Need Help with my Jeep !!!

FastDave · 01-22-2012, 07:06 PM

I recently bought an '87 Jeep Wrangler without a top.

I found a hardtop for it in MS and seller says it will fit '91 thru '96.

I thought all YJ's were the same. I looked in the JC Whitney catalog and it seems there's some differences in the '87. Some new tops run from '88 and skip the '87 but don't include it with the CJ's.

Please HELP !!!!

masraum · 01-22-2012, 07:09 PM

You will probably get an answer here, but these may be even better.

JeepForum.com - Jeep & Off-Road Discussion Community

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FastDave · 01-22-2012, 07:51 PM

Thanks,
I went to JeepForum and registered there with the same question. The format is similar to PP so I think I'll like it. Just hope the guys there are as intelligent and as helpful....
I'll check the other one out later as my beautiful wife awaits....

FastDave · 01-23-2012, 06:13 AM

I still haven't been able to figure it out for sure...
Guess I just need to make some phone calls?

exc911ence · exc911ence's Garage

I think that they changed the construction of the YJ hardtops partway through production from a thick, heavy fiberglass to a thinner and lighter plastic like the later TJ's all had. Not sure if they're interchangable or not. It may have happened at the same time as the change in the "sport bar" layout from the diagonal rear bars to the later squared off style... if so, maybe the two tops aren't the same in attachment.

Regardless, someone on JeepForum will know, lots of experience over there.

Don Ro · 01-23-2012, 06:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FastDave

Thanks,
I went to JeepForum and registered there with the same question. The format is similar to PP so I think I'll like it. Just hope the guys there are as intelligent and as helpful....
I'll check the other one out later as my beautiful wife awaits....

Go here:
.
NAXJA Forums -::- North American XJ Association - Powered by vBulletin
.
50,000 members

deanp · 01-23-2012, 07:13 AM

It's been a while - but I'm pretty sure the main difference is the rear lift gate. The top is basically identical through all the years for mounting and shape. The rear side windows on the Wrangler tops is also larger.

Wranglers 87-95 have the spare mounted on the tailgate and the tailgate opens on side mounted hinges. The tailgate could be opened without lifting the rear glass.

The CJ7's had the tailgate mounted on bottom hinges and you had to open the rear glass to access the tailgate 'lock' to open the tailgate.

FastDave · 01-23-2012, 07:47 AM

Thanks,
You guys always come thru for me here.

john70t · 01-23-2012, 07:54 AM

Might be worth a trip to the dealership.

exc911ence · exc911ence's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Don Ro

Go here:
.
NAXJA Forums -::- North American XJ Association - Powered by vBulletin
.
50,000 members

What do Cherokee owners know about real Jeeps?

FastDave · 01-23-2012, 09:36 AM

But I dont want a Cherokee top on my Wrangler !!! Lol

FastDave · 01-23-2012, 02:23 PM

Quote:

You will probably get an answer here, but these may be even better.

JeepForum.com - Jeep & Off-Road Discussion Community

JeepsUnlimited.com Forums - Powered by vBulletin

I received several responses from the first forum listed above and they were very helpful just as most of you guys here. The link to the forum proved invaluable so thank you very much!
It turns out that the technical reason the later model tops won't fit my Jeep is because mine doesn't have the wiring and switch required to operate the rear wiper! Lol
I guess some people are less able to adapt certain features...???
Anyways, I'm buying the the top and wiring in my own switch.
Thanks for the input,
Dave

deanp · 01-23-2012, 03:52 PM

Ahhh.... never thought about the wiper.

targa911S · 01-23-2012, 05:29 PM

call my son....jeep guy.. pm me and i'll hook you up .