Originally Posted by
jason_cruse
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...
It's normal for the top to be tight for a few weeks. The first couple of days, I had to have someone push down on the passenger side, while I pulled down on the driver side. The switch will have to be found from a used parts source. I need to add a comment in my write-up about being aware and careful with that switch.
With that spring loaded cord not attached, you will probably have to be careful while closing the top,, because it will probably want to slam down easier.