Soft-Top Research Archives

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1946 CJ-2A VEC? Clarinda, IA $11,000

October 13, 2024 • CATEGORIES: CJ-2A • TAGS: , . This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.
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UPDATE: Price dropped to $11,000.

(09/09/2024) This has a rear PTO and gear box. Unclear if this has tool indents or not, but does have a column shifter.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/563430206009192

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“Very rare 1946 Jeep Willy with 9x,xxx miles. Very good condition. It has been in a shed its entire life. 2 owner vehicle. We but a battery and some fresh gas and it started right up. We haven’t check every feature but everything should work. Buying as is. I’m selling this for my parents so arrangements will need to be made for you to see it.”

 
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1948 CJ-2A Salisbury, PA Auction May 4th

May 1, 2024 • CATEGORIES: CJ-2A • TAGS: , , . This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.
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This auction will be held at 3276 Springs Hill Rd Salisbury Pa (At The Springs Shop) on May 4th. The top and rear cover look custom. At first I thought the windshield was a CJ-3A, but the round arms suggest it may have been a modified 2A or military windshield. The jeep appears to included a plow.

https://www.auctionzip.com/Listings/3919791.html

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1961 CJ-5 Omaha, NE $14,800

April 15, 2024 • CATEGORIES: CJ5 • TAGS: , , . This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.
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This nice looking CJ-5 was spotted by Matt. It is currently pending (Sunday afternoon). It includes some rare Thor Lectro-Matic hubs along with a great dash tag and vintage switch.

“Selling my very nice 1961 CJ5
with 1957 Corvette 283 with mild cam gives a nice rumble without being too loud. Runs great. 4WD with electric lockout hubs, PTO driven front winch, spotlight, AM radio, front seat belts, heater, defroster, rare ventilating windshield, full top with zip out windows and removable doors all in good shape, 2” receiver hitch with electric trailer brake control on steering column, 5 matching new or like new tires dated 03/19, vacuum assisted brakes unit operates like power brakes, new dual exhaust from manifolds to rear, drives straight down the road and gets alot of attention and thumbs up.
3 speed 4wd in hi/lo and 427 axle ratio. 1” spacers behind wheels to give it a little wider track. Will cruise 60mph on highway, never had it faster because I’m old enough to know better.
Wheel covers shown were sold and currently has white wheels. Vehicle is in Omaha, Ne. Clean title in my name.
Only surface rust underneath.”

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Continue reading →

 
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1948 CJ-2A Lima, OH $6500

October 22, 2023 • CATEGORIES: CJ-2A • TAGS: , . This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.
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I think that’s a defroster setup across the windshield?

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/237943642593743

“My father is selling his 1948 Jeep Willy’s CJ2A. Needs some work but has a rebuilt motor that runs. Needs brake work, possibly suspension, and has been stored in a garage for many years. Not sure on mileage.”

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1964 CJ-3B Sandy Springs, GA $14,500

February 1, 2023 • CATEGORIES: CJ-3B • TAGS: . This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.
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Nice half soft-top on this 3B.

https://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/cto/d/atlanta-1964-willys-cj-3b/7581873687.html

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“1964 Willys CJ-3B. The last year of the flat fender.

It had a frame-off restoration in 2006, to include a brand new tub. Overall, it runs great, is cranked once weekly and is a great driver. It has NO rust anywhere, which is a very rare find.

It’s not perfect – for most of us Jeep (and Willys) enthusiast, it’s as nice as you or I have seen, but the paint is not show quality. If you’ve been around them, you know it drips some fluids.

It does have a heater and newer canvas, and the interior is in incredible shape (will post more pictures).

What does it need? It currently has a Solex carb with a flat spot (still very manageable to drive). I have the correct Carter carburetor, but it needs rebuilt, which is a $250 or do dollar investment to have done right. It also comes with the PTO winch but does need a shaft.

Come take a look – you’ll be impressed. It comes with a clean title and bill of sale.”

 
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1946 CJ-2A New Harmony, NC $9000

January 24, 2023 • CATEGORIES: CJ-2A • TAGS: , . This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.
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This top portion of this top is a Porter & Reed hardtop. It appears the sides and back were removed and replaced by canvas (or remnants from a soft top).

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/701735811559702

“1946 Jeep CJ2A · Other_body_style · Driven 1,000 miles 46/47 CJ. Minor modifications over its history. 12 volt. Was running up till a few years ago. Previous owner had medical issues. It does turn over. My son(owner ) is working on starting it up. Price is NOT firm. If your interested I can give you his number”

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1943 MB Seattle, WA $12,500

September 5, 2022 • CATEGORIES: MB • TAGS: . This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.
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This has an unusual soft top and some other updates.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1085400598761616

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“1943 Willys-Overland MB (Jeep) 1/4 Ton 2dr Truck 4×4 4-cyl. 134.2cid/60hp 3-speed manual My Dad’s first boss (a mechanic- owner of a garage) loaned him this vehicle when he was 16 years old (1947). His Boss then continued for 59 years to used the Jeep mainly at a family cabin with acreage. When he passed away, he gave it back to our Dad who was in the VCC and enjoyed vehicles.

Restoration started in 2008. Original body, engine and 6 volt were restored. Jeep was painted green and canvas top and seats were redone. There are a set of old wheels-tires that were on it when we got it but we drive the jeep with different tires. It has been garaged since we have owned it. We do not know how many actual miles are on the jeep but gauge reads 34959. The back tire cover with 1943 ad was added. A mechanic has recently checked engine and brakes and it is ready for it’s new home. Whatever your “General Purpose”, this GP will make it Memorable and Fun!”

 
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Whitco Soft Top Boots Monaca, PA $250/each

August 4, 2022 • CATEGORIES: Parts • TAGS: . This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.
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Tom spotted these rare items.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/745274110027375

“Red White or Blue”

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Soft Top Jacksonville, FL $850

July 12, 2022 • CATEGORIES: Parts • TAGS: . This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.
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I suspect someone could use this top.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/493678225844841

“Complete with all brackets bows and windshield thumb screws you won’t need to buy anything to install. US made not china junk.”

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M-38 Original Canvas Top Middletown, CT $250

June 15, 2022 • CATEGORIES: Parts • TAGS: . This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.
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Seller will not ship.

https://hartford.craigslist.org/pts/d/middletown-willys-jeep-m38-original/7488226912.html

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‘”ORIGINAL WILLYS JEEP M38 CANVAS TOP. NOT A REPRO.

ALL STRAPS AND TWIST CLOSURES ARE IN GOOD SHAPE.

CANVAS IS IN GOOD SHAPE WITH ONE SMALL THAT I CAN SEE. (SEE PHOTO)

THE WINDOW IS YELLOWED FROM AGE.

$250.00 OFFERS CONSIDERED IF REASONABLE.

PICKUP IN MIDDLETOWN CT. NO SHIPPING”

 
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1953 M-38A1 Fresno, CA $11,500

March 23, 2022 • CATEGORIES: M-38A1 • TAGS: , . This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.
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Mike spotted this classic Fresno-modded jeep. The Muller top, the side doors, the upgraded engine, and more are common among jeeps with Fresno mods.

https://fresno.craigslist.org/cto/d/fresno-1953-m38a1-willys-jeep/7457895956.html

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“’53 Willys M38-A1 Military Gunner Jeep. This model has the highly desired heavy duty turret frame because they were often used with a tripod mounted 50 caliber machine gun.
This Jeep now sports a ’69 Chevy 327 V-8 engine w/overdrive, 4-stick shifts (4-speed, 2wd-4wd, Hi-Lo, Overdrive), power steering, power brakes, Warn Locking hubs all around so you can tow it free-wheeling. Two Heaters. An extra external radiator fan. Two gas tanks. All new wiring harness. New Brake Lights, seat belts, modern fuse box built into custom glove box.
Also includes soft side windows & doors, roll bars, tow bar, trailer hitch.
Front winch & wipers are not hooked up.”

 
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Older Soft Top Gilbert, AZ $180

January 22, 2022 • CATEGORIES: Parts • TAGS: . This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.
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No hardware, but the top looks in reasonable shape. Some window discoloration.

https://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/pts/d/gilbert-willys-cj3a-soft-top/7434365551.html

“used soft top without hardware.”

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1956 CJ-5 McKinney, TX $7900

January 10, 2022 • CATEGORIES: CJ5 • TAGS: , . This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.
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There’s a lot of early jeep here. The 0-8 KS speedo has the orange needle; I’m not sure why some are white and some are orange. This also has an early top that looks in good shape and a set of early, period correct even, Free-Lock hubs. It still has the reversed front shackles, too.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/271183628411177

“Running, in need of minor TLC.. carburetor & tires. Truly all original just in need of a tune up. Serious inquiries only!”

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History of Bikini/Bimini Tops?

November 18, 2021 • CATEGORIES: Advertising & Brochures, Features • TAGS: . This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.
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UPDATE IV: Barney sent a photo of his rare Whitco Bikini Top attached to a 1971 CJ-5 (with his dog Manny smiling in the back). While not exactly like the bikini tops we saw in the later 1970s, it likely represents the first production example of what became the bikini top (if defined by attached to the windshield in the front and held in place by straps in the back)

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UPDATE III: It appears the definition of the Bimini top is that it is open in the front, which isn’t consistent with the tops we’re discussing below ….  I’m trying to determine when/where the top cover originated that, in the front, connects to the windshield, then goes over a mid-bar (usually a roll bar), and, in the back, is held in place by two straps from either side of the top.

Here’s a DIY Bikini top made from a 4-by-4-foot canvas tarp via Four Wheeler Mag: https://www.motortrend.com/how-to/diy-bikini-top-willys-jeep/

UPDATE II: This Whitco brochure shows that the company was advertising a “Bikini” top during the 1960s, though it isn’t the design of top (like the one below) I was hoping to document. This top is closer to a Surrey top design.

UPDATE: Vernon notes that these were also called Bimini tops, a term I think came from the boating world?

Maury asked me if I knew when bikini tops were first produced. I don’t have any information on this.  My guess is they arrived for jeeps in the mid-1970s as none of my earlier parts catalogs show the bikini top as an option. Anyone remember when they first started seeing them?

Pic for reference:

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Flatfender Soft Top Carver, MN **SOLD**

June 9, 2021 • CATEGORIES: Parts • TAGS: . This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.
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UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $350.

Looks like a good price. It’s likely a Bestop.

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“Black soft top for the early jeeps, like new. I bought this jeep from an old man, and I am certain it never spent a night outside. the windows are clear and not faded, no imperfections anywhere, Its like new. You get all the hardware to mount it just like it looks in the photo. Its on an m38 now, not sure what else it fits, you do the research. I see these go for about a grand on line, 350 come get it ! I do not respond to texts. I repeat.. I do not respond to texts. Wheels and tires available soon”

 
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1962 Article on a CJ-5 Build

May 29, 2021 • CATEGORIES: Features, Magazine • TAGS: , , , . This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.
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This May 1962 article in Four Wheeler magazine highlighted a few things. First, it’s a really clean build. I wish the pics were in color, as it’s deserving of some great photos.

Second, if I understand correctly, the rear bumper is actually a gas tank. I’m not sure I like that plan so much.

Third, given this jeep is near Colorado Springs, it probably has the Thor Electro-matic hubs, which allow a push button engaging of the front hubs. And, because they are short hubs, the front wheel covers can be placed over them.

Fourth, this has an early vacuum brake assist. Herm carries a newer version of this.

Fifth, the White top on this jeep is beautifully styled in my opinion.

Photos

 
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1960s Harris Manufacturing Top and Doors

May 28, 2021 • CATEGORIES: Advertising & Brochures, Features • TAGS: , . This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.
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UPDATE: The October 1962 issue of Four Wheeler Magazine included an ad for the Harris top and doors, along with an article.

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Originally Posted October 07, 2017: Here’s a rare Harris Dura-Door one-page brochure on eBay. This fiberglass half door produced out of Bakersfield, California, for CJ-5s was also advertised in Four Wheel Magazine (see ad at bottom).

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This ad appeared in several Four Wheeler issues, including the June 1966 issue. I’d have to guess that by 1966, Harris had dropped its soft top product and focused on the dura-doors for jeeps.

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DJ-3A Tops Bows and Clips Black Canyon City, AZ

February 26, 2021 • CATEGORIES: DJ-3A, Parts • TAGS: . This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.
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UPDATE: Still Available.

https://phoenix.craigslist.org/nph/pts/d/black-canyon-city-jeep-dispatch-dj3a/7278137833.html

The top bows are $700 a set. A price for the top clips were not included. Both the both bows and the clips are for the DJ-3A convertible model (solid back and CJ-3B-like windshield with twist-knobs across the top). The seller only has a few sets made. He notes that he isn’t making any money on them and has been more than willing to share information on the insights he gains trying to make his top.

The soft top is something custom the seller had made by an upholsterer. It took him some work to redesign and properly fit the top so that it would fold up and connect to the windshield properly, yet also fold down and attach to the body.

Here is pic of the reproduction bows vs. the original black bows:

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Here’s a pic of the soft top:dj3a-softop-recreation1 dj3a-softop-recreation2

 
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CJ-3A Soft Top Lebanon, OR $500

January 29, 2021 • CATEGORIES: Parts • TAGS: . This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.
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Seems a good price.

https://corvallis.craigslist.org/pts/d/lebanon-cj-jeep-soft-top/7262980264.html

“I have a brand new soft top for a CJ3a Tigertop from Bestop.
It’s never been mounted. I got it before this summer.
Bestop Tigertop Item#5140401 retail for $979.99
This is New.”

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CJ-3A Soft Top Oceanside, CA $500

January 27, 2021 • CATEGORIES: Parts • TAGS: . This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.
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Seems a good price.

https://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/pts/d/oceanside-jeep-soft-top/7266831287.html

“Purchased in 2016, never used, includes Installation instructions/Owner Manual
For Model CJ3A, 1949-1953”

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Whitco CJ-5 Softtop Boots Cedar Township, PA $250/each

November 13, 2020 • CATEGORIES: Parts • TAGS: . This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.
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Not sure about the price on these, but I doubt there are many of these around.

https://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/pts/d/oem-jeep-soft-top-boots-whitco-willys/7227271346.html

“OEM Jeep Special Equipment Soft Top Boots
Red, White or Blue
Vintage Whitco Items from a Closed Willys / Kaiser Dealership
$250 Each”

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1952 CJ-3A APU Portland, OR $6700

August 7, 2020 • CATEGORIES: CJ-3A • TAGS: , . This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.
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UPDATE: Price dropped to $6700. It’s a Szekely APU jeep.

(09/30/2018) Carl and Marty spotted this APU. It appears to be missing the extra gauges, but does have the original data plates, the hood, and the correct engine. The soft top seems to be a Dualmatic, as it has the large square rear window and the two-part doors with snaps (thanks Pascal!).

https://portland.craigslist.org/wsc/cto/d/beaverton-jeep-willys-cj3a/7172184334.html

“Clean and mostly original 1952 Willy’s Jeep.
Was my grandpa’s since mid 60s.
Most of it’s life spent in Utah – always garaged.
I took it to Portland in 2012. Since then, it’s spent time between here and rural WA (always garaged both places).
Oregon titled. It runs very well. New hoses, radiator in last 1000 miles.
New battery.
Please see pics. If interested, email me and we can set up a time for you to check it out.
$7,000 or best offer. Serious inquires only please.”

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1949 CJ-3A? Las Vegas, NV **SOLD**

July 10, 2020 • CATEGORIES: CJ-3A • TAGS: . This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.
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UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $8500.

(02/08/2020) I would guess the body is a replacement body. The front roll cage loop rests atop the step. I hope there’s something connected to the frame underneath the step. The soft top looks custom and doesn’t use the windshield channel. It kind of looks like it snaps on the front? No description provided.

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Unused Bestop For MB/GPW/CJ-2A Kalispell, MT **SOLD**

June 9, 2020 • CATEGORIES: Parts • TAGS: . This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.
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UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $500.

Could be a good price. You’ll want to verify how the front of the top mounts to the windshield [channel mount (3A or M-38) or twist fobs (MB/GPW or CJ-2A … yeah, I know that’s not the right name for them, just can’t think of the right name at the moment)]. The top is resting on a CJ-5, but that’s just for show.

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“Best Top for Jeep CJ2A 1945 to 1949 and MB 1941 to 1945 with bows. This is a top I received with a 1948 CJ2A that I am restoring and chose not to put a top on it. It is a new top that has not been installed, in new condition. Have the original installation instructions and owners manual, both soft doors, bows, bag of parts. We displayed this topper on our Jeep (which does not fit) for pictures only. Any questions please email.”

 
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Kayline Soft Top and Cab Enclosure Hardtop Stayton, OR Make Offer

June 7, 2020 • CATEGORIES: Parts • TAGS: , . This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.
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TJ shared Therese. The seller listed these at $100, but it sounds like that is just a place holder. Seller is really looking for offers.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/246167143348842

“I’ve got an arctic top off a 47 cj2a and a Kayline soft top. The Arctic top has been on the Jeep for many years just sitting in a barn. Pretty dirty and definitely needs paint, but structurally sound. The Kayline top I just got for the Jeep, as I am starting to fix it up, but it is not going to fit the full roll cage that I’m using. Seems to be in decent shape, just needs to be cleaned. Honestly, I’m not really sure what to ask for these tops, so if you’re interested, just make me an offer.”

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