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