SJ soft top fitting

[V8MoneyPit]

Got a new hood for the SJ413, but I'm really struggling to fit it.

I assume the method is to pop all the studs on first and then push the rear hoop over centre the tension it? I cannot get the hoop to go anywhere near over centre. Is that common with a new hood? Should I be leaving it in the sun for a while to let it stretch? Or have I just realised why you should never buy something described as 'budget version'??  :roll:

[Popeye]

Steve you put everything in to place then you push the the studs on last

[V8MoneyPit]

Thanks Gary. As it happens, I spoke to KAP today so he was able to put me right. I am used to old MG soft tops that are done the other way round, where all the studs are done then the hoop tensions it.

I'll leave it on for a few days to let it settle and hopefully it will get easier with time  :D It's not exactly a quick job though, is it??  :lol:

[jimny gary]

I think your right about buying budget, my old SJ came with a new budget roof, was awful, caught the garage roof with it and tore it unfortunatly. I bought a pukka 'Bestop' roof from www.formula4x4.com for £145, lovely canvas type roof, never leaked, fitted really well, very clear windows. Definatly have another except they dont make them for jimnys, [!Expletive Deleted!].

Gary

[Evilgoat]

Got a Denim Bestop for the Vit from D4x4 and its loads better than the PVC junk that came with the car.

PVC ones tend to age badly too :(

[rollazuki]

If you leave the old roof off for 2 or 3 days itll go that tight as well, can be a devil of a job to get back on...

[V8MoneyPit]

Got it to fit by someone hanging on the rear hoop while I did up the studs... apart from 2 of them anyway! It has smoothed out over the last couple of days, so I hope it will get easier to do with time.