TJ replacement upper slider fabric

[TJ Rick]

Does anyone know if you can use the replacement upper door fabric from a new top for a TJ to replace the fabric in upper door sliders. Will it work to install new skins from new replacement top over old framework and then sandwich the slider framework over it and cut out the excess fabric.

 

[JEEPCJTJ]

I'll bump this thread up to get a better answer than this:

I've never done it but if the slider frame is at least slightly bigger than the vinyl window it should work fine.

 

[cliffish]

From what I understand it can't be replaced with an "off the shelf" replacement. I have passed on a couple of sliders due to this.....I could be wrong but from my research this was the case.

 

[Airjunky]

How about a picture of what your trying to fit?

Upholstery work is the kind of thing you can change easier than other things. I've done some really easy changes on boat covers & upholstery. Ask around at your local upholstery shops & find someone who will help you.

 

[TJ Rick]

How about a picture of what your trying to fit?

Upholstery work is the kind of thing you can change easier than other things. I've done some really easy changes on boat covers & upholstery. Ask around at your local upholstery shops & find someone who will help you.

I DON'T HAVE THE SLIDERS APART YET. TRYING TO FIGURE IF I CAN ORDER REPLACEMENT TOP WITH UPPERS AND USE THE UPPERS FABRIC ON MY SLIDERS. IT LOOKS LIKE THE FRAMEWORK FOR THE SLIDERS IS ABOUT THE SAME SIZE AS THE ZIP WINDOW. I BELIEVE MY METAL FRAMEWORK IS THE SAME AS NORMAL UPPERS FRAMEWORK. I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE BEFORE I BUY A NEW TOP.

 

[JEEPCJTJ]

I BELIEVE MY METAL FRAMEWORK IS THE SAME AS NORMAL UPPERS FRAMEWORK. I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE BEFORE I BUY A NEW TOP.

I didn't even think about fabric fitting both the window frame and the upper door frame. I'm sure both door frames are the same all around the edges but how or why one works with the sliders may be quite different.

I did just check my son's sliders on his YJ and it looks like the door frame has a couple of pieces of metal that raise up to support the bottom of the slider frame. Maybe what is supporting that is the same metal rod that the vinyl windows fold over when unzipped. While walking back in the house, it dawned on me that if he wanted new fabric, which he really does need, I'd have him call the brand that makes his top and see if the vinyl window fabric will fit on his existing frames. They may even know about the actual slider windows fitting, or may still sell the fabric, if they are the same brand.

 

[TJ Rick]

I didn't even think about fabric fitting both the window frame and the upper door frame. I'm sure both door frames are the same all around the edges but how or why one works with the sliders may be quite different.

I did just check my son's sliders on his YJ and it looks like the door frame has a couple of pieces of metal that raise up to support the bottom of the slider frame. Maybe what is supporting that is the same metal rod that the vinyl windows fold over when unzipped. While walking back in the house, it dawned on me that if he wanted new fabric, which he really does need, I'd have him call the brand that makes his top and see if the vinyl window fabric will fit on his existing frames. They may even know about the actual slider windows fitting, or may still sell the fabric, if they are the same brand.

I just spoke with a Tech @ BestTop and he advised the framework is the same and normal uppers would work with the Sliders. Just sandwich the sliders around clear material and trim excess.

 

[goose_33]

OP - did you end up going through with this? I'm encountering the same issue myself, would love to hear/see how your project turned out.

 

[kbroot79]

Me too. I need to do the same exact thing with my yj that I'm remodeling. Did this work? And if so what brand or company did you get?

 

[RMac80]

I have written a guide on doing this here:
https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/upper-sliders-replacing-fabric.80744/