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Jeep replace-a-top top question

1K views 9 replies 5 participants last post by  TheBoogieman 
#1 ·
So I know this topic has been beat up many times over the years on JeepForum.... So I will spare you guys the long details....

I have reviewed previous threads on the differences between Bestop brand Replace-A-Top's for Jeep TJ 97-02 (Model #79139-01) and Replace-A-Top's for Jeep TJ 02-06 (Model # 79141-35).

I am confused as many threads are contradicting what is said so I would like some clarity on the following so others out there and myself can make sure we don't make mistakes in purchasing a replacement top for our Jeep TJ's. (For anyone that asks I have a 2005 TJ - 4.0/6 Speed - Rocky Mountain Edition)

1. Rumor says: any year soft top frame fits any year jeep tub and rollbar mounting holes? - (P.S. I am not replacing my frame so I will have a 2005 frame to start with)
2. Rumor says: any year soft top (97-02 - Model #79139-01) and (02-06 (Model # 79141-35) will fit any year frame? Are tops interchangeable on any frame?
3. Rumor says: the window zipper configuration changes between (97-02 Model #79139-01) and (02-06 (Model # 79141-35) so windows are not interchangeable? (zippers changed from M/F to F/M)
4. Rumor says: soft tops from production year 2004 and before are sailcloth 4 ply and soft tops post production year 2004 are 3 ply? (More ply = thicker, sturdier, and more noise resistant)?
5. Rumor says: the roll bar thickness and header bar width were changed on Jeep production year models of 2004 and up? Therefore, a pre-2004 top (97-02 Model #79139-01) will be a tight fit on a on a 2004-2006 jeep

Can anyone please provide factual insight on these questions. I know there are many threads but after reviewing them all I found many posts to be contradictive. I have a 2005 Jeep Wrangler TJ and I am looking to put a Bestop Replace-A-Top (97-02 - Model #79139-0) with accompanying (97-02) tinted windows on my stock 2005 frame. Will this work adequately?

Thanks for the help!
 
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#2 ·
The rumors are correct except it's 03-06'. If you have an 05', why would you buy a top for a 97-02'?
 
#4 ·
If my only problem is not being able to interchange the windows I don't really care. I'd rather save the $300 and just use the 97-02 windows that are new and come with my the replace-a-top kit. My stock old windows are half destroyed anyways. I just want to be sure that a 97-02 top with accompanying 97-02 windows will line up and fit my 2005 roll bar and mounting frame?
 
#6 ·
1. Rumor says: any year soft top frame fits any year jeep tub and rollbar mounting holes? - (P.S. I am not replacing my frame so I will have a 2005 frame to start with)

yes

2. Rumor says: any year soft top (97-02 - Model #79139-01) and (02-06 (Model # 79141-35) will fit any year frame? Are tops interchangeable on any frame?

According to amazon 79141-35 is black diamond. 79139-01 is 97-02 black. I would assume it may be denim

3. Rumor says: the window zipper configuration changes between (97-02 Model #79139-01) and (02-06 (Model # 79141-35) so windows are not interchangeable? (zippers changed from M/F to F/M)

03-06 both female sliders are on the top. 97-02 on is on the top and one is on the window (I forget which side is which)

4. Rumor says: soft tops from production year 2004 and before are sailcloth 4 ply and soft tops post production year 2004 are 3 ply? (More ply = thicker, sturdier, and more noise resistant)?

97-00 thinner fabric than later years
01-02 4 ply sail cloth (I had a 01 top and is was heavier than my current 04) Note I do not believe all 01-02 had the 4 ply tops
03-06 3 ply

5. Rumor says: the roll bar thickness and header bar width were changed on Jeep production year models of 2004 and up? Therefore, a pre-2004 top (97-02 Model #79139-01) will be a tight fit on a on a 2004-2006 jeep

Roll bar padding was thicker 03-06. The roll bar bracket stuck out a little further towards the rear to clear the padding. I do not know if the frames or fabric was any different. I had 01 frame/fabric on my 03 and now have factory 04 fabric on it
 
#8 ·
4. Rumor says: soft tops from production year 2004 and before are sailcloth 4 ply and soft tops post production year 2004 are 3 ply? (More ply = thicker, sturdier, and more noise resistant)?
It's my opinion that the first Sailcloth tops placed on TJs were significantly and noticeably heavier with more layers for the first couple years. Pretty darned sure the first couple years of Sailcloth were 4-ply.

The Sailcloth top for a 2001 Wrangler I purchased for my '97 TJ was definitely significantly heavier than the factory Sailcloth top that came on my 2004 or what came in Bestop's Supertop NX kit which included a Sailcloth top. I dunno how many layers my current Sailcloth top has but it's for sure not as heavy as my first 2001 Sailcloth was.

I have always read and agree with the opinions that Bestop reduced the weight of the Sailcloth fabric a few years after it was originally introduced on the Wrangler.
 
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