How to Install Bestop Sunrider for Hardtop - Black Twill (07-18 Wrangler JK) on your Jeep Wrangler

Before you begin installing your new Sunrider for Hardtop, please read all the instructions thoroughly, and watch the Bestop installation video. (See Support section on this page.)

For a smooth fit: For easier installation, the top should be installed at a temperature above 72° F. Below this temperature, the fabric may contract an inch or more, making it difficult to fit the vehicle.

It is normal for the fabric to contract and wrinkle when stored in the shipping carton. Within a few days after installation, the fabric will relax and the wrinkles will disappear.

Step 1: Remove both hardtop freedom panels, according to instructions in your owner’s manual. Save the large Mushroom Knobs for re-use when installing the Sunrider for Hardtop.

Clean the windshield and hardtop seals with soap, warm water and a soft cloth.

Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove all soap residue, and dry the seals before installing the Sunrider for Hardtop.

Step 1: Install the Left Door Rail #516.91 on the vehicle using one of the supplied Knobs #478.90. Only install the front knob at this step.

Do not tighten the #478.90 knob completely at this point.

Repeat on the right side of the vehicle.

NOTE: 4-Door vehicles will require two incisions in the sport bar padding on each side to install the rear knobs.

DO NOT REMOVE the foam pieces installed on the door rails. They are pre-installed to provide protection and seal the top from water leaks.

Step 1: Install the deck assembly on the vehicle. The molded side of the deck assembly rests on top of the sport bar padding.

Line up the holes through the footpad on the deck assembly with the holes in the rear of each door rail. Install a knob #478.90 through each hole.

Do not tighten the knobs at this time.

TIP: You can use a small screwdriver to help align the Top Deck Assembly and Door Rail. Be sure to align the pieces and press up from below when installing the knobs.

Step 1: Install the vehicle-equipped mushroom knobs originally supplied with the vehicle hardtop panels, and removed in Section 1, up through the bottom of the sound bar in the locations shown.

Do not tighten the vehicle-equipped mushroom knobs at this time.

Step 2: Using the 4mm Allen wrench, install a M6x20mm Flanged Screw #514.48 through the left door rail and into the metal bracket with the weld-nut, from the underneath side.

Make sure to tighten this screw firmly.

Repeat this process on the right side of the vehicle.

NOTICE: Use caution when aligning the parts to avoid cross-threading or stripping screws during installation.

Step 1: Using the 4mm Allen wrench, install the Rear Attach Brackets #517.10 with two (2) M6x20mm Flanged Screws per bracket.

The brackets are installed on the underneath side of the Sunrider injection-molded rear assembly, and secure the Sunrider for Hardtop to the vehicle hard top.

One bracket for each side of the vehicle.

NOTICE: Use caution when aligning the parts to avoid cross-threading or stripping screws during installation.

Step 1: Tighten all six of the knobs at this time - the four #478.90 knobs, and the two vehicle-equipped mushroom knobs.

Step 2: Fold down the Sunrider for Hardtop by pulling the header toward the front of the vehicle, and down into the closed position.

Step 1: From inside the Jeep, locate the two Windshield Header Latches. To close the latch, pivot the latch handle to the completely open position to allow the hook to engage the windshield loop. Now pivot the hook forward to engage the windshield loop.

Because of the tightness of the fabric, you may have to pull down on the Header Assembly to get the hooks to engage the windshield loops. TIP: Moving the sun visor out of the way makes this step easier.

Repeat on both sides of the vehicle before proceeding to Step 2.

Step 2: When the hook is engaged with the windshield loop, close the latch by pivoting it forward toward the windshield.

Repeat on both sides of the vehicle.

Step 1: With the Sunrider for Hardtop latched, check the seal between the Sunrider for Hardtop and the rear hardtop. The seal should fit well and cover the channel between the Sunrider for Hardtop and the rear hardtop, with no kinks, folds, or bulges visible from the outside.

If the fit is not good, unlatch the Sunrider for Hardtop, and go back to Step 1 on Page 10, making sure that the seal fit is good before latching the Sunrider for Hardtop again.

Step 1: From inside the Jeep, locate the two Windshield Header Latches.
1 Open both latches and,
2 fold the Sunrider back.

Step 2: Secure the Sunrider with the Tie Down Straps, #410.12. Wrap each strap around the arm twice and secure the hook-and-loop strap.

Secure both sides of the Sunrider.

Your Bestop product 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.

Fabric: The fabric should be washed often using soap, warm water and a soft bristle brush Rinse with clear water to remove all traces of soap. Bestop recommends using Bestop Cleaner (part no. 11201-00) and Bestop Protectant (part no. 11202-00) Bestop Cleaner and Bestop protectant are specially formulated to provide a total cleaning and protection system. Bestop Cleaner safely removes the toughest stains, will not harm vehicle finishes, is biodegradable and environmentally friendly. Bestop Protectant protects against fading, cracking and hardening, and repels dust, grease, dirt and mildew.

Windows: Keep windows clean to avoid scratching. DO NOT use a brush on the windows! Wash with a water-soaked cloth or sponge and a mild dishwashing detergent. Bestop recommends Bestop Vinyl Window Cleaner (part no. 11203-00), which safely cleans and protects vinyl windows and helps prevent UV damage. NEVER WIPE THE WINDOWS WHEN THEY ARE DRY. Be careful when cleaning snow or frost from the vinyl windows since they are easily scratched and may crack at low temperatures. DO NOT roll the sides or rear window in cold weather. The windows become stiff and will crack. Cracks caused by misuse in cold temperatures are not covered under warranty.

Zippers: Keeping zippers cleaned and lubricated with Bestop’s Zipper Cleaner (part no. 11206-00) will help prevent damage and keep the zippers in smooth working condition. If a zipper opens behind the slider, the slider may have been spread apart. This problem can usually be repaired by using an ordinary pair of pliers to bring the sides back into parallel. Return slider to the end of the zipper in the normal Open position. Squeeze lightly at first and test the zipper. If the zipper continues to remain open squeeze more firmly with the pliers and try the zipper again. Repeat this procedure until the zipper operates correctly.

Water: Seeping through at the seams may be stopped by applying 3-M Scotchgard® on the inside of the seams. Rips in the fabric may be repaired with Bondex® iron on patches. Iron the patches to the Inside of the top, carefully following the Bondex® instructions.

Snaps: Keep snaps cleaned and lubricated with silicone to help prevent snaps from sticking to the studs. If a snap does become stuck to a stud, use a screwdriver and GENTLY pry apart to prevent permanent damage to the snap or the top fabric.