Aftermarket soft top?

[Jeff20578]

Currently have a hardtop and am interested in a soft top for the summer. Ideally I’d like a top where the windows are easily removable.

ive searched online - there are just so many options.

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[Heimkehr]

Er...you don't ask a specific question in your post, so I'll just pass along a general FYI for now:

Bestop manufacturers the two grades of soft top -- sail cloth, and acrylic twill -- that are installed at the factory in Toledo. They also market their own line of soft tops in varying designs for several generations of Wrangler. So, what appears to be an aftermarket top in name may also provide the quality that you're looking for.

 

[Jeff20578]

Er...you don't ask a specific question in your post, so I'll just pass along a general FYI for now:

Bestop manufacturers the two grades of soft top -- sail cloth, and acrylic twill -- that are installed at the factory in Toledo. They also market their own line of soft tops in varying designs for several generations of Wrangler. So, what appears to be an aftermarket top in name may also provide the quality that you're looking for.

Sorry for the vague question - suppose I don’t know the proper questions yet until I become a bit more knowledgeable.

ideally, I’d like a higher quality top to avoid issues down the road. Is it best to just get oem? Or just as good getting something ”aftermarket”.

 

[Cutterone]

Personally I think it's hard to beat the functionality of the Mopar top, but I think Bestop makes the Ultra which is very similar in design the function. I simply love the safari mode. Most of the summer the windows are out, my favorite setup is windows out, safari mode, no doors. Great open air feeling without the sunburn

 

[Jeff20578]

Personally I think it's hard to beat the functionality of the Mopar top, but I think Bestop makes the Ultra which is very similar in design the function. I simply love the safari mode. Most of the summer the windows are out, my favorite setup is windows out, safari mode, no doors. Great open air feeling without the sunburn

That’s what I’m looking for - open air without having to have the top down.

 

[Heimkehr]

ideally, I’d like a higher quality top to avoid issues down the road. Is it best to just get oem? Or just as good getting something ”aftermarket”.

OEM quality is usually a safe bet, and the premium (aka acrylic twill) soft top is well-regarded for its appearance.

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I do have matching wear marks in two small areas of my soft top, based on their contact with the [non-static] frame when the top is folded back and the vehicle is being driven. This has occurred on every soft top I've owned, so I'd say it's just the cost of doing business. Something to keep in mind no matter what top you decide to purchase.

 

[Cutterone]

Sorry for the vague question - suppose I don’t know the proper questions yet until I become a bit more knowledgeable.

ideally, I’d like a higher quality top to avoid issues down the road. Is it best to just get oem? Or just as good getting something ”aftermarket”.

If only a summer top, the standard sailcloth will work just fine and save $$$. If winters then I'd spring for the twill. But I'd be lying if I didn't say I love my twill...

 

[Pinky Tuscadero]

I never see anything price wise that would push me not to do the mopar one but others like the slant back ones or the no back ones
if looking to keep the same space just do the mopar

 

[Montanabound]

Probably can find an oem top used for a 3rd of the price, good luck!

 

[Albertaktm]

I am looking for a soft top as well. NOT a fan of the Mopar soft top that piles all up against the back of the roll bar. Looks like a kid running around with the pants down around the knees. Off and out of view is the way to go!. I noticed the rear roll bar supports are almost vertical and land way further forward in the Tub than say the TJ. The Bestop i had on my TJ was frameless and used that sloping roll bar for roof support. Anybody have any insight to the frameless softop for the 2 door JL?

 

[Cutterone]

I am looking for a soft top as well. NOT a fan of the Mopar soft top that piles all up against the back of the roll bar. Looks like a kid running around with the pants down around the knees. Off and out of view is the way to go!. I noticed the rear roll bar supports are almost vertical and land way further forward in the Tub than say the TJ. The Bestop i had on my TJ was frameless and used that sloping roll bar for roof support. Anybody have any insight to the frameless softop for the 2 door JL?

I think Bestop makes one and also perhaps Rampage, if you are looking for frameless. But then you lose the ability to drop the top all the way, which IMO negates the whole purpose of the soft top anyway. I guess frameless come off fully quickly, but then you are stuck with no top wherever you are if the weather changes...the mopar top might not be the prettiest one ever made, but with safari mode and its ease of lifting and lowering, its functionality can't be beat...

 

[Albertaktm]

For me, The hard top comes off in April and back on late September. I like the frameless as it disassembles and stores flat on the floor. I have another piece of material I lay on top of that. I like them either up, or completely off. Most of the time I just leave the softop in the shop. If it is raining, take the truck or car. No desire for a sun shade here in Alberta. Tons of sun but rarely above 30C

 

[Cutterone]

For me, The hard top comes off in April and back on late September. I like the frameless as it disassembles and stores flat on the floor. I have another piece of material I lay on top of that. I like them either up, or completely off. Most of the time I just leave the softop in the shop. If it is raining, take the truck or car. No desire for a sun shade here in Alberta. Tons of sun but rarely above 30C

Sounds like a good plan. For the first time I have a 3rd vehicle so the Jeep can stay more naked all summer. But its does a lot of trips in the summer so I gotta have the top with me, even when I leave the windows at home.

 

[zrickety]

That’s what I’m looking for - open air without having to have the top down.

You can snipe an oem/Bestop soft top on the forums for $500...not often but they pop up.
This is what I would recommend. Safari mode rules, like an oversize golf cart.
If you don't like it folded, 4 bolts the whole thing comes off.

 

[Cutterone]

You can snipe an oem/Bestop soft top on the forums for $500...not often but they pop up.
This is what I would recommend. Safari mode rules, like an oversize golf cart.
If you don't like it folded, 4 bolts the whole thing comes off.

I second the motion, windows out, safari mode, doors off, such a pleasant drive...

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