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51403 1

Rev. D 1298

Installation Instructions and Owner's Manual

Model: CJ3A, 1949-1953 and M38, 1950-1951 Part Number 51403

Fig. 1

CJ2A, 1946-1948 A: 25"

MB, 1941-1945 A: 23"

Windshields are sometimes

interchanged on older

model vehicles. The

vehicle's windshield and

body style are the key

factors that determine which

convertible top model

number fits a particular

vehicle. These diagrams will

help you identify your

vehicle to determine which

top you need.

A 27"

Fig. 3

CJ3B, 1953-1964

22 1/2"

10 1/2"

Fig. 1 & 2 These models have interchangeable windshields. Regardless of vehicle model number, style of windshield determines

which top will fit the vehicle.

CJ2A and MB models have a windshield frame of round tubular steel. Frame corners are square, glass is in two pieces.

CJ3A and M38 models have a frame made of rectangular steel tubing with rounded corners and a one piece windshield glass.

Fig. 3 The CJ3B has a higher hood than older models. The windshield is made of rectangular steel tubing with one piece glass.

Warning:

This product is designed primarily to enhance the appearance of the vehicle. Do not rely in any way on

the components of this product to contain occupants within the vehicle, or to protect against injury or

death in the event of an accident. This top will not protect the occupants from falling objects. Never

operate vehicle in excess of manufacturer’s specifications.

WEAR SEAT BELTS AT ALL TIMES

Read and follow, precisely, all installation instructions provided when installing top. Failure to do so may

result in a poor fitting top and could place occupants of the vehicle in a potentially dangerous situation.

Congratulations on your purchasing decision. Bestop designed this Convertible Top to give you years of dependability and performance with

proper care. If you encounter any problems during the installation of your Convertible Top, or at any later date, please contact your authorized

Bestop dealer or call our Consumer Response Department, Monday - Friday 8AM-4:30PM (MST) at 1-800-346-3910 or (303) 465-1755

in Colorado.

Note: Please read this manual thoroughly before beginning the installation.

After completing installation, keep this manual for future reference.

Fig. 2

CJ3A, 1949-1953

M38, 1950-1951

Summary of content (13 pages)

PAGE 1
by Installation Instructions and Owner's Manual Model: CJ3A, 1949-1953 and M38, 1950-1951 Part Number 51403 Congratulations on your purchasing decision. Bestop designed this Convertible Top to give you years of dependability and performance with proper care.
PAGE 2
Before You Install You may notice some wrinkling in the fabric of your Convertible Top when you first remove it from its shipping container. Also, there may be indentations in the windows. Don’t Panic. It is normal for the tops to do this when stored in the shipping container. The wrinkles and indentations will disappear after 48-72 hours of exposure to sunlight. Note: You should install your Convertible Top in temperatures of 70° F (21° C) or warmer.
PAGE 3
Parts List and Hardware Identification Bow Assembly - Right, Qty - 1, PN 242.52 Check off each item #10 x 1/2" Small Pan Head Phillips Screw, Qty - 10, PN 1.92 5/16-18 x 1" Phillips Machine Screw, Qty - 4, PN 236.20 #10 x 1/2" Oval Head Phillips Screw, Qty - 4, PN 155.49 Bow Assembly - Left, Qty - 1, PN 242.53 Buckle Strap Assembly, Qty - 2, PN 243.61 Threaded Body Stud, Qty - 4, PN 151.81 CJ 3A Front Door Channel, Left, Qty - 1, PN 186.
PAGE 4
Installing your Convertible Top Regardless of what type of hardware you currently have on your vehicle, it is extremely important that you only use the hardware found in this Convertible Top kit. This Convertible Top cannot be used with your existing hardware. Windshield Adjustment This is the first step you must take in the installation process and it is also the most important one. Improper windshield adjustment results in poor fitting of both the top and the doors, as well as misalignment of snaps.
PAGE 5
Figure 2 Area detailed at right WILLY'S 33 1/2" 5/16-18 x 1" Phillips Head Bolts 34 1/2" Washers Rear point of measurement on body Vertical Retainer Mount - Left Detail of Vertical Retainer Mount - Left 5/16-18 Tapped Plates Bow Assembly CAUTION: Installation of the Bow Assemblies involves drilling in the top edge of the vehicle body. Check under the body edge at the marked locations. There may be wiring for the rear lights. If so, pull the wiring out of the way before drilling.
PAGE 6
Footman Loops CAUTION: Installation of the Footman Loops involves drilling in the top edge of the vehicle body. Check under the body edge at the marked locations. There may be wiring for the rear lights. If so, pull the wiring out of the way before drilling. Step One Install the Footman Loops on the top rear corners of the vehicle. Use the loops as templates to mark, center punch and drill 5/32 inch holes. Use two #10 x 1/2 Oval Head Phillips Screws to secure the loops in place (see Figure 4).
PAGE 7
Step Two Center the windshield channels on the top of the windshield frame so that the two pieces of channel are flush with each other and butted up against the windshield frame (see Figure 6). Use the channels as templates to mark, center punch and drill with a 1/8 inch drill bit. Secure using #8 x 1/2" Self-tapping Phillips Screw. Caution: A loose Windshield Retainer may allow the top to disengage from the windshield, causing damage to the top and possible injury to the occupants of the vehicle.
PAGE 8
CJ3A Step One Drill a 3/8 inch hole in the inside of the windshield frame 3 1/4" above the Upper Door Hinge (see Figure 8). Do this on both sides. Do not drill all the way through the windshield frame. Note: Some vehicles may have a hole close to this location. If so, use that hole. These holes will be used to secure the Horizontal Rods to the windshield frame.
PAGE 9
Step Two Unfold the top and drape it over the front bow. Insert the front strip into the existing windshield channel on the front of the windshield frame. Make sure that the fabric is centered on the windshield. Failure to center the fabric could result in torn fabric. Step Three Lift the Rear Bow and drape the top over it. Snap the flaps on the inside of the top to the studs on the Rear Bow. Locate the Buckle Straps in the parts kit.
PAGE 10
Step Seven Thread the buckle strap assembly through each Footman Loop and then back through the buckle. Do not over tighten. Wrap the fabric flaps, sewn to the top above and behind the doors, around the horizontal rods and vertical retainers and fasten the hook and loop fasteners. Fasten the hook and loop fasteners around the Front Bows. (The Vertical Retainer Mounts may be adjusted forward or backward if needed.) Step Eight There is a snap on each front corner of the top fabric.
PAGE 11
Door Installation Warning: The doors in this product are designed only for protection against the elements. Do not rely on the doors to contain occupants within the vehicle or to protect against injury during an accident. Door handles are only designed to aid in door closure. Door and handle will not support a person's weight. Assemble the Door Handles by: a. Installing a flat washer over the square peg on the inside handle. b. Installing the inside handle through the handle mount.
PAGE 12
Step Two Once the door is in position, mark the location for the Lower Door Hinge. Center punch and drill two 5/32 inch holes. Secure the Lower Door Hinge using two #10 x 1/2" Pan Head Sheet Metal Screws (see Figure 14). Step Three For best results, the window should be zipped closed for this step. Install the body studs by marking the snaps on the door fabric with chalk, holding the door open 12 inches and pulling the fabric forward.
PAGE 13
Care and Maintenance of your Bestop Top Your top is made of the finest materials available. To keep it looking new and for the maximum possible wear, it will need periodic cleaning and maintenance. Washing: The top fabric should be washed often using soap, warm water and a soft bristle brush. Rinse with clear water to remove all traces of soap. Windows: Keep windows clean to avoid scratching. DO NOT use a brush on the windows! Wash with a watersoaked cloth or sponge and a mild dishwashing detergent.