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How To Install a Barricade Fabric Replacement Top on your 1988 - 1995 YJ Jeep Wrangler

Installation Time

3 hours

Tools Required
  • (1) Shoe Horn
  • (2) Safety Glasses
  • (3) Razor Knife

Warning!

This product is designed to enhance the appearance of the vehicle and to shield the occupants from ordinary weather con- ditions. Do not rely in any way on the components of this product to contain occupants within the vehicle, or to protect against injury or death in the event of an accident. This top will not protect the occupants from falling objects. Never operate vehicle in excess of manufacture's specifications. 

Wear Seat Belt At All Times

Read and follow, precisely, all installation instructions provided when installing top. Failure to do so may result in a poor fitting top and could place occupants of the vehicle in a potentially dangerous situation. After installing or reinstalling the top, check to make sure it has been properly installed before driving. 

Parts List

Qty - 1Fabric Top
Qty - 1Quarter Window, Right
Qty - 1Quarter Window, Left
Qty - 1Rear Window
Qty - 1Door Cover, Right
Qty - 1Door Cover, Left

Installation Tips

Before you begin to install the new top read all instructions thoroughly. Below are a few tips to make this installation easier. After completing the installation, keep these instructions for further reference.

For a Smooth Fit:

For ease in 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 hard to fit to the vehicle.

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

Removing The Old Top

Caution:
Safety glasses should be worn at all times while installing this product. 

Step 1:

Remove the quarter windows and rear window. Remove the metal tailgate bar from the bottom of the rear window and set to the side. It will be reused.



Step 2

Unsnap the center and rear cloth tabs from the frame


Step 3

Pull down on spreader bars and push rear support bow forward


Step 4

Release the rear corners of the top. Pull gently down and then out to release the plastic strip from the retainer on the vehicle.


Step 5

Unsnap the old top from above doors, remove front plastic strip from windshield channel and remove old top. 


Installing the New Top

Step 1

Locate the top and orient it on the vehicle. Snap it to the middle and rear bows.


Step 2

Insert front top plastic strip into the windshield channel retainer.


Step 3

Push the front support bow all the way forward. Bow must slip into notch in the belt rail. 

Pull the bottom of the rear support forward to ease installation of the side curtains


Step 4

Insert rear corners of top into rear corner retainer rails.


Step 5

Pull the bottom rear support bow back until it snaps into the notch in the side rail. 


Step 6

Start the zippers 2-3 inches on the top and rear of the side curtains.


Step 7

Pop the plastic strip on the front of the side curtain into the retainer channel on the front support bow.


Step 8

Slide the plastic strip on the bottom of the side curtain into the side retainer. Start at one end of the strip and work along to the other end. Close the top and rear zippers on the side curtains.



Step 9

Push the inner spreader bar up until they snap into place.


Step 10

Open the tailgate. Slide the rear curtain retainer onto the bottom of the rear curtain. Close the rear curtain zippers. Push the rear curtain retainer into the top of the tailgate retainer. Slip the plastic on the bottom of the corners under the bottom of the tailgate retainer.



Step 11

Fasten snaps on top, above doors, to stubs on vehicle. Studs will slide to match location of snaps on top.


Step 12

Unfasten the plastic retainer at the bottom of the fabric door and remove it form the vehicle. Use a razor knife to cut the stitches on the old door covers and remove them from the door frames.


Step 13

Separate the hook and loop fasteners on the door covers and slide the new cover onto the frame, starting at the top. Work from corner to corner wrapping the fabric around the frame and fastening the hook to the loop as you work around the door. 

Note: a shoe horn may help with the stretching of the door skins over the upper door frames.


Step 14

Reinstall the upper doors. Insert the pins into the grommets in the lower doors.

Step 15

Fasten the snap at the front of the upper door. Slip the plastic strip on the bottom of the soft door into the retainer on the steel door.


Care and Maintenance of Your New Top

Your top is made of the finest materials available. To keep it looking new and for the maximum possible ware, it will need periodic cleaning and maintenance.

Washing:

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.

Zippers:

Keeping the zipper cleaned and lubricated with a silicone lubricant will help prevent damage and keep the zippers in a 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 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:

In the event of seeping through the seams, 3M Scotchgard may be applied on the inside of the seams to stop the seepage. 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 small flat-head screwdriver and GENTLY pry apart to prevent permanent damage to the snap or the top fabric.

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 dish washing detergent. 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.