New softop is a bit baggy

[TerryMason]

I've just gotten a new softop for my 2005 TJ (I'll post more on that later), and it's a bit baggy. I think it's a 97-06 top, and from what I understand, there were subtle changes in the 03-06 tops. After thinking this over, I think extending my softop frame connectors about an inch would really tighten things up a bit. These are the connectors I'm talking about

Anyone know where I could get the bottom two connectors (the ones that look like a lego guy's hand) that are about an inch longer? Any ideas on what I could fab up to make these myself?

 

[JPNinPA]

You could likely draw these up and have them 3D printed. Check out you local library or HS shops.


Never look down on anyone unless you are helping them up - Jesse Jackson

 

[TerryMason]

Yeah, I thought about that, but my library is only open for carryout. I'm going to keep plugging away at it.

 

[JPNinPA]

How much longer?
Consider a rubber spacer under it. Like bike tube or shrink wrap.


Never look down on anyone unless you are helping them up - Jesse Jackson

 

[TerryMason]

I ended up pulling the screw out and drilling a new hole. Worked really well and didn't cost anything.



Sent from my moto g stylus using Jeepz.com mobile app

 

[JPNinPA]

Those pieces are available on quadratec by a few different vendors. You might call them and ask sizes. Id also call bestop on the fit assuming you bought bestop.
I thought you meant the lego hands


Never look down on anyone unless you are helping them up - Jesse Jackson

 

[JPNinPA]

I just did mine today. The top is tight the side windows are baggy. May be the top??? Ill post pics. Mine is an unlimited. They only made them a few years so there shouldn’t be any differences.


Never look down on anyone unless you are helping them up - Jesse Jackson

 

[TerryMason]

I fixed my problem by replacing the cloth straps. Mine had fallen off long ago, and I didn't think they were important, but they made a huge difference.

I took a ratchet strap and cut it up. Drilled out the rivets that held the old straps, and screwed the strap into place. I made it tighter than I thought it needed to be, and it turned out great.













Sent from my moto g stylus using Jeepz.com mobile app

 

[JPNinPA]

Yes those bands do make a difference


Never look down on anyone unless you are helping them up - Jesse Jackson

 

[andy666]

You could likely draw these up and have them 3D printed. Check out you local library or HS shops.


Never look down on anyone unless you are helping them up - Jesse Jackson

How much does it cost to get something 3d printed?

 

[tondestr]

Awesome solution to your lose Softop.

 

[JPNinPA]

How much does it cost to get something 3d printed?

No idea in general. The local library has a hobby shop. They have people to guide you and you pay for materials used plus a bit. The cost if some stuff we did was small compared to buying.


Never look down on anyone unless you are helping them up - Jesse Jackson

 

[TerryMason]

At my library the material is free, which is awesome. You can't usually book more than an hour at a time, which makes it hard for larger projects, and they ask that you don't leave the grounds (3d printing sometimes hits a snag and requires user intervention to continue).

The hardest part IMO is the schematics/files for a custom project like this.

Sent from my moto g stylus using Jeepz.com mobile app

 

[Turbogus]

I know of a guy on another forum that with his fiberglass tub the profile left his front roll bar higher that the windshield, I bet he wouldn't mind as a stop gap to have a slightly baggy top.