Bestop No-Drill Windshield Channel Jeep Wrangler JL 20-26 Gladiator | 51244-01

Overview

The Bestop 51244-01 Windshield Channel is the essential mounting hardware required to install a Bestop Bikini Top on your 2018–2026 Jeep Wrangler JL or 2020–2026 Jeep Gladiator JT. Engineered with a one-piece, no-drill header design, it fastens directly into factory header latch holes — no cutting, no modifications, no guesswork. Built by Bestop, the factory original supplier of Jeep soft tops since 1986, this windshield channel is the trusted foundation for open-air Jeep driving done right.

Key Features & Benefits

• True No-Drill Installation — Mounts exclusively via factory header latch holes, eliminating any risk of damage to your Wrangler JL or Gladiator JT's windshield frame or body panels.
• One-Piece Header Design — Single-channel construction spans the full windshield header width for superior rigidity and a precision, rattle-free fit compared to two-piece drill-in alternatives.
• Corrosion-Resistant Steel Construction — Heavy-duty steel build withstands trail abuse, weather exposure, and UV rays season after season without rust or degradation.
• Snug, Secure Bikini Top Interface — Provides a precise and snug fit along the top of the windshield, ensuring your Bestop Bikini Top stays locked in place at highway speeds and on rough terrain.
• Complete Hardware Kit Included — Everything you need is in the box: the channel, latch receiver brackets, mounting brackets (driver & passenger), bolts, washers, and nylon lock nuts — no separate hardware purchase required.
• Compatible with Header-Style Bestop Bikini Tops — Specifically designed for use with Bestop's Header Bikini, Header Extended Safari Bikini, and other header-mount Bikini Top styles for Wrangler JL and Gladiator JT.
• Novice-Friendly DIY Install — Minimal mechanical skill required; most owners complete the install at home with basic hand tools using the included step-by-step instruction guide.
• Limited Lifetime Warranty — Backed by Bestop's manufacturer limited lifetime warranty for lasting peace of mind.

What's Included

• 1× Header Channel (Part #423.45)
• 2× Latch Receiver Brackets (Part #596.45)
• 1× Channel Mounting Bracket — Driver Side (Part #596.49)
• 1× Channel Mounting Bracket — Passenger Side
• 2× M8 × 1.25 × 80mm Button Head Socket Cap Screws with Washers (Part #532.23)
• 2× M8 × 1.25 Nylon Lock Nuts (Part #434.12)
• 2× Bezel / Bolt Spacers (Part #574.05)
• 8× M5 Nylon Lock Nuts (Part #526.76)
• Bestop Illustrated Installation Instructions

Specifications

Manufacturer Part #	51244-01
SKU	BES51244-01
UPC	077848139186
Brand	Bestop
Material	Corrosion-Resistant Steel
Color / Finish	Black
Design	1-Piece No-Drill Header Style
Drilling Required	No
Quantity	Sold Individually (1 pc.)
Weight	12.0 lbs
Package Dimensions	57.5" L × 4.38" W × 4.38" H
Warranty	Limited Lifetime Warranty

Fitment & Compatibility

The Bestop 51244-01 Windshield Channel is engineered to fit the following Jeep vehicles:

• 2018–2026 Jeep Wrangler JL (2-Door & 4-Door Unlimited)
• 2020–2026 Jeep Gladiator JT (Pickup)

Important Fitment Note: This channel is compatible with Wrangler JL and Gladiator JT models only — it is not compatible with the JK-generation Wrangler. If you own a 2018 Wrangler, confirm you have a JL, not a JK, before purchasing. This channel is designed for use with Bestop header-style Bikini Tops (sold separately) and is not compatible with the Trektop, Trektop Pro, or factory Freedom hardtop panels. The channel must be removed before reinstalling a hardtop or factory soft top.

Compatible Bestop Bikini Tops (sold separately, require this channel):

• Bestop Header Bikini Top — Jeep Wrangler JL
• Bestop Header Extended Safari Style Bikini Top — Jeep Wrangler JL & Gladiator JT

Installation

The Bestop 51244-01 Windshield Channel is a straightforward bolt-on installation rated for novice skill level — no drilling, cutting, or professional installation required. The channel fastens into your Jeep's existing factory windshield header latch holes using the included M8 hardware and latch receiver brackets. Driver-side and passenger-side channel mounting brackets position and secure the channel precisely at both ends. Illustrated installation instructions are included in the box, and multiple instruction sets are also available for download from Bestop and Summit Racing. Most owners complete the install in under 30 minutes with basic hand tools. Note: A hardtop or factory soft top must be removed prior to installation of this channel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Bestop 51244-01 compatible with a Freedom hardtop?
No. This windshield channel is only for mounting Bestop header-style Bikini Top accessories and must be removed before reinstalling a hardtop or factory soft top on your Jeep.

Does this fit a Jeep Wrangler JK?
No. Part number 51244-01 is designed exclusively for the 2018–2026 Jeep Wrangler JL and 2020–2026 Jeep Gladiator JT platforms. JK owners should reference a different Bestop channel part number.

Does installation require drilling?
No. This channel uses a no-drill design that fastens into the factory header latch holes with no modifications to the vehicle whatsoever.

About Bestop: Bestop has been the factory original supplier to Jeep for soft tops since 1986, with over 50 years of experience crafting premium Jeep tops and accessories from their Boulder, Colorado operations.