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One of the great things about Jeeps is that they are so versatile and easily modifiable from the factory. The vast amount of available Jeep tops perfectly underlines this fact. In this article, you’ll find out all about the top styles for Jeeps and also learn about their basic maintenance.
Soft Tops and How to Maintain
A soft top is arguably the best option if your Jeep is a weekend car. Having a convertible top totally changes the experience of driving a car and makes it more fun. This is even more so when your convertible is an offroad Jeep.
The soft top goes up and down in just a few seconds, and you don’t need any tools to operate it. With Jeeps, you even get the added versatility of choosing from the soft top being only halfway down, in the Sunrider position, or with the front up and the rear side and tailgate windows removed. The top can be easily adapted to current weather and your needs.
At the same time, soft tops also have their disadvantages. They don’t provide as good of sound and heat insulation and passengers suffer from a noisier cabin, especially at higher speeds. With the soft top down, the cargo area is also less accessible. A more worrying issue is the security of a Jeep with a soft top roof. It can be easily cut open with a knife, meaning that things stored in your Jeep are not as safe jeep soft top condition and weakness. Additionally, soft tops are costly to replace.
When it comes to maintenance, the soft top is not the ideal option either. While a Jeep hard top does not require any special treatment, the fabric and leather tops are a bit more delicate. The two most important points to remember are that you should not use a pressure washer to clean a soft top, and neither use strong chemicals such as bleach or common household cleaners that are ammonia- or alcohol-based. It’s best to use car detailing products specifically intended for cleaning soft tops. An immense help when it comes to soft tops is a soft brush, which will help you get all debris out of the fabric with ease when cleaning them.
Pros & Cons of Soft Tops
Exploring the pros and cons of soft tops is crucial for Jeep owners considering their options. Soft tops offer several advantages, including ease of use and installation, lightweight construction, and versatility. They provide Jeep enthusiasts with the option to enjoy open-air driving by easily folding back the top, offering a true outdoor experience. Soft tops are also typically more affordable than hardtop alternatives, making them a budget-friendly choice for those looking to customize their Jeep.
However, soft tops may have some drawbacks, such as reduced insulation and noise levels compared to hardtops. They may also be more susceptible to wear and tear from exposure to the elements, requiring more frequent maintenance and replacement. Despite these potential drawbacks, the versatility and affordability of soft tops make them a popular choice among Jeep owners seeking a customizable and open-air driving experience.
Hard Tops and How to Maintain
We’ve already established that if your Jeep is a daily driver, a soft top is not the best option. In such a case, you should definitely go for the hard top. With the Jeep Freedom panels, you can still get the open roof experience but don’t have to suffer the disadvantages in terms of security, or insulation, nor have to worry about cleaning. While it is true that the hard top panels are not as easy to take off and take up more space, the advantages are usually worth it.
Nonetheless, a hard top is still to an extent a compromise over a fixed roof. While insulation and security are much better than on the soft version, it can’t compare to a standard roof. Also, keep in mind that the Freedom panels take up space and are much easier to install with an extra pair of hands. To improve the sound and thermal qualities of the hard top, you should take a look at Mopar headliners, which provide extra insulation.
When it comes to maintenance of a hard top, it is nothing too difficult. It can be simply washed with the rest of the car. Only the seals may require special maintenance with a designated conditioner-slash-lubricant about once a year so that they don’t become brittle over time.
Pros & Cons of Hard Tops
Delving into the pros and cons of hard tops is essential for Jeep enthusiasts exploring their options. Hard tops offer several advantages, including superior insulation and noise reduction compared to soft tops. They provide enhanced security for valuables stored in the vehicle and increased protection from the elements, making them ideal for harsh weather conditions or extended off-road adventures. Hard tops also offer a sleek and stylish appearance, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the Jeep.
However, there are some drawbacks to consider. Hard tops can be heavier and more cumbersome to remove than soft tops, limiting the convenience of open-air driving. They also tend to be more expensive upfront and may require professional installation, adding to the overall cost. Despite these potential drawbacks, the superior durability, security, and all-weather performance of hard tops make them a popular choice among Jeep owners seeking a reliable and versatile top option for their vehicle.
Bikini Tops and How to Maintain
A bikini top is one of the less usual variants but a great one, nonetheless. It was designed as a lightweight and simple top that takes up very little space. It lets almost as much fresh air inside the cabin as with the top fully removed. Its job is not really to protect you from rain or wind but rather just to shield you from UV rays.
Besides taking up almost no space, the bikini tops are also extremely easy to maintain. When they get dirty, you can just put them in the washing machine or wipe them off with a damp towel. With that said, you should consider the bikini top more as an accessory to your standard soft or hard top.
Pros & Cons of Bikini Tops
Examining the pros and cons of bikini tops is essential for Jeep enthusiasts evaluating their options. Bikini tops offer several advantages, including providing partial coverage from the sun and elements while allowing for an open-air driving experience. They are lightweight and easy to install, making them a convenient option for Jeep owners looking for a simple and versatile top solution. Bikini tops also enhance the aesthetic appeal of the vehicle, giving it a rugged and adventurous look.
However, there are some drawbacks to consider. Bikini tops offer minimal protection from rain, wind, and debris, leaving occupants more exposed to the elements compared to full tops. They may also provide limited insulation and noise reduction, resulting in a less comfortable driving experience in certain conditions. Despite these potential drawbacks, the lightweight, easy-to-install nature of bikini tops makes them a popular choice among Jeep owners seeking a minimalist and open-air driving experience.
Unique Tops and How to Maintain
If none of the above options seem ideal for you, there are also a few unique options, such as the Jeep Sky Top-One-Touch Power Top and Dual Top.
The Sky Top-One-Touch Power Top is sometimes featured on the higher-end Wrangler models and is essentially a hybrid solution combining the soft top and hard top into one. Jeeps equipped with this option have a soft top center section of the roof, which can be electronically opened or closed. However, the rear side windows and tailgate glass are the same as on the hard top models. The hard top parts require no special maintenance and the fabric roof is to be maintained in the same way as the more usual soft top variant.
The Dual Top, as the name suggests, is simply two separate tops for your Jeep offroader. From Jeep, you get the option of having both the soft and hard top, and can freely switch between them based on your current needs and time of the year. Given that you have two different tops for your vehicle, this option is expensive, especially when you spec out for the painted hard top. There are also the previously mentioned disadvantages of both of the tops. Lastly, the conversion from soft to hard top and vice versa takes some time but you’ll likely do this twice a year only – at the beginning and end of summer, so this should not be too much of a concern. The maintenance of the Dual Top is the same as for the standard soft and hard top options.
Pros & Cons of Unique Tops
The pros and cons of unique tops is essential for Jeep enthusiasts seeking alternative options. Unique tops, such as flip-top or safari-style tops, offer distinct advantages that set them apart from traditional soft or hard tops. They often provide a customizable and personalized look for the Jeep, allowing owners to express their individual style and preferences. Unique tops may also offer innovative features, such as removable panels or sunroof options, enhancing the versatility and functionality of the vehicle.
However, there are potential drawbacks to consider. Unique tops may be less common and more challenging to find, limiting availability and aftermarket support. They may also be more expensive than standard soft or hard tops, adding to the overall cost of customization. Despite these potential drawbacks, the unique design, customization options, and innovative features of these tops make them an appealing choice for Jeep owners looking to stand out from the crowd and personalize their vehicle.
Top Picks
Each top has advantages, so it’s not always easy to pick the right style. To make up your mind, you need to answer whether the open-top experience is something you’re looking for. If yes, you can go with one of the many soft top variants, giving you the most convertible-like setup. On the other hand, if you want the most practicality and need your Jeep to perform in every weather, then just go for the hard top, which is almost identical to a fixed roof.
Bestop Sunrider
Available for both the Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator models is the Bestop Sunrider, which is a replacement for the front hardtop panels. The Sunride top can be easily folded so you can enjoy a breath of fresh air inside the cabin and when the weather gets bad, it can be closed just as quickly. It is thus perfect for all-weather use. Last but not least, installation takes just half an hour and requires only basic tools.
DV8 Offroad Ranger
If you want to make your Jeep more stylish, then you may be interested in the DV8 Offroad Ranger Fastback Hard Top, which is suitable for 4-Door Wrangler JLs from 2018 to 2019. There is also a similar top for the 2007 to 2017 model years. The sloping rear end gives the Jeep an unusual look and improves its practicality. The glass panels are made of 31% DOT-Approved glass, including a defrost function on the rear window. Another perk of this top is the carpeted headliner, which enhances the luxury feel of the interior. DV8 Offroad also offers these fiberglass hard tops in the square back variant for both the 2-Door and 4-Door Wrangler. The square back offers even better practicality and more traditional styling.
Bestop Strapless Bikini Top
In case you are after the lightest and most affordable option, consider the Bestop Strapless Bikini Tops. This top uses buckles and straps to attach to the sport bar of Jeep Wranglers, so installation is as simple as it can get. Edges of the top are reinforced for improved durability and colors are matched to the original interiors. The standard Strapless Bikini Top provides cover for only the front occupants. However, if you want the top to protect the rear passengers or cargo area of your Wrangler, you can also opt for the Extended Safari Style version, such as this one, finished in Black Denim color and suitable for 1997 to 2002 models.
At JEGS, explore the best products for your vehicle, whether it’s a Jeep or another car, truck, or offroader, and at a great price. And with incomparable service, you won’t want to shop anywhere else.
In the end, whatever option you decide to go with, make sure to check out Jegs.com, where you can find a wide range of JEGS Jeeps parts and accessories for your Jeep, including many soft and hard tops. To make your search for a Jeep top easier, below are a few interesting options that might pique your interest.
