Installation Instructions for Rugged Ridge 13702.XX Fabric Replacement Top

Quick Guide from the Manual

This installation guide is for the Rugged Ridge Fabric Replacement Top designed for 1988-1995 YJ Wrangler vehicles. For the best results and ease of installation, the top should be installed at a temperature above 72°F (22°C). Below this temperature, the fabric may contract, making it difficult to fit. It is normal for the fabric to arrive with wrinkles from shipping; these will relax and disappear within a few days of installation.

Safety Warning: Always wear safety glasses during installation. This product is for weather protection and does not provide structural protection in the event of an accident.

Parts List

• Fabric Top
• Quarter Window (Right & Left)
• Rear Window
• Door Cover (Right & Left)

Removing the Old Top

1. Remove the quarter windows and rear window. Remove the metal tailgate bar from the bottom of the rear window and set it aside for reuse.
2. Unsnap the center and rear cloth tabs from the frame.
3. Pull down on the spreader bars and push the rear support bow forward.
4. Release the rear corners of the top by pulling gently down and out to release the plastic strip from the retainer on the vehicle.
5. Unsnap the old top from above the doors, remove the front plastic strip from the windshield channel, and remove the old top.

Installing the New Top

1. Locate the top and orient it on the vehicle. Snap it to the middle and rear bows.
2. Insert the front top plastic strip into the windshield channel retainer.
3. Push the front support bow all the way forward until it slips into the notch in the belt rail. Pull the bottom of the rear support forward to ease installation of the side curtains.
4. Insert the rear corners of the top into the rear corner retainer rails.
5. Pull the bottom rear support bow back until it snaps into the notch in the side rail.
6. Start the zippers 2-3 inches on the top and rear of the side curtains.
7. Pop the plastic strip on the front of the side curtain into the retainer channel on the front support bow.
8. Slide the plastic strip on the bottom of the side curtain into the side retainer, working from one end to the other. Close the top and rear zippers on the side curtains.
9. Push the inner spreader bar up until it snaps into place.
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.
11. Fasten the snaps on the top, above the doors, to the studs on the vehicle.
12. Unfasten the plastic retainer at the bottom of the fabric door and remove it from the vehicle. Use a razor knife to cut the stitches on the old door covers and remove them from the door frames.
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. A shoe horn may help with stretching the door skins.
14. Reinstall the upper doors by inserting the pins into the grommets in the lower doors.
15. Fasten the snap at the front of the upper door and slip the plastic strip on the bottom of the soft door into the retainer on the steel door.

Care and Maintenance

Washing: Wash often using soap, warm water, and a soft bristle brush. Rinse with clear water.

Zippers: Keep clean and lubricated with silicone lubricant. If a zipper opens behind the slider, use pliers to bring the sides back into parallel.

Water: If seams seep, apply 3M Scotchgard to the inside of the seams. Rips can be repaired with Bondex iron-on patches applied to the inside.

Snaps: Keep clean and lubricated with silicone. If stuck to a stud, use a small flat head screwdriver to gently pry apart.

Windows: Do not use a brush. Wash with a water-soaked cloth or sponge and mild dish detergent. Never wipe windows when dry. Do not roll sides or rear window in cold weather as they may crack.