Whitco Top Help Needed

[007]

I have a new to me Whitco soft top. My jeep came with the brackets shown.

The bars that came with my top came with these brackets.



It looks like the holes on the top of my tub have a forward and back location I don't know which location to use or which set of brackets to use.


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[007]

Well I utilized my powers of trial and many errors and think I have it figured out. Naturally many snaps to move but that's okay.

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[Lumpy Grits]

The bracket that is attached to the bows is the same as mine. This is the bracket that came on the Jeep, the day I bought her in 1985.
That blue top looks sharp on your Jeep.
LG

 

[007]

Well thank you LG. I used the ones that were already there for now. They are in the forward position just as in the picture. I did move the rear now to the back position to tighten up the upper rear.

I'm going to have to figure out how loose the side windows are really supposed to be as compared to a present day Bestop.

It looks like I may need to move the bracket to the back set of holes to tighten up the upper rear even more while merely moving the front bow back about an inch.

I do have a couple questions though, does anyone have a good solution for cleaning the inside of the windows were they have batted against the bows? I have the original blue sleeves that go over the bows no one had ever used them.

My other question is how do I adjust the driver side door so that the part that touches the windshield snugs up a little bit closer. I have already got the windshield back as far as I can get it.


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[Lumpy Grits]

There are plastic polishes just for soft top windows.
Use silicon spray on the zippers.
LG

 

[Torxhead]

007, you can adjust the door hinges to help things fit. I like to use Lemon Pledge spray to clean the plastic windows and hear beeswax is best for zippers.

 

[007]

007, you can adjust the door hinges to help things fit. I like to use Lemon Pledge spray to clean the plastic windows and hear beeswax is best for zippers.

So I need to adjust the hinges on the tub? How much play do I have in those? I need about an inch at the very top of the leading edge of the door...

 

[Torxhead]

As I recall, the hinge mounting clearance holes are large, so you should start from there. You might want to extend those windshield adjustments slots with a round file or even bend the door mounting pins or door itself.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

007, you can adjust the door hinges to help things fit. I like to use Lemon Pledge spray to clean the plastic windows and hear beeswax is best for zippers.

Pledge will leave a build up over time and beeswax will hold onto dirt/grit etc.
LG

 

[oldjeeplady]

007 - Your soft top is looking great.

I'm not sure about the Whitco but our Bestop has some adjustments for the doors in the door framing. It's hidden but it's there.

Both metal and plastic zippers can be safely lubricated with plain bar soap. You can buy specific zipper lubricants at sewing supply stores, but the bar soap works fine. This applies to all heavy zippers like those on tents, sleeping bags, snowmobile suits, boots, etc.

Threads and some fabrics including the windows can be damaged by petroleum based lubricants. For the windows I would also agree to use the plastic specific cleaning products. Most of these windows are a marine type vinyl. Both auto parts and marine supply stores carry these.

 

[Petescj]

I knew that top would look good on there but hot dam that's sweet! Take your time adjusting it and it will be perfect.

 

[007]

I knew that top would look good on there but hot dam that's sweet! Take your time adjusting it and it will be perfect.

I definitely owe it all to you...no question. I never would have found it. It's in great shape. Little 2" crack in rear window and one thin spot over bracket on passenger side. The hoop covers have never been used. I'm going to hit the hoops with SOS pads then put the covers on.

Thank you!!!


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[Petescj]

I definitely owe it all to you...no question. I never would have found it. It's in great shape. Little 2" crack in rear window and one thin spot over bracket on passenger side. The hoop covers have never been used. I'm going to hit the hoops with SOS pads then put the covers on.

Thank you!!!


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No problem just glad you were able to grab it.

 

[007]

In monkeying around with the top yesterday I found that it's not a Whitco, but rather a Bestop Replace-a-top...which is FINE by me. Doesn't matter.

I'm going to get some appropriate cleaner for the windows, then clean up the hoops and change out hoop brackets and move them to the back holes to tighten up the upper rear corner. I also have all new snaps and screws to mount on the body.

I'm curious though, what are the black straps for hanging in the rear corners? Do you tie those to the bikini loops to snug it up?

 

[oldjeeplady]

Could those be for rolling up the back window?

 

[Lumpy Grits]

The shorter loops are for when the rear is roll'd up.
The long straps go the footmans loops mounted on the top rail of the body in the corner.
They stop the flop'n noise when drawn snug.
LG

 

[Torxhead]

The way I see it, rolling up those rear windows does leave permanent marks on the window. I add strap to the top bar with a female button and hook it up like this:

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Wait till you see what brush and branches do to those side windows.

LG

 

[007]

Hate to ask this again but it was crickets in the Autozone. Anyone have a name of a product suitable for cleaning soft top windows?


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[Posi]

http://www.amazon.com/WRANGLER-SOFT-TOP-Plastic-Cleaner-Mopar/dp/B004VS5BS8#

Plast-X