Does the Hard Top fit back on after Softopper on a 73/74?

[Zervun]

Hey guys,

I bought a Softopper last year - I have a 74. It's been pretty fun/great except for a few minor fitment issues.

It does however leak a little bit in the front around the windows in the downpouring Portland rain.

I was considering putting the hard top back on for the winter but was unsure if it would fit. The 73/74 softopper has a metal padded strip that gets drilled in to the top of the windshield.

Has anyone with a 73/74 put the hardtop back on with that strip in place?

 

[chevysmithz71]

I have a soft top on mine now. That front strip is only held on by a few screws. If you want it back on just unscrew that strip, maybe put in some silicone to keep the screw holes sealed and slap the hard top on. It has to come off to fit the hard top nice and snug.

 

[brian wafer]

i put silicone on the screws and screw them back in and top fits over them no problem. been doing it for 7 or 8 years.

 

[Zervun]

i put silicone on the screws and screw them back in and top fits over them no problem. been doing it for 7 or 8 years.

Thanks guys - Brian I'm assuming that you don't use the strip at all then? Do you even need it for when the softopper is on?

chevysmithz71 - I'm assuming that you do use the strip when you use the softtopper

Have either of you had any fitment issue on a tangent? I could never figure out how far back/forward to mount the bed rails - Mine leaks a decent bit in the rain.

If I put the rails to far back then it pulls out the windshield screws (I have to get replacements). If I put it more forward the canvas kinda scrapes against the doors.

I'm thinking of using some pieces of plastic or something to make the flaps stay up in some fashion as it's annoying having to close and hold up the flaps every time.

 

[brian wafer]

i never pulled the tape on the front chanels. had problems with my top last summer but gor it repaired at a upholsery shop. not many pictures 1st is old ,and second last fall. when it rains and driving slow my knee gets wet. ok at highway speeds.