1980 CJ7 - Soft top: catalog info vs reality

[jdcaples]

Welcome to Daylight Savings Time.

With Spring approaching, I'd like to get a soft top for my 1980 CJ7 .

The Bestop catalog shows that the SKU 54603-37 should fit.

View attachment 16648

I'm concerned there may be a typo in the catalog information and it won't actually fit my 1980 CJ7 .

Why wouldn't it fit all CJ7s from '76-'86?

The installation document indicates the doors use the rotary latch system (which my 1980 body has) and not the pinned latch introduced in later production models.

I plan to call Bestop. However, I trust the practical experience of forum's membership more than I would trust a customer service rep. If you both tell me the same thing, great.

If I get different information, I'll ask readers to recommend a different Bestop SKU.

Thank you!

-Jon


PS: I drive a Jeep. By definition, I'm not in a hurry

 

[Dan86CJ7]

curious to see what your answer is. ive looked at tops also and get confused cause ive got half hard door and nothing list that?

 

[Torxhead]

In my book the Supertop is the best, next to the hardtop, I have the cheap Tiger Top. Make sure you follow the directions carefully. Getting info direct from the manufacturer is always good. The soft tops have been discussed from time to time, so you might want to do a search in this forum. I agree with not being in a hurry is a good thing.

 

[jdcaples]

I ended up emailing as I've been too busy to make a phone call during Bestop's business hours.

My question:

In the 2014 catalog, 54603 is described as fitting CJ7 & Wrangler, 80-95

I'm not aware of a body difference between 1976 and 1980 CJ7s.

Is there a difference between 1976-1979 CJ7s that makes the Bestop Classic Super Top 54603 incompatible, or is it a typo?

Thank you

-Jon

Bestop's response:

Thank you for writing.

Its not a typo, its just how its listed, however the 54603 will fit 76 CJ7 to a 95 YJ.


Thank You
Bestop Customer Service

Bottom line: the catalog clearly states that 54603 is for CJ7 & Wrangler 80-95

However, it's not a typo: The part will actually fit 76 CJ7 to 97 YJs.

Glad that's settled

I've decided to purchase Bestop Supertop with Tinted Rear Windows and Clear 2 Piece Soft Doors, Complete Soft Top, Spice - 54603-37 as soon as I can make room to store my hard doors and hard top.

-Jon

 

[jdcaples]

curious to see what your answer is. ive looked at tops also and get confused cause ive got half hard door and nothing list that?

I'd recommend contacting Bestop on this. The Bestop product family 51599 specifically indicates those products work with factory hard doors, but does not specifically mention half-doors.

I don't see why it wouldn't work with half doors, but you should ask before purchasing.

-Jon

 

[jdcaples]

In my book the Supertop is the best, next to the hardtop, I have the cheap Tiger Top. Make sure you follow the directions carefully. Getting info direct from the manufacturer is always good. The soft tops have been discussed from time to time, so you might want to do a search in this forum. I agree with not being in a hurry is a good thing.

Thank you, Torxhead. I did a search this forum and several other forums, but this thread's topic was never specifically addressed.

I'm not sure why the catalog just doesn't say "CJ7s & Wranglers, 76-95"

The way it's worded definitely makes me wonder, "what changed between '79 and '80?" The answer, of course, is "nothing impacting fitment of tops," so it's all good now.

-Jon