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Late Model CJ-5 Kelly Hardtop

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UPDATE: This model of top was also sold under the Sears brand. This 1977 catalog shows the top, but doesn’t indicate it was manufactured by Kelly. I’d assume that the different shaped door in the catalog pic has to do with that vehicle being a CJ-7.

1977-sears-catalog-hardtop-sideswing

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Originally Posted May 2, 2020:  People on Facebook were wondering what kind of top this was. After some searching, I learned it was a late model CJ-5 Kelly Hardtop with swing-out sides.

cj5-hardtop-swinging-sides

From https://www.pinterest.com/pin/541839398893087482/
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

kelly-hardtop-swing-out-side

Possible cut-down CJ-6 hardtop (same doors):

year-cj3a-valentine-apu-oregon02

 

23 Comments on “Late Model CJ-5 Kelly Hardtop

  1. Bill

    i just bought a cj5 with this top any info would be greatly appreciated cant find any info i like the top though would like to know who made it and how rare or unusaul it really is

  2. David Eilers Post author

    Bill,

    Kelly Manufacturing made the hardtop. It’s quite rare, though I don’t know how many were made. You can learn more about the company’s background here: http://cj3b.info/Hardtops/Kelly.html . I’m hoping to locate a brochure for this top.

    – Dave

  3. Mike

    Always thought this was a great idea, gets pretty hot in the summertime under a metal top.

  4. neal jung

    I don’t remember ever seeing this model kellly top ? – I have the older cj-6 model 300 ? — its like an OVEN inside , you could bake a TURKEY !!

  5. Nate

    Did anyone find a brochure for this top? I recently obtained a CJ5 with this top but it has no mounting hardware to the body? Could anyone share how there is attached?

    – Nate

  6. David Eilers Post author

    Nate, I haven’t yet found a brochure for this top. It’s possible it appears in a 1970s Four Wheeler Magazine, but I haven’t spotted it yet. I will add it to the post if I obtain a brochure.

    – Dave

  7. Terry

    This top was pictured in Sears 1981 Rec. vehicle parts and accessories catalog page 58 , similar top different door window in 1980 Sears cat. $739 , it’s made of aluminum .

  8. Justin

    I just bought a 78 CJ 5 with this top. It doesn’t seem to fit right around the doors and the door glass is broken. It looks like the windshield frame doesn’t fit right either as it was loaded with silicone. I am considering either selling it or trading it for a regular hard top or even a soft top. I beleive it may be meant for the earlier model CJ5s

  9. David Eilers Post author

    Justin,

    That’s interesting to hear. Once I locate a brochure we’ll know more about what they should fit. If you want to take a couple pics and email them to me (d @ dealers.com), maybe I can figure out why it’s not fitting?

    – Dave

  10. Bob

    Dave,

    I recently bought a 76’-83’ Kelly aluminum top for a CJ5. I am getting ready to fully restore the top for my 78’. Do you have any information on where I can find replacement seals for the windows and top to body seals? I have spent a ton of time and money on making everything clean, neat and fully functional on my Jeep. I would like to do the same to the top. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

    Thank you,

    Bob

  11. David Eilers Post author

    Hi Bob,

    Unfortunately, I have not seen anyone offering replacement parts for aftermarket hardtops. If you do locate a source, please let me know, because I’m sure others would want to know as well.

    Thanks,

    – Dave

  12. JohnB

    Bob
    For the window seal, simply find a glass company in town that does RV and camper shell work. I’m guessing the window rubber design should be the same as in a RV, conversion van, or pickup shell.

    For body seals, you’ll probably have to find “close enough”.
    I would imagine there is a catalog showing seals with their respective cross sections somewhere.
    Perhaps an online automotive parts house that caters to antiques, rods, customs and kit cars?
    If your town is large enough, there may be a body shop what does rod and custom work. They would likely have a catalog and source.
    To find that, see if there is a local rod and custom club (there are two in my town of <500,000) in town and ask who does bodywork.

    I got to be pretty adept at finding alternative sources for stuff when I restored a George Barris custom.

  13. Bob

    Dave and JohnB
    Thanks for the replies. I believe I am just going to start with Austin Hardware. I have been restoring old cars and trucks for most of my life. They usually have what I’m looking for if I can pull the old weatherstripping to get the profile and measurements. This Jeep is not my first restoration project but it is my personal vehicle so I thought I would reach out to some real “Jeep” folks to see what my options were? Thanks again for your response.

    -Bob

  14. Jeffrey Kirks

    Hi. I’m new to this but I purchased a 72 cj5 and looking for a hard top for it. Im in VA so anything on the east coast I could probably get

  15. David Eilers Post author

    Hi Jeffrey,

    Your best bet would be to 1) Watch your local Craigslists, 2) Join a few of the CJ-5-oriented Facebook groups and watch on your regional Facebook Marketplace area, 3) and Join the http://www.earlycj5.com/xf_cj5/index.php site.

    I do post hardtops when I see them, but I only add posts about every other day at this point.

    If you have questions, you can always email me at d@deilers.com.

    – Dave

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