trek top header.

Even with it latched I can lift it up a few inches off the rubber.

I just wanted to be sure I wasn’t missing any sort of factory frame etc before putting it all together and starting the install.

 

[MikekiM]

I have a TrekTop NX… the frameless version which uses the same header bar and attachment method. Looks like all the right parts to me. I never connected my header bar to the windshield without the canvas attached so can say for sure but once the canvas is attached to the header bar it may twist forward more.

Can’t tell from you pics…is there a gasket on the leading edge of the windshield frame?

 

[Pistol58]

Yes. There is a rubber gasket on the top of the windshield

 

[Pistol58]

Yes. There is a rubber gasket on the top of the windshield

 

[MikekiM]

 

[MikekiM]

Like this?

 

[Pistol58]

Like this?

Yes. I believe so. My gasket is not nearly as clean as yours. Pretty dusty. I’m thinking about replacing.

 

[Pistol58]

Where my red arrow is on your pic, is that the gasket sandwiched between the header and windshield?

 

[freedom_in_4low]

The canvas adds thickness, also the bars that run back from the header and tie into the door surround keep the header from rolling fore and aft. You probably need all of this together to get a good picture of how tight it will be.

 

[MikekiM]

Dust shouldn't make a different here. Try cleaning it before you replace it unless it's torn. I use Wurth Rubber Conditioner on all the gaskets to keep them soft.

There are two rubber components across the top edge of the windshield frame. The one you are pointing to is more of a trim piece. it doesn't actually seal agains the bottom of the header bar. In fact I don't think the header bar is actually touching that rubber trim.. The one across the front edge of the windshield frame is a true gasket. Attached at the top of the A-Piller with little Christmas tree pins and adhesive behind it. I am pretty sure once you attache the canvas and frame it is going to twist the header bar forward as it should be.

 

[Pistol58]

Perfect. Much appreciated! I have learned a ton from this site already.