Bestop Length?

[hefavitzen]

Hey guys, I bought a brand new Bestop top, 54608-15, and after getting all of the hardware installed I went to put the top on and it seems really really short. Yes, it is 47 degrees out, but I JUST took it out of the 72 degree house and put in place in literally 5 minutes.

I measured my old K-line top and it is 87 inches from front edge to the back edge where the rear bow fits.
The best top is 81 inches from the front edge to the rear edge where the bow fits.

Here is a photo. Can you tell me the length of your top and did you experience this same sort of thing???

 

[CJ7Pilot]

Well, the bestop does look like it's supposed to angle back quite a bit. Maybe the k-line was more square in back.

The catalog photo doesn't look much different than your photo:

 

[tower210]

I’m not a home where I can measure...I can attest that it is nearly impossible to put on when it’s cold in the garage.... I’ve even tried to open the garage to the house and let them equalize; to no avail....

 

[AK-RWC]

It's a tight fit, and that looks more-or-less correct to me.

 

[hefavitzen]

Darn, maybe I can put a heater in the bed and a tarp over it and see if I can heat it up. I don't have a garage to use. Ugh. Thank you for your feedback, it really does help.

 

[HighSierra CJ]

I use a space heater just like you described. It definitely helps

 

[Kim Dawson]

Ideally warm the whole top if possible. If still a little tight, use a hair dryer on the area you are tightening. Just don't melt the top by staying in one place too long.

 

[FLCJ8]

Hey guys, I bought a brand new Bestop top, 54608-15, and after getting all of the hardware installed I went to put the top on and it seems really really short. Yes, it is 47 degrees out, but I JUST took it out of the 72 degree house and put in place in literally 5 minutes.

I measured my old K-line top and it is 87 inches from front edge to the back edge where the rear bow fits.
The best top is 81 inches from the front edge to the rear edge where the bow fits.

Here is a photo. Can you tell me the length of your top and did you experience this same sort of thing???

As stated, temperature is an issue.
Also, you may want to confirm the angle of your windshield if you haven't already.

 

[designerRob]

Hey guys, I bought a brand new Bestop top, 54608-15, and after getting all of the hardware installed I went to put the top on and it seems really really short. Yes, it is 47 degrees out, but I JUST took it out of the 72 degree house and put in place in literally 5 minutes.

I measured my old K-line top and it is 87 inches from front edge to the back edge where the rear bow fits.
The best top is 81 inches from the front edge to the rear edge where the bow fits.

Here is a photo. Can you tell me the length of your top and did you experience this same sort of thing???

Looks right to me. I do like the idea of setting a space heater in the bed for a while to help. Now, I just need a space heater. 🤪 I think that would definitely help up here in MI.

 

[barrys]

Here is picture a downloaded from a craigslist ad.

 

[HighSierra CJ]

Here’s a picture of mine.

 

[mrenfro]

Here is mine. I have trouble getting the thing to hold down in the back in the wind.

 

[designerRob]

O

Here is mine. I have trouble getting the thing to hold down in the back in the wind.

Off topic, but man that's a beautiful color combination. I love the dark green.👍