1983 CJ7 Hardtop attachment

[BabyHuey]

I have a Jeep CJ7 ( 1983 ) with a fiberglass tub and windshield frame.
I presently have a Bimini soft top mounted.

Will I have to remove the existing grooved softtop channel on the windshield frame.

How is the standard hardtop attached to the windshield frame?

How is the hardtop attached to the rear body fiberglass?

Will the absense of a tailgate ( fiberglass body ) create any problems with
the hardtop hinged back window?

Thanks a bunch,

BabyHuey

 

[Only in a Jeep CJ]

Will I have to remove the existing grooved softtop channel on the windshield frame.

Yes, the top of the windshield frame needs to free of any soft top or bikini top channels

How is the standard hardtop attached to the windshield frame?

The older tops have a thick fiberglass or plastic lip across the front while the later tops use a thin metal strip that is riveted to the top.....either one uses 5 sheet metal screws across the inside front to attach to the upper flange of the windshield frame.

How is the hardtop attached to the rear body fiberglass?

Through holes in the top of the rails. 4 on each side. Use the top as a guide if you don't have holes already. Bolts with large washers drop in from the top and special rectangle nut plates go under the rail.

Will the absense of a tailgate ( fiberglass body) create any problems with
the hardtop hinged back window?

Not if you use a CJ hardtop. The lift gate bottom edge will cover the outer lip of the tub as it should.

 

[tjmons]

My hard top attachment to the windshield