Georgia Trail Riders Forum

MEMBERS DISCUSSION AREA => General Discussion => Topic started by: 94xjsport94 on April 28, 2014, 08:59:47 PM

Title: JKU top info
Post by: 94xjsport94 on April 28, 2014, 08:59:47 PM
Does anyone have dimensions of the soft top on a JKU? Google didnt yield much.

For everyone running a soft top or any fabric top, does anyone know where  can source snap buttons (Like a truck  tonneau cover) and a lot of good, cheap fabric that can withstand being outside.  No reason in particular.  //;D//
Title: Re:
Post by: clark123456 on April 28, 2014, 09:38:40 PM
The buttons and the tool can be had from JoAnns.  Michael's may have them, but I use the ones from joanns.  Cheap, very cheap.  Easy, very easy.
Title: Re: JKU top info
Post by: 94xjsport94 on April 28, 2014, 09:42:32 PM
Are the tool and buttons able to go through like 19 gauge sheet metal with relative ease?
Title: Re:
Post by: clark123456 on April 28, 2014, 09:49:05 PM
Hmm, I really don't know.  Are you trying to snap two metal things together?
Title: Re:
Post by: clark123456 on April 28, 2014, 09:52:28 PM
Follow-up:  typically you would use sheet metal screws to hold the snap socket to the surface, say of a jeep xj roof, then you would use the snap cap and stud on fabric, say of a top.

I would probably use Velcro before I would muck with snaps. Velcro is much less precise.
Title: Re: JKU top info
Post by: 94xjsport94 on April 28, 2014, 09:53:47 PM
I wanted to do sheet metal to a fabric piece.
Title: Re:
Post by: clark123456 on April 28, 2014, 09:55:37 PM
Check the posts again, some idiot posted before completing his thought.
Title: Re:
Post by: clark123456 on April 28, 2014, 10:02:34 PM
Oh yeah, the tool from Joann's, at least the one I have,  is not designed for heavy duty applications.  I have punched through two layers off duck cloth, but I wouldn't go for much thicker and tougher material than that.
Title: Re: JKU top info
Post by: BeerIAm on April 28, 2014, 10:15:12 PM
have you seen this thread?  http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/jeep-cherokee/557715-removable-top-xj-project-pics.html (http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/jeep-cherokee/557715-removable-top-xj-project-pics.html)
Title: Re: JKU top info
Post by: 94xjsport94 on April 28, 2014, 10:24:48 PM
have you seen this thread?  http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/jeep-cherokee/557715-removable-top-xj-project-pics.html (http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/jeep-cherokee/557715-removable-top-xj-project-pics.html)

Pics never load for me.

I read that years ago.
Title: Re: JKU top info
Post by: BeerIAm on April 28, 2014, 10:49:14 PM
I didn't see pics either but thought it was just me on cheap hotel wireless.  I'm looking forward to seeing what you do with whatever you're doing....

I have a soft top that I can measure for you in my garage if no one else has the specs for you.  I just need to get some brackets so I can install it first.
Title: Re: JKU top info
Post by: Bruce on April 29, 2014, 08:30:53 AM
A marine store would typically have what your looking for.

Try west marine.
Title: Re: JKU top info
Post by: TimeCloud on April 29, 2014, 05:20:43 PM
You could always use pop rivets.

The company I work for sells ACM (Aluminum Composite Material) in 3mm and 4mm thickness that you could drill and pop rivet. You could even apply vinyl sheeting to the outside with a UV overcoat or just spray paint it.
Title: Re: JKU top info
Post by: 94xjsport94 on April 29, 2014, 05:46:48 PM
It looks like the male end of the snap? What ever it is called, it attached using a pop rivet and then the end on the fabric or cover is installed using a specific tool.
Title: Re: JKU top info
Post by: Big Dave on April 29, 2014, 07:09:38 PM
I have a LJ top for sale that you might make work.  

(http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af204/granthousehold/100_0097_zps1ab528ef.jpg) (http://s1008.photobucket.com/user/granthousehold/media/100_0097_zps1ab528ef.jpg.html)

(http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af204/granthousehold/100_0098_zps08d2937e.jpg) (http://s1008.photobucket.com/user/granthousehold/media/100_0098_zps08d2937e.jpg.html)

(http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af204/granthousehold/100_0096_zps159cfbbc.jpg) (http://s1008.photobucket.com/user/granthousehold/media/100_0096_zps159cfbbc.jpg.html)
Title: Re: JKU top info
Post by: 94xjsport94 on May 06, 2014, 08:54:27 PM
Fwiw right now, it looks like industrial Velcro is the way to go for what I want. Same stuff used on fire truck tarps. Not waterproof, but I can work around that.
Title: Re: Re: JKU top info
Post by: clark123456 on May 06, 2014, 09:15:57 PM
Yep, Velcro for the win.  I use a lot of the industrial Velcro from home improvement stores (for various projects), which is very strong, but which has issues with the glue lasting in hot temperatures.  I would sew the Velcro loop side to the canvas top, which may require an industrial strength sewing machine, or to outsource the activity to an upholstery shop.  Rivets and glue work well for adhering the hook side material to the metal.  My truck tonneau cover, which uses Velcro along the sides, is designed to keep water out by having the edge at an angle (about 30 degrees).
Title: Re: JKU top info
Post by: 94xjsport94 on May 06, 2014, 09:24:17 PM
That's exactly what I was going to do. This upholstery shop will make me a 4x3 top for $50. I'm going to have it sewn to the top and screwed to the roof with a loop of the top corners to yank it up by. I think it should turn out nicely. I thought about building something around the sunroof, but I'm not sure what I would do.