Safari Top is a Pain!!

Nemoralis · 07-15-2006, 08:58 PM

I just got my safari top and no drill header in today...that thing just does NOT want to go on. I got my dad trying to help, and with both of us working like crazy, we've managed to get the top into the header channel and door surrounds. But now that that's done, it won't pull enough to let us strap the rear in. The straps that go around the seat belts are wayyy to short.

I let it lay out flat in the sun for a few hours and we tried installing it in the sun, but the heat index here is 105 and we were about to die.... I just parked it in the shade half installed, hoping it would stretch and we could try again in a few minutes.

Does anyone have any tips to get the straps around far enough to attach properly? I did a search and got some info about how to get the top into the header channel, but that's not our problem (now).

tcmoose · 07-15-2006, 09:43 PM

Contrary to the manufacturer instructions it's usually easier to start with those rear straps just loosely attached then stretch the front into the channel. If it's still being a problem you'll need to stretch it while it's in direct sunlight.

**LoneJeeper** · 07-15-2006, 09:46 PM

2nded. it will be much easier to stretch into the header channel than stretch with the straps.

lj

jcd · 07-15-2006, 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tcmoose

Contrary to the manufacturer instructions it's usually easier to start with those rear straps just loosely attached then stretch the front into the channel. If it's still being a problem you'll need to stretch it while it's in direct sunlight.

Safari tops are a pain to begin with, especially when new. Definitely lay it out in direct sunlight for a while and let the material relax and then start from the rear and work forward. There is so much tension on the front channel, going the other way is all but impossible. Also, it definitely helps if you have a spare set of hands to keep stuff where it needs to be when tightening down, but it can be done solo with a little planning.

Nemoralis · 07-15-2006, 10:39 PM

Thanks guys.

We were reluctant to do that just because we were having SUCH a hard time with the front without any of the other straps even attaced. But I guess the front being a pain is better than getting it attached and not being able to do the back straps at all.

**xyz123** · 07-15-2006, 11:46 PM

I had similar problems with the same set-up. it gets easier over time..with both relaxed materials and more experience.

I've never been able to get it into both door surrounds, which is no big deal to me anyway; I don't really like to use them without the doors...

typically, I'll lay it across the top, velcro both sides on the streamer bars that connect to the windshield; then I'll get inside and route the strap over the roll bar and pull it somewhat tight, then catch the two rear straps...

Then I go and slip the front of the safari bikini into the header and cinch the middle straps and make final adjustments and tightening...

sounds like alot, but I can have my top on and ready to go in a couple of minutes..

I remember the days of not wanting to take it off because it was a PITA to get back on..

Now its a daily event..off in the evenings and night, then back on in the morning to beat the daily heat..

Hang in there..it really does get better.

07-15-2006, 10:39 PM	#5
Nemoralis Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: Vicksburg, MS Posts: 226 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	Thanks guys. We were reluctant to do that just because we were having SUCH a hard time with the front without any of the other straps even attaced. But I guess the front being a pain is better than getting it attached and not being able to do the back straps at all. __________________ Heather 4.0L 1999 Black TJ Sport [B]Black Jeep Club v2.0[/B] Member #189 [URL="www.myspace.com/129246315"]Myspace[/URL]

07-15-2006, 09:43 PM	#2
tcmoose Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: NY Posts: 26 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	Contrary to the manufacturer instructions it's usually easier to start with those rear straps just loosely attached then stretch the front into the channel. If it's still being a problem you'll need to stretch it while it's in direct sunlight.

07-15-2006, 11:46 PM	#6
xyz123 Super Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: DFR Posts: 441 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	I had similar problems with the same set-up. it gets easier over time..with both relaxed materials and more experience. I've never been able to get it into both door surrounds, which is no big deal to me anyway; I don't really like to use them without the doors... typically, I'll lay it across the top, velcro both sides on the streamer bars that connect to the windshield; then I'll get inside and route the strap over the roll bar and pull it somewhat tight, then catch the two rear straps... Then I go and slip the front of the safari bikini into the header and cinch the middle straps and make final adjustments and tightening... sounds like alot, but I can have my top on and ready to go in a couple of minutes.. I remember the days of not wanting to take it off because it was a PITA to get back on.. Now its a daily event..off in the evenings and night, then back on in the morning to beat the daily heat.. Hang in there..it really does get better.