Thanks guys. The channel had opened up too much when pulling it out and pushing it back together (creating a narrower channel) was the ticket. I didn't beat on it too hard so I didn't deform the metal too badly. Got the top on and complete...however, it's a tad too tight (I bought from BAS International). It's very difficult to pull down the header to latch, and when I do, it pulls the rear bow under the rear window up, so that I can see daylight under the seal. Hoping a little sunshine once it warms up will allow it to stretch a little and ease the tension. The new top looks great...it's just a little too small (if it doesn't stretch).

Some other issues I had while installing the top...there's a small rope attached to a spring in the header, and the other end attaches to the first crossbar (I'm assuming this makes pushing the header up after unlatching the d-ring a little easier). I didn't see this in any of the instructions, and I didn't notice when one side came loose from its retention channel in the crossbar. Trying to get it back in with the top all secure and riveted has proven...challenging. Another issue I had, was as I was putting the passenger side weather stripping back in place with a rubber mallet, I missed a bit and smashed the top open sensor. Pieces flew off and I'm pretty sure it's now FUBAR. I'll be posting a new thread to see if anyone knows where to find a replacement. I didn't see anything on ebay, and all the MOPAR parts sites have been out of stock for replacement parts for a while...