STC 103-01X User manual

INSTALLATION UNSTRUCTIONS
PART #103-01X CJ-3A 1948-1953
104-01X CJ-3B 1953-1964
With Doors
Thank you for purchasing Specialty’s Convertible Top for your Jeep® vehicle. It has been
designed for great fit and long wear. Please read and follow, precisely, all installation instruc-
tions provided when installing top. Failure to do so may result in a poor fitting top and could
place occupants in a potentially hazardous situation.
TOOLS REQUIRED:
3/8” WRENCH 7/16” WRENCH
1/2” WRENCH #2 PHILLIPS SCREWDRIVER
1/8” DRILL BIT 5/32” DRILL BIT
3/8” DRILL BIT ELECTRIC DRILL
8’ TAPE MEASURE RUBBING ALCOHOL
INSTALLATION TIPS
Before you begin installing this top, here are a few tips to
make installation easier.
This top should be installed where the temperature
is above 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Below this temperature,
the top may contract making it difficult to install.
It is normal for a top to contract and wrinkle when
stored in the shipping carton. The top will relax and
wrinkles will disappear within a few days of installation as
fabric adjusts to shape of mounting hardware.
INSTALLATION PROCEDURES:
On page 4 of this instruction manual there is an assembly
drawing. Please refer to it for identification of parts and
assembly assistance. Also refer to page 6 to assure that all
parts are included in your kit.
Pg 1 103-010
Figure 1
Step 1. Bow Mount. Measure 37 1/2” from dash to the top
of body and mark a line. This is for the positioning of the
bow mount bracket (Item 1). Place front of bow mount
bracket on this line. Using the bow mount as a template,
mark and drill 5/32” holes in top center of body flange.
Secure to body with #14 x 1/2” sheet metal screws (Item 2),
making sure that one set of holes in bow mount hang over
the inside edge of body. See figure 2. Repeat for the other
side.
Windshield Adjustment. If your windshield frame is
improperly adjusted, the top will not fit or function properly.
Adjust windshield frame as shown in figure 1. Measure
from inside edge of windshield frame to inside edge of body
near tailgate opening. This measurement should be
66 1/2”. This measurement within 3/8”. If windshield is out
of adjustment you may have to adjust the mounting points
of the windshield frame to achieve the proper measure-
ment. Bending of the windshield frame may be necessary
as the last option. See figure 1.

Pg 2 103-010
Step 5. Horizontal And Vertical Rods. Place front of
horizontal rod (Item 15) into bracket on windshield frame.
On M38 models the bracket may need to be bent in at a
90 degree angle to be the same as a CJ-3A. There are left
and right horizontal rods. The right is identified by having a
white mark at one end. The washer on the rod will be
closest to the front bow when installed. The washer should
also be at the bottom of the rod and to the inside of the
vehicle. Measure 30 1/2" from dash and mark a line on top
of body flange. Drill a 1/2" hole centered from side to side.
Put one end of vertical rod (Item 16) into 1/2" hole drilled in
body and the other end into washer welded on horizontal
rod. Pull front bow forward and put rear of horizontal rod
into lower hole. Repeat for other side. Thread center strap
through footman loop mounted on windshield frame and
tighten.
Step 2. Bow Installation. Place rear bow lock (Item 3) into
rear of bow mount with three sets of holes to the front of
vehicle. Place 1/4-20 x 1 1/2" hex bolts (Itern 4) through
bow mount and bow lock, and secure with 1/4-20 lock nut
(Item 5). These items must pivot, so do not over tighten.
Repeat for other side. Place rear bow covers (Item 6) over
rear bow halves (Item 7). Slide bow halves together. Place
rear bow into center set of holes in rear bow lock. Fasten
with 1/4-20 x 1 1/2" hex bolts (Item 4) and 1/4-20 lock nuts
(Item 5). Again these Items must pivot, so do not over
tighten. Repeat for other side. Place center strap (Item 8)
over front bow half (Item 9). Slip front bow covers (Item 10)
over front bow halves. Place front bow into front of bow
mount. Place 1/4-20 x 1 1/2" hex bolt through bow mount
and front bow. Secure with 1/4-20 lock nut. Tighten only
enough to allow bow to pivot. Repeat for other side. See
figure 3.
Step 3. Footman Loops. Place footman loop (Item 11) at
rear corner of vehicle. Using footman loop as a template,
mark and drill 1/8" holes. Secure to body with #8 x 1/2"
sheet metal screws (Item 12). Repeat for other side. Place
footman loop at inside top center of windshield frame.
Using footman loop as a template, mark and drill 1/8" holes
and secure to frame with #8 x 1/2" sheet metal screws. If
there is a footman loop already in place, disregard this
step. See figure 5.
Step 4. Slot Installation. Center windshield slot (Item 13)
from side to side on top of windshield frame. Using wind-
shield slot as a template mark and drill 1/8” holes. Secure
slot to windshield frame with #10 x 1/2” sheet metal screws
(Item 14). See figure 4.
Figure 3
Figure 2
Figure 4

Pg 3 103-010
Step 6. Top Installation. Place convertible top vinyl side down on hood of vehicle. Unfold top. Place sewn in plastic at
front of top into windshield channel (Item 17). Place flat portion of channel into slot on top of windshield frame (see figure
6-A). Flip top over support bows. Snap rear bow flap to rear bow. Snap the outer most snap first then work to the center
of bow. The extreme outside snaps on the rear bow will not be used on this application. Pull side panels and rear curtain
down to meet the top of the body. Wrap flaps around horizontal and vertical rods and fasten hook and loop together. Pull
rear bow into locked position. See figure 6-A & 6-B. Close zippers at each side of the rear curtain.
If your vehicle is equipped with original equipment bow pockets they will need to be removed for a proper fitting
top. Measure 1/8” over, toward center of vehicle, from rear vertical seam and 3/4” down from top of body for location of
first snap stud. Mark and drill 1/8” hole. Install sheet metal screw stud (Item 18). Repeat for the other side. Snap the last
snap on side panels to these snap studs. Continue installing studs alternating from left to right as you snap the top to
each stud. Pull forward and down on side panels to find each snap stud location using snaps on side panels as a guide.
See figure 5.
There are two sets of flaps on the rear curtain. If your vehicle has no tailgate you will use the inside flap. If your
vehicle is equipped with a tailgate you will use the outside flap. Measure to find center of the tailgate area. Pull on center
snap on rear curtain to align with center line of tailgate. Mark and drill 1/8” hole. Install sheet metal screw stud. Snap
rear curtain to stud. Continue installing snap studs pulling down and to the side alternating left to right, using snaps on
rear curtain as a guide.
Thread buckle straps through footman loops and tighten. Do not over tighten as damage may result. These
straps are for keeping tension on the rear bow when the side panels and rear curtain are rolled up.
There will be a snap at the forward edge of the flap that wraps around the horizontal rod. Use this snap as a
guide mark and drill 1/8” hole. Install a sheet metal screw stud and snap flap to stud. Repeat for the other side.
Pull forward and down at front corners of top at the windshield frame. Mark and drill 1/8” holes using snap on top
as a guide. Install sheet metal screw studs and snap flaps to stud. These snaps pull the drip rails taught to keep water
from running down into the door openings. See figure 6-D.
Figure 5

Pg 4 103-010
Figure 6

Pg 5 103-010
Step 6. Install Doors. Place square peg on inside door handle (Item 21) through 3/8" washer (Item 22) and through
inside hole in door. Place another 3/8" washer over peg, on outside of door, and slide on outside door handle (Item 23)
over peg and tighten set screw in handle. Both inside and outside handles should point to rear of vehicle. See figure 7.
Slide sewn in rope, on front of door, into channel on windshield frame. On M38 models you will need to cut the 36” chan-
nel provided with the hardware kit and install it on the windshield frame and on the body for the lower portion of the door.
Place end of rod at top of door into upper door hinge. On M38 models you will need to install upper door hinges (item 19)
on the inside of the windshield frame. With the door in the vertical position place upper door hinges over top rod on door
frame. Mark and drill holes using hinge as a template. Secure to windshield frame with #14 x 1/2” sheet metal screws
(Item 2). Place rod at bottom of door into original door pivot hole in top of body flange and pull down until door rests on top
of door opening. If your vehicle does not have this hole you will need to drill a 3/8" hole using the door, in the vertical
position, as a guide to find the proper hole location. Close door. Due to inconsistencies in vehicle manufacturing slight
bending modifications may be needed for proper fit in door opening. Bend frame a little at a time until door fits properly in
door opening.
On CJ-3B models you will need to install 13” door channel (Item 24) onto body by sliding it onto sewn in rope on lower
part of the door and pulling forward and down on channel to smooth fabric. Using the channel as a template, mark and
drill 1/8" holes. Secure channel to body with #10 x 1/2" sheet metal screws (Item 14). Again pull forward and down to find
the position for the snap stud at bottom front of door. Mark and drill 1/8" hole and install snap stud (Item 18). Snap door to
stud. See figure 7 .
Figure 7

Pg 6 103-010

Pg 7 103-010
Rolling up side curtains. Before rolling up panels, clean
windows with a mild non-detergent soap and water. If
windows are not clean, dirt will scratch them reducing top
life. To roll up the side curtains you must unlock the rear
bow. Unfasten snaps, back to front, unzip rear curtain and
roll up the side curtain as shown. Lock rear bow. Secure
with retaining straps. It is recommended that you use a soft
cloth between windows and retaining straps to prevent
marring. You can also roll up the rear curtain following the
same procedure. If you do not want to roll up the rear
curtain you can pull it forward and snap the inside flap to
the front bow.
Step 1. Unlock rear bow and unfasten snaps. Lift side
curtains and lay flat on top.
Step 2. Lift rear curtain up and place it on top of side
curtains. Remove chanel from windshield slot.
Step 3. Remove horizontal and vertical rods. As you pull
the top back, let the top sag between the front and rear
bows.
FOLDING INSTRUCTIONS
Step 4. Let the top come to rest at rear of vehicle. A
convertible boot is available to protect your top while in the
down position.

Pg 8 103-010
CARE INSTRUCTIONS
Convertible tops and accessories require special care if you want to get the maximum usage and enjoyment from them.
The following recommendations, if followed carefully, can extend the life of your top or accessory.
1. Hand wash using a mild non-detergent soap such as Ivory. Use a nonabrasive cloth or sponge. Rinse thoroughly.
2. DO NOT wash in direct sunlight and avoid automatic car washes.
3. When your top is clean, we recommend using “303 Protectant” on both the vinyl top and windows. This product con-
tains a sunscreen that helps protect from the sun’s damaging rays. Stay away from products containing alcohol as it will
cause the fabric and windows to lose their elasticity, thus reducing the life of your top or accessory. If you are unable to
locate “303 Protectant”, please call 1-800-223-4303 for a distributor near you.
4. Direct sunlight and heat are the biggest enemies of the windows. Park in the shade whenever possible. If you must
park in the sunlight, rotate the direction that you park every few days so all windows get even exposure.
5. Our tops are designed so that you may roll up and/or store the rear curtain and side curtains. To prevent scratching of
the windows, be sure that windows are completely clean and free of dust particles. Even a little dirt will badly scratch the
windows. You may want to use a soft cloth when rolling up or storing your windows. Heat may build up on rolled up
windows, so be sure to unroll them frequently. If you roll up the windows at the beginning of summer and leave them, they
may be ruined by fall.
6. DO NOT open or roll up windows at temperatures below 45 degrees F. This could cause them to crack or break.
7. NEVER use ice scrapers or snow brushes on vinyl windows.
WARRANTY INFORMATION:
Specialty Top Co. warrants to the original purchaser of any product it manufactures, that the product will be free of defects
in material or workmanship for a period of 90 days from date of purchase. Such obligations under this warranty shall be
limited to the repair or replacement, at Specialty’s discretion, of any assembly or parts which upon examination by
Specialty Top Co. proves to be defective. All defective items must be returned with proof of purchase to Specialty Top Co.,
200 East 64th Avenue, Denver, Colorado 80221, freight prepaid. This warranty does not cover damage resulting from
abuse, misuse, alteration, accident or damage in transit. Specialty’s obligations under this warranty are limited to the
aforementioned repair or replacement of warranty defects for which the return authorization has been received during the
warranty period, and SPECIALTY TOP CO. SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGES ARISING FROM BREECH OF THIS OR ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY.
Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or
exclusion may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which
may vary from state to state.
If you need assistance or further information, you may contact Specialty Top Co. at 1-866-487-9944 between the hours of
8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, Mountain Standard Time.