Install evidence

Bestop source wording says: You can't properly mount the rear vinyl window of your soft top without a Tailgate Bar and these parts tend to get broken or lost over time or the rubber seal becomes torn and worn out. Treat this as a configuration-sensitive top install. Verify 2-door vs 4-door, model generation, soft-top family, window kit, bow/frame or factory hardware path, header/channel needs, and whether the customer wants professional install.

Bestop product source pageManufacturer product page. Use for current options, price, fitment, and install-related source wording.Bestop installation helpManufacturer install-support hub. This is not an exact product PDF; verify the product-specific instructions before quoting.Bestop replacement parts and instructionsManufacturer support page for replacement parts and instructions. Use the exact product name or part path.

Tops & doorsNeeds vehicle setup checkProduct image available

Bestop

Tailgate Bar - Jeep ’97-06 Wrangler TJ; Compatible with Trektop Classic

1997-2006 Wrangler Tops Doors record from vendor catalog data. Status: unverified; verify vehicle-specific fitment before purchase.

You can't properly mount the rear vinyl window of your soft top without a Tailgate Bar and these parts tend to get broken or lost over time or the rubber seal becomes torn and worn out. Bestop's Tailgate Bars are the best in the business and include custom retainer mounts for a new installation. Black finished steel construction resists corrosion and scratches Integrated durable rubber seal Two retainer mounts with mounting screws NOTE: For Trektop Classic soft top only; if you have any other soft top on your 1997-2006 Wrangler TJ, order #52600-01

SKU

BESTOP-252778

Price

$89.99

Role

review candidate

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Question

How hard is this to install?

For Tailgate Bar - Jeep '97-06 Wrangler TJ; Compatible with Trektop Classic, the install answer depends on the exact Bestop configuration, not just the product name. Bestop source wording says: You can't properly mount the rear vinyl window of your soft top without a Tailgate Bar and these parts tend to get broken or lost over time or the rubber seal becomes torn and worn out. Treat this as a configuration-sensitive top install. Verify 2-door vs 4-door, model generation, soft-top family, window kit, bow/frame or factory hardware path, header/channel needs, and whether the customer wants professional install. Use the Bestop product page and install-support links before quoting final labor or dependencies.

Sources

- Bestop product-type guidance plus source install wording: You can't properly mount the rear vinyl window of your soft top without a Tailgate Bar and these parts tend to get broken or lost over time or the rubber seal becomes torn and worn out

- Bestop source page: https://www.bestop.com/products/tailgate-bar-jeep-97-06-wrangler-tj-compatible-with-trektop-classic/

- Fitment summary: 1997-2006 Wrangler Tops Doors record from vendor catalog data. Status: unverified; verify vehicle-specific fitment before purchase.

- Bestop local source capture: 2026-05-12.

Fitment and build notes

Vendor catalog record promoted for browsing. Final fitment, install dependencies, and shopper selection still require review before checkout.

A source-backed fitment match is enough to shortlist the part. Before purchase, still confirm the exact vehicle setup, variant, install parts, and whether the customer is buying for DIY install or a shop quote.

Readiness

Fitment statusUseful for a shortlist, but exact vehicle setup, dependencies, or purchase path still need review.Needs vehicle setup check

Product imageProduct image available

Purchase pathUse for build planning or a shop quote

Visual prioritymedium

Source-backed facts

Fact summary

Models: Wrangler; Years: 1997-2006; Source: wordpress_rest_bigcommerce_product; Captured: 2026-05-12