I finally got it on using a method much like what you just said -- pressing on one side at a time.
When I was talking about my soft-top being tought to clamp on, I was referring to the step of "closing" the latches that hook into the windshield. It's not THAT hard, just takes a bit of effort. And considering you have leverage with those big handles, I was concerned about how much downward force it would take to get those bolts on without the leverage advantage.
I have a 97 and I use my channel all the time. It takes a bit of working on
> but it goes. I take the pie shaped pieces off and lay the channel across the
> windshield then I push on one side and get the bolt in a few turns. After
> that just jump over to the other side and push down. It's tight but works
> better than I thought it would.
> Also, I have a question about your top. When you are buckling your soft top
> to the windshield and you say you have to push a little are you using the
> latches right? There is a flat piece and a skinny piece with the hook that
> goes into the windshield. If you lift the flat piece all the way up and
> leave the skinny piece pointing to the floor then it will have it's maximum
> reach. That's only if you point the flat piece to the sky. Mine just slides
> in when I separate them all the way, It is perfectly lined up. If you have
> to push down on your top to get it on and you just can't get the channel on
> then maybe someone put a piece of aftermarket weather striping on your
> windshield. Have you owned it from the get go or did you pick it up used.
> Mine was used and it seems to be in awesome shape. 97 63,000 miles and runs
> perfect, I hope I didn't jinx it.
>
> Good Luck
> Dave
> > I'm trying to install my no-drill Bestop windshield channel for my safari
> > top, and it just won't fit over the seal on top of the windshield frame. > I
> > have the instructions (thanks to quadratec.com), but it doesn't make any
> > sense. All I've accomplished is chewing up my seal. This thing just
> > doesn't look like it was meant to fit.
> >
> > I know when I put my top on, it take a good push to get the hinges down in
> > the front... maybe my seal is still too new (although it is a '99). > >
> > Any thoughts?!? Thanks!
> >
> > Eric
> >
> >
>
>