Looking For Top Experiences And Input On M38-a1 To Cj5

I have been fighting the Bestop Supertop now for a good 5 years now. Getting it off and on is a pain. Trying to slip that plastic lip under their rail system is a pain, especially on the tire side. Then, at 6’1” I keep banging my head on the #@$& rail that connects to the front window and catching myself on the door latch L bracket attached to the tub. Then add the bow being split in the middle, they fall apart when taking them off to do the summer top. And those foam tubes just fall apart after a couple years. I tried making my own with 3/4” metal conduit, but the standard 10’ lengths are not enough.

So, I’m thinking about putting on a set of M38-A1 bows. They seem much easier and stow right there. I’m looking for anyone who may have done this and their experiences. The military summer tops look way better and I like the rear pocket that goes over the bows.

Thoughts?

 

@Wirework made a military style top, it is a lot of work: http://www.earlycj5.com/xf_cj5/index.php?threads/150242/

I have an older tiger top with the simple handles and they are ok to use. I had to source and make a few brackets that were the same as the civilian canvas tops. I got the top free and in good shape with the thought that it would simply be a pattern at most when I went to get it but it's been great.

With the top bows you could run bungee cord within the tubes to help with assembly and disassembly. The canvas tops are known to drip inside they aren't naturally very waterproof and need regular maintenance. What I plan to do in the long run is make mine more like a pop-up camper. Vinyl with canvas side panels and bug net and zipper windows.

 

It worked for me.

 

I have been working on this exact project for too long. Stuck on covering the bows.

Summer Top For My '67 Cj6 | ECJ5 (earlycj5.com)

 

I LOVE my Supertop! I haven't experienced any of the issues you have, with the exteption of catching my clothing on the door latches on occasion-those things are kind of a PITA.
I'm 6'0" and I don't recall ever hitting my head on the top of the door
I haven't had any problem with the bows, but I never take the top off. For summer, I remove the side and back windows and store them, fold the top down, and stash the upper doors behind the back seat. I use some king size flannel pillow cases to keep them from getting damaged, The lower doors stay in place as 1/2 doors. This way, I can run around all summer with the top down (the best way to drive a Jeep IMO!) and if it rains I can put the top and upper doors on in just a couple minutes & stay relatively warm & dry.

 

Read thru you thread, no more progress? The thing that attracted me to the military bow option it looked simple and when down it attached right there. Plus the bows don’t pull apart. I know it’s not original but I’m looking for quick and simple. That’s part of the frustrating part of the Besttop.

 

Exactly one of my complaints.

I just find it very frustrating messing with. Their summer top is nice and easy but doesn’t cover the people in the back, which is why I’m re looking at this. It is a pain to take off and change so I’ve been doing the same thing for now of just removing sides, back and doors. I catch my head when I stand on the step first, then slide into the seat. I got tired of that so now swing the right leg in first and not use the step, but for me is not as easy as using the step.

 

A couple of pop rivets would likely cure the bow issue.

 

I will say the military issue stowage brackets place the end of the bow in a spot where I occasionally numb my elbow nerve on the tip. Not often, but when I do I say a few words. A simple pad could probably fix that.

 

My issue is I have a roll bar it would need clear. It does clear the Besttop without issue except lowering the bows. They won’t clear the rear bump. The roll bar is totally within the tub so the only issue will be folding. But with the Besttop when I pull it out at the pivot point to clear it falls apart. I think the military being all one piece it would be easier.

 

Does anyone have any measurements on the bows while on the jeep?

 

You could use a quick release pin on the hinged portion of the bows. I bought two bikini tops and had a boat cover place
sew the front section of one to the back of the other to make it 9" longer and match the grain. Worked out well.
It looks like you are making a family cage.

 

Yes, that was the priority on the bar because I do have grandkids ride back there.

 

If you take the doors, sides, and back off the Supertop, you essentially have a full length bikini top, if that's what you're going for.

 

Never could figure why they called it your funny bone. It was never fun when it gets hit

 

That s what I did on my YJ

 

It a funny bone because everyone else laughs while you hop around holding your elbow.

 

Maybe because it's connected to the Humerus.

 

It’s still not humorous.