Ah okay, no, I don't think it's bent.The metal frame for the soft top itself.
I had to remove the top from the frame, then pulled the frame up as if the top were on it. That's when I noticed the slight bend in the frame.
Ah okay, no, I don't think it's bent.The metal frame for the soft top itself.
I had to remove the top from the frame, then pulled the frame up as if the top were on it. That's when I noticed the slight bend in the frame.
@JEEPCJTJ thanks, what do you mean by 'seam'? Do you have a photo of yours by any chance?
X2! This is how I do it. The front header needs to be in the proper position before being sucked down with clamps. The clamps can't pull the top forward when the top is taught.The windshield bow should follow the contours of the windshield. I wonder if you detach the rear of the top and try to latch the front first do you still see the issue? You may be able to bend the corners down. The corners should sit flush with the windshield against the rubber seal. Otherwise it will be hard to get it windproof and waterproof.
I was always taught to close the windshield side first, then the the rear with the soft tops on a jeep. Once you get the front latched and seated properly, you can pull down on the rear bow to get the two snaps to fit in the back, then put in your side windows.
I literally laughed out loud after reading this.It can be worse! I bought a Rugged Ridge consul rest cover from Amazon and when I got it it was a Chinese knock off of Chinese Rugged Ridge lol, the seller got his Chinglish all wrong and thought Rugged Ridge was the name of the cover and not a brand lol
honestly ive given up on it. second time around was good until it went bad quickly. I dont abuse it either. I think I looked into other options but came up fairly empty handed before.Oh that’s a shame! Have you been back in touch with Bestop since?
Yeah, I think you’re right. I’m going to try and warm it up somehow.Just had a look at my OEM header and it doesnt bow up at all on the ends like yours its flat!
It looks like the top is too tight which would make sense if it didnt fit before the new rubber but it did?
If the top is too tight (side to side) then when its clamped onto the windshield it would cause it to bow up at each end because there is no other place for the header to give other than the far ends.
I would get some heat into the cab because the top looks really new.
Nice looking street by the way Chelsea?![]()
Ah, had no idea. It’s snowed today so need to wait a few days for it to warm up to give it a try. Thanks!The windshield bow should follow the contours of the windshield. I wonder if you detach the rear of the top and try to latch the front first do you still see the issue? You may be able to bend the corners down. The corners should sit flush with the windshield against the rubber seal. Otherwise it will be hard to get it windproof and waterproof.
I was always taught to close the windshield side first, then the the rear with the soft tops on a jeep. Once you get the front latched and seated properly, you can pull down on the rear bow to get the two snaps to fit in the back, then put in your side windows.
That should be fine but if the seal is old it could do with replacing.Am I naive in thinking I can install a Bestop Supertop NX and keep the factory windshield seal?
Your lucky I come from Canning town lol But I lived in Sheppard's bush for a few years on a break from the ausie sunYeah, I think you’re right. I’m going to try and warm it up somehow.
haha, no not Chelsea. It’s Maida Vale. Although, I can’t wait to get out of London! Planning a move to Spain soon. I miss the sun and space![]()
So an update: now that the weather is warmer I’ve opened and closed the top as instructed above. It’s definitely fitting a lot better but the corners still aren’t flush with the header. The whistling sound is gone but there is still a noticeable wind noise from the header. How silent is it meant to be at the header? I’m just now trying to figure out if I need a new header from Bestop or if this Rugged Ridge seal is garbage.The windshield bow should follow the contours of the windshield. I wonder if you detach the rear of the top and try to latch the front first do you still see the issue? You may be able to bend the corners down. The corners should sit flush with the windshield against the rubber seal. Otherwise it will be hard to get it windproof and waterproof.
I was always taught to close the windshield side first, then the the rear with the soft tops on a jeep. Once you get the front latched and seated properly, you can pull down on the rear bow to get the two snaps to fit in the back, then put in your side windows.
One of the biggest headaches of anyone with a Wrangler or convertible jeep is mismatched top parts. Why they all don't have a set standard is beyond me. You may have an issue if the top is one brand, and the frame another, and the front bow part a third. It should all follow the contours of the rubber seal at the top of the windshield.So an update: now that the weather is warmer I’ve opened and closed the top as instructed above. It’s definitely fitting a lot better but the corners still aren’t flush with the header. The whistling sound is gone but there is still a noticeable wind noise from the header. How silent is it meant to be at the header? I’m just now trying to figure out if I need a new header from Bestop or if this Rugged Ridge seal is garbage.
Zero wind noise....wow! Didn’t even think that was possible. I’m going to try and change this Crown header seal (turns out it was crown not RR) for a Mopar one. I’m also going to speak to Bestop about a new header as well. Hopefully those two will fix it.One of the biggest headaches of anyone with a Wrangler or convertible jeep is mismatched top parts. Why they all don't have a set standard is beyond me. You may have an issue if the top is one brand, and the frame another, and the front bow part a third. It should all follow the contours of the rubber seal at the top of the windshield.
In my case, I have a Smittybilt canvas skin for my stock frame and what looks like a rampage front bow. It fits well and I have zero wind noise in the jeep. The front of the canvas is slightly wrinkled and could be tighter, but I have zero noise and zero leaks.
I didn't say zero noise thoughZero wind noise....wow! Didn’t even think that was possible. I’m going to try and change this Crown header seal (turns out it was crown not RR) for a Mopar one. I’m also going to speak to Bestop about a new header as well. Hopefully those two will fix it.
Do you get any noise coming through?I have a Best top and mine does it on the passengers side. The top is tight as a hair in a biscuit. Tennessee is warming up and the top will go down till fall. I have other things to worry about. As much of a pain as it is, its still better than the old CJ7 tops
Haha fair enough! Hopefully Bestop can sort this. You’d expect a $2k soft top to be fairly quiet!I didn't say zero noise thoughThe frame and door surrounds creek and pop every so often with heavy cross winds. The canvas makes noise depending on how fast you drive, but as far as "wind blowing though and whistling noises", zero.