Lee Ayrton

My own experience has been that in Connecticut (hot, humid summers and
wet, sandy, salty winters), ungaraged, Besttop is good for about 7 years
before you start replacing snaps and about 9 years before the windows go
and the thread rots. I'm on my third Besttop and I think that that's not
a bad life span for the abuse it takes. The cost works out to about two
cups of coffee a month.


On Sun, 13 Jun 2004, Old Crow wrote:

> I've got a '95 YJ with the original factory top...9 years and 180,000
> miles
> My wife's got a '94 YJ that has a Steelhorse replacement top on it(was
> that way when we bought it) at 10 years and 170,000 miles.
>
> My top is still in fairly good shape, just a couple of the snaps
> busted above the doors.
> The stupid Steelhorse top on my wife's jeep is ---- and, since I
> ordered the Besttop Replace-a-Top yesterday, is headed for the
> shitcan(It'd already be there if'n it'd quit raining).
>
> I didn't buy the cheapo, and I didn't buy the sailcloth, high dollar
> jobbie, but from what I can tell, the mid-priced Besttop brand
> replace-a-top is equivalent to the original factory top.
>
> Anyway, I was wondering what the average life you guys are getting out
> of the factory top is? I realize theres a lot of different factors
> that effect top life, but I'm just sorta taking a very unscientific
> poll here.
> --
> Old Crow
> '82 Shovelhead FLT 92" 'Pearl'
> '95 Jeep YJ Rio Grande
> ASE Certified Master Auto Tech + L1
> TOMKAT, BS#133, SENS, MAMBM, DOF#51
>

Lee Ayrton

My own experience has been that in Connecticut (hot, humid summers and
wet, sandy, salty winters), ungaraged, Besttop is good for about 7 years
before you start replacing snaps and about 9 years before the windows go
and the thread rots. I'm on my third Besttop and I think that that's not
a bad life span for the abuse it takes. The cost works out to about two
cups of coffee a month.


On Sun, 13 Jun 2004, Old Crow wrote:

> I've got a '95 YJ with the original factory top...9 years and 180,000
> miles
> My wife's got a '94 YJ that has a Steelhorse replacement top on it(was
> that way when we bought it) at 10 years and 170,000 miles.
>
> My top is still in fairly good shape, just a couple of the snaps
> busted above the doors.
> The stupid Steelhorse top on my wife's jeep is ---- and, since I
> ordered the Besttop Replace-a-Top yesterday, is headed for the
> shitcan(It'd already be there if'n it'd quit raining).
>
> I didn't buy the cheapo, and I didn't buy the sailcloth, high dollar
> jobbie, but from what I can tell, the mid-priced Besttop brand
> replace-a-top is equivalent to the original factory top.
>
> Anyway, I was wondering what the average life you guys are getting out
> of the factory top is? I realize theres a lot of different factors
> that effect top life, but I'm just sorta taking a very unscientific
> poll here.
> --
> Old Crow
> '82 Shovelhead FLT 92" 'Pearl'
> '95 Jeep YJ Rio Grande
> ASE Certified Master Auto Tech + L1
> TOMKAT, BS#133, SENS, MAMBM, DOF#51
>

Lee Ayrton

My own experience has been that in Connecticut (hot, humid summers and
wet, sandy, salty winters), ungaraged, Besttop is good for about 7 years
before you start replacing snaps and about 9 years before the windows go
and the thread rots. I'm on my third Besttop and I think that that's not
a bad life span for the abuse it takes. The cost works out to about two
cups of coffee a month.


On Sun, 13 Jun 2004, Old Crow wrote:

> I've got a '95 YJ with the original factory top...9 years and 180,000
> miles
> My wife's got a '94 YJ that has a Steelhorse replacement top on it(was
> that way when we bought it) at 10 years and 170,000 miles.
>
> My top is still in fairly good shape, just a couple of the snaps
> busted above the doors.
> The stupid Steelhorse top on my wife's jeep is ---- and, since I
> ordered the Besttop Replace-a-Top yesterday, is headed for the
> shitcan(It'd already be there if'n it'd quit raining).
>
> I didn't buy the cheapo, and I didn't buy the sailcloth, high dollar
> jobbie, but from what I can tell, the mid-priced Besttop brand
> replace-a-top is equivalent to the original factory top.
>
> Anyway, I was wondering what the average life you guys are getting out
> of the factory top is? I realize theres a lot of different factors
> that effect top life, but I'm just sorta taking a very unscientific
> poll here.
> --
> Old Crow
> '82 Shovelhead FLT 92" 'Pearl'
> '95 Jeep YJ Rio Grande
> ASE Certified Master Auto Tech + L1
> TOMKAT, BS#133, SENS, MAMBM, DOF#51
>

twaldron

OC, that _REALLY_ depends on your usage habits. Do you garage, use a
carport, or even WASH it? There is a HUGE spectrum of treatment
regarding Jeeps and their tops. Believe it or not, there are still CJ7s
running around with their factory soft tops on them. Take care of it,
it'll take care of you.

Old Crow wrote:

> Howdy all,
> I've got a '95 YJ with the original factory top...9 years and 180,000
> miles
> My wife's got a '94 YJ that has a Steelhorse replacement top on it(was
> that way when we bought it) at 10 years and 170,000 miles.
>
> My top is still in fairly good shape, just a couple of the snaps
> busted above the doors.
> The stupid Steelhorse top on my wife's jeep is ---- and, since I
> ordered the Besttop Replace-a-Top yesterday, is headed for the
> shitcan(It'd already be there if'n it'd quit raining).
>
> I didn't buy the cheapo, and I didn't buy the sailcloth, high dollar
> jobbie, but from what I can tell, the mid-priced Besttop brand
> replace-a-top is equivalent to the original factory top.
>
> Anyway, I was wondering what the average life you guys are getting out
> of the factory top is? I realize theres a lot of different factors
> that effect top life, but I'm just sorta taking a very unscientific
> poll here.
> --
> Old Crow
> '82 Shovelhead FLT 92" 'Pearl'
> '95 Jeep YJ Rio Grande
> ASE Certified Master Auto Tech + L1
> TOMKAT, BS#133, SENS, MAMBM, DOF#51

--
__________________________________________________ _________
tw

03 TJ Rubicon - Rubicon Express 4.5"
01 XJ Sport

There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
-- Dave Barry

Pronunciation: 'jEp
Function: noun
Date: 1940

Etymology: from g. p. (G= 'Government' P= '80 inch wheelbase')
A small general-purpose motor vehicle with 80-inch wheelbase,
1/4-ton capacity, and four-wheel drive used by the U.S. army in
World War II.

(Please remove the OBVIOUS to reply by email)
__________________________________________________ _________

twaldron

OC, that _REALLY_ depends on your usage habits. Do you garage, use a
carport, or even WASH it? There is a HUGE spectrum of treatment
regarding Jeeps and their tops. Believe it or not, there are still CJ7s
running around with their factory soft tops on them. Take care of it,
it'll take care of you.

Old Crow wrote:

> Howdy all,
> I've got a '95 YJ with the original factory top...9 years and 180,000
> miles
> My wife's got a '94 YJ that has a Steelhorse replacement top on it(was
> that way when we bought it) at 10 years and 170,000 miles.
>
> My top is still in fairly good shape, just a couple of the snaps
> busted above the doors.
> The stupid Steelhorse top on my wife's jeep is ---- and, since I
> ordered the Besttop Replace-a-Top yesterday, is headed for the
> shitcan(It'd already be there if'n it'd quit raining).
>
> I didn't buy the cheapo, and I didn't buy the sailcloth, high dollar
> jobbie, but from what I can tell, the mid-priced Besttop brand
> replace-a-top is equivalent to the original factory top.
>
> Anyway, I was wondering what the average life you guys are getting out
> of the factory top is? I realize theres a lot of different factors
> that effect top life, but I'm just sorta taking a very unscientific
> poll here.
> --
> Old Crow
> '82 Shovelhead FLT 92" 'Pearl'
> '95 Jeep YJ Rio Grande
> ASE Certified Master Auto Tech + L1
> TOMKAT, BS#133, SENS, MAMBM, DOF#51

--
__________________________________________________ _________
tw

03 TJ Rubicon - Rubicon Express 4.5"
01 XJ Sport

There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
-- Dave Barry

Pronunciation: 'jEp
Function: noun
Date: 1940

Etymology: from g. p. (G= 'Government' P= '80 inch wheelbase')
A small general-purpose motor vehicle with 80-inch wheelbase,
1/4-ton capacity, and four-wheel drive used by the U.S. army in
World War II.

(Please remove the OBVIOUS to reply by email)
__________________________________________________ _________

twaldron

OC, that _REALLY_ depends on your usage habits. Do you garage, use a
carport, or even WASH it? There is a HUGE spectrum of treatment
regarding Jeeps and their tops. Believe it or not, there are still CJ7s
running around with their factory soft tops on them. Take care of it,
it'll take care of you.

Old Crow wrote:

> Howdy all,
> I've got a '95 YJ with the original factory top...9 years and 180,000
> miles
> My wife's got a '94 YJ that has a Steelhorse replacement top on it(was
> that way when we bought it) at 10 years and 170,000 miles.
>
> My top is still in fairly good shape, just a couple of the snaps
> busted above the doors.
> The stupid Steelhorse top on my wife's jeep is ---- and, since I
> ordered the Besttop Replace-a-Top yesterday, is headed for the
> shitcan(It'd already be there if'n it'd quit raining).
>
> I didn't buy the cheapo, and I didn't buy the sailcloth, high dollar
> jobbie, but from what I can tell, the mid-priced Besttop brand
> replace-a-top is equivalent to the original factory top.
>
> Anyway, I was wondering what the average life you guys are getting out
> of the factory top is? I realize theres a lot of different factors
> that effect top life, but I'm just sorta taking a very unscientific
> poll here.
> --
> Old Crow
> '82 Shovelhead FLT 92" 'Pearl'
> '95 Jeep YJ Rio Grande
> ASE Certified Master Auto Tech + L1
> TOMKAT, BS#133, SENS, MAMBM, DOF#51

--
__________________________________________________ _________
tw

03 TJ Rubicon - Rubicon Express 4.5"
01 XJ Sport

There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
-- Dave Barry

Pronunciation: 'jEp
Function: noun
Date: 1940

Etymology: from g. p. (G= 'Government' P= '80 inch wheelbase')
A small general-purpose motor vehicle with 80-inch wheelbase,
1/4-ton capacity, and four-wheel drive used by the U.S. army in
World War II.

(Please remove the OBVIOUS to reply by email)
__________________________________________________ _________

twaldron

OC, that _REALLY_ depends on your usage habits. Do you garage, use a
carport, or even WASH it? There is a HUGE spectrum of treatment
regarding Jeeps and their tops. Believe it or not, there are still CJ7s
running around with their factory soft tops on them. Take care of it,
it'll take care of you.

Old Crow wrote:

> Howdy all,
> I've got a '95 YJ with the original factory top...9 years and 180,000
> miles
> My wife's got a '94 YJ that has a Steelhorse replacement top on it(was
> that way when we bought it) at 10 years and 170,000 miles.
>
> My top is still in fairly good shape, just a couple of the snaps
> busted above the doors.
> The stupid Steelhorse top on my wife's jeep is ---- and, since I
> ordered the Besttop Replace-a-Top yesterday, is headed for the
> shitcan(It'd already be there if'n it'd quit raining).
>
> I didn't buy the cheapo, and I didn't buy the sailcloth, high dollar
> jobbie, but from what I can tell, the mid-priced Besttop brand
> replace-a-top is equivalent to the original factory top.
>
> Anyway, I was wondering what the average life you guys are getting out
> of the factory top is? I realize theres a lot of different factors
> that effect top life, but I'm just sorta taking a very unscientific
> poll here.
> --
> Old Crow
> '82 Shovelhead FLT 92" 'Pearl'
> '95 Jeep YJ Rio Grande
> ASE Certified Master Auto Tech + L1
> TOMKAT, BS#133, SENS, MAMBM, DOF#51

--
__________________________________________________ _________
tw

03 TJ Rubicon - Rubicon Express 4.5"
01 XJ Sport

There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
-- Dave Barry

Pronunciation: 'jEp
Function: noun
Date: 1940

Etymology: from g. p. (G= 'Government' P= '80 inch wheelbase')
A small general-purpose motor vehicle with 80-inch wheelbase,
1/4-ton capacity, and four-wheel drive used by the U.S. army in
World War II.

(Please remove the OBVIOUS to reply by email)
__________________________________________________ _________

Old Crow

On Mon, 14 Jun 2004 02:01:01 GMT, twaldron
<thomas@OBVIOUSrubicons.com> wrote:

>OC, that _REALLY_ depends on your usage habits. Do you garage, use a
>carport, or even WASH it? There is a HUGE spectrum of treatment
>regarding Jeeps and their tops. Believe it or not, there are still CJ7s
>running around with their factory soft tops on them. Take care of it,
>it'll take care of you.

GARAGE? Heh, too many Harleys in there to get a Jeep in there too<g>

Carport? Well, Lynn's goes in there when rain is in the
forcast...otherwise she'd have wet seats in the morning, and you know
how women are about stuff like that.

Wash 'em? Yeah, all the time. I don't like to leave my vehicles
dirty. That is not to say that I don't get them dirty...I just don't
like to leave 'em that way for more than a day or so.

I guess we'll find out. I knew her's would be needing a top when we
bought it, so it's not like it was a surprise or anything.
--
Old Crow
'82 Shovelhead FLT 92" 'Pearl'
'95 Jeep YJ Rio Grande
ASE Certified Master Auto Tech + L1
TOMKAT, BS#133, SENS, MAMBM, DOF#51

Old Crow

On Mon, 14 Jun 2004 02:01:01 GMT, twaldron
<thomas@OBVIOUSrubicons.com> wrote:

>OC, that _REALLY_ depends on your usage habits. Do you garage, use a
>carport, or even WASH it? There is a HUGE spectrum of treatment
>regarding Jeeps and their tops. Believe it or not, there are still CJ7s
>running around with their factory soft tops on them. Take care of it,
>it'll take care of you.

GARAGE? Heh, too many Harleys in there to get a Jeep in there too<g>

Carport? Well, Lynn's goes in there when rain is in the
forcast...otherwise she'd have wet seats in the morning, and you know
how women are about stuff like that.

Wash 'em? Yeah, all the time. I don't like to leave my vehicles
dirty. That is not to say that I don't get them dirty...I just don't
like to leave 'em that way for more than a day or so.

I guess we'll find out. I knew her's would be needing a top when we
bought it, so it's not like it was a surprise or anything.
--
Old Crow
'82 Shovelhead FLT 92" 'Pearl'
'95 Jeep YJ Rio Grande
ASE Certified Master Auto Tech + L1
TOMKAT, BS#133, SENS, MAMBM, DOF#51

Old Crow

On Mon, 14 Jun 2004 02:01:01 GMT, twaldron
<thomas@OBVIOUSrubicons.com> wrote:

>OC, that _REALLY_ depends on your usage habits. Do you garage, use a
>carport, or even WASH it? There is a HUGE spectrum of treatment
>regarding Jeeps and their tops. Believe it or not, there are still CJ7s
>running around with their factory soft tops on them. Take care of it,
>it'll take care of you.

GARAGE? Heh, too many Harleys in there to get a Jeep in there too<g>

Carport? Well, Lynn's goes in there when rain is in the
forcast...otherwise she'd have wet seats in the morning, and you know
how women are about stuff like that.

Wash 'em? Yeah, all the time. I don't like to leave my vehicles
dirty. That is not to say that I don't get them dirty...I just don't
like to leave 'em that way for more than a day or so.

I guess we'll find out. I knew her's would be needing a top when we
bought it, so it's not like it was a surprise or anything.
--
Old Crow
'82 Shovelhead FLT 92" 'Pearl'
'95 Jeep YJ Rio Grande
ASE Certified Master Auto Tech + L1
TOMKAT, BS#133, SENS, MAMBM, DOF#51