Universal bimini tops

[BlkGS]

Bought a universal bimini top by MSC for my sx230 off amazon. Overall, the fit is pretty good, but its a bit too tall. If i were to use the frame, it would sit too far back, likely past the rear cushions.

So i have two options to get it to work, looming for opinions.

Option 1) cut the new frame to fit. The only risk here is gettimg the measurements right and the hardware to fit right. I bought nice staonless hardware to replace the nylon hardware that it came with anyways, so this isnt a huge deal.
Option 2) remove the oem top from the frame and try to put the aftermarket cover on it. The concern here is that the flaps may not line up. The new cover has very thing openings for the center rods, so not much room for error there.

I'm leaning towards option 1. Are there any umdesirable side effects im ignoring? The whole set including the new hardware was only about $250, so i domt mind doing some alterations to it so it fits.

Thanks in advance.

 

[BlkGS]

Thinking on it more, now i'm leaning for option 2!

Reason being the base mounts. The replacement frame uses nylon fittings which i would replace with metal ones. The metal fittings are held in with a set screw. I dont think thats enough support to stay in place when the force of the top acting like a sail is applied when going to down lake. The factory top has the mounts crimped in, a much more substantial mount. I was planning to use epoxy to reinforce those mou ts, but maybe not having to at all is better?

 

[BlkGS]

In case anyone else ever does this, swapping this cover over works fine. Got it swapped today and overall feel pretty good about it. My canvas did have a seam split at the front, hopefully the seller will send a replacement canvas. The fit is good overall, not perfect but for under 200 bucks you cant expect perfect fit.