New Bestop full top...Tailgate access less than optimal- any ideas?

[Randyzzz]

I finished installing my new Bestop full top a few weeks back, and while it's nice to have a new top with tinted windows, there are some drawbacks. The fit is nowhere as good as the old Kayline, and the Kayline has a better profile too. But the biggest problem is the tailgate.

The Bestop top uses a tailgate bar like on newer YJ's and TJ's. Well, that's great if you have external tailgate latches. Scramblers obviously don't, and it's a total pain to open the tailgate- you have to unzip the sides, reach through, twist the latches just far enough to clear the side but not get hung up on the tailgate bar, and finally open the tailgate. Reverse process to close. A pain in good weather, be prepared to get your shirt sleeve filthy if it's raining.

Seems like a set of external latches would be the hot ticket, but I can't seem to find anything that doesn't scream "Rube Goldberg". I've considered changing to a YJ tailgate for some time now, but other than that, any ideas? I can't be the only one with this issue...

I did find some aftermarket tailgate solutions, Romken, Poison Spyder, and Aqualu, but those are all big $$ and not that great for how I use my Scrambler. The Aqualu Gate Drawer is pretty awesome, but super heavy and evidentally gold plated too...

Any thoughts on mounting the tailgate to the spare tire carrier? Seems like an easy solution but I must be overlooking something...

If no decent external latches are available, anyone want to trade a CJ tailgate for a YJ tailgate?

 

[Kim Dawson]

My CJ7 with a YJ top has that same problem. If you know a good machinest, you could make a simple solution. Right where the tailgate latch pivots, drill a hole through both sides of the tailgate. Make a sleeve with a flange to fit from the outside and weld or silver solder it to the inside or both. Now machine a solid part with a flange that fits through the sleeve and attaches to the original latch. On the flange end of this part, there needs to be a near square hole that goes in a half inch or so that you can fit a tee handle with square end into so that you can turn the latch from the outside. The original tire carrier would not make it easy to put permanent handles on, so the tee handle or key would not get in the way or stand out. This would be a simple way to turn the original latches from the outside and keep it looking mostly original.

 

[BRKLYNZ28]

Now that's a great idea.. 👍👍👍👍👍

Sent from my SM-N910P

 

[Randyzzz]

I've looked at the t-handle latches several times. I was hoping for something flush mounted, but maybe simple is the best.

I'm really considering a side-hinged gate, lily a YJ. The way I use my Scrambler I think accessing the gear in the back might be easier without having to reach over the tailgate. We've owned Tahoes with both tailgates and barn doors. The ease of access with the barn door was 100% better. Actually, the tailgate was the only gripe I've had with our many Grand Wagoneers. I think I'm talking myself into a YJ gate the more I think about it.

Funny, I found a ton of posts converting YJ and TJ gates to CJ style. Figures I'd be going the other way!

 

[zero2wow]

Randy, let me know if you find anything in the Portland area I can pick up for you.
You going to sell the other top? If so I may be interested.
thanks,
z

 

[tower210]

Randy, are you running full hard doors? Did you get the bestop door frame to fit? Mine drives me nuts!!!

 

[Randyzzz]

Z- sorry my friend, I had a thread posted a couple weeks ago and it's sold. Thanks for the offer! We need to catch up some time.

Tower- the door frame fit around the hard doors is not the greatest. Had to bend and twist go make it work. Keeps dry, though. I'm waiting for the little plastic connector to break. And- what's the deal with the flap filled with foam and the oversized piece that wraps the upper for?

 

[jbeemer]

The flap filled with foam is what my soft uppers "seal" to

 

[tower210]

Tower- the door frame fit around the hard doors is not the greatest. Had to bend and twist go make it work. Keeps dry, though. I'm waiting for the little plastic connector to break. And- what's the deal with the flap filled with foam and the oversized piece that wraps the upper for?

Send pix! Not sure what plastic connector you are speaking of..... The metal door surrounds on mine bend in too sharp and hit the metal window frame causing the rest of the door to bend out.... Haven't been able to bend correctly to match door......

 

[bigwalton]

I LOLed at this, have hated this setup from the first day I installed the Bestop. I rarely run with the rear window in, so I never bothered worrying about it and generally just leave the two side zippers unzipped enough to get in unless I know I'll be driving in rain.

What about trying to buy just the latches from a CJ tailgate conversion for a YJ/TJ and make them work? I know I've seen some of them that are basically flush.

I figured there'd be a pretty quick follow-up post where you just cut a tailgate apart and whipped up something slicker than snot

for when you kick the crap out of this little PITA

 

[Randyzzz]

Having a shared shop somewhat curtails my ability to get things whipped out. I'm going to think on this and do it once- and do it right.