Hardtop On with Freedom Panels Removed vs. Hardtop Off

[calemasters]

Last spring, I installed a manual hoist on my garage ceiling for hardtop removal/storage. This makes it easy for one person to remove/install the hard top. Also, it is a nice way to store the roof out of the way.

I know many Jeepers like to go topless. I thought I would too. And I do. But to me there is no perceived difference driving topless vs. driving with the roof on and freedom panels out. I thought driving with the roof off would be a whole new driving experience. However, I could not tell the difference between driving with the roof off vs. roof on and freedom panels removed, unless I looked in the rearview mirror. Or rotate my head 180°, which hurts.

With just the freedom panels removed I have the same open air feeling, same view, same sunlight, same breeze, etc., as I do with the entire roof off. As a result, I tend to leave the hardtop on and just remove the freedom panels.

Maybe it's just me?

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[Gunfighter]

It's definitely more fun with the top off. Certainly a different experience and more fun, especially with the doors off.

 

[XJfanatic]

Depends on if the kids are in the back seat or not for me. I routinely drive with the soft top in the sun rider position when it’s just me. When the kids are in the back it’s all the way down as they love it.

The gladiator will normally just have the panels removed on the hard top as it’s not worth the hassle to remove car seats to pull the hard top for a day or two.

 

[jmarrr]

It's a little brighter with the top off, but I feel the same. It only seems worth it if you have folks in the back.

 

[Ron93YJ]

I agree. If you aren’t taking the doors off, there isn’t much difference as the driver if you have just the panels off or the whole top.

 

[Boatbuilder88]

Topless = less wind buffeting
Hardtop on + Freedom Panels off = more wind buffeting

That said... I really like my Sunrider for Hardtop

 

[LuvHydro]

Even tho this will be my 2nd Wrangler I haven't been in one with anything but the Freedom panels removed.

Looking forward to forming my opinion on the different configurations.

My gut says full naked isn't going to be nearly as great as I imagine it. In fact, little by little my Wrangler owning friends are letting the car out of the bag, so to speak.
"Man its hot today"

"Have you noticed how Maine reeks in the summer (Mexican, Chinese and Italian restaurants abound along that street)

"That sun is brutal"

"Guys I gotta go its gonna rain"

That said, I've always concluded the full naked thing is for passengers and other drivers.

 

[SilentBanshee424]

Topless = less wind buffeting
Hardtop on + Freedom Panels off = more wind buffeting

That said... I really like my Sunrider for Hardtop

I rode in my friend's Gladiator with the freedom panels off and it sold me on getting a Jeep. I got a 2 door and took the panels off and the wind buffeting is SO MUCH WORSE than the Gladiator. I thought I was just being dumb but after many times riding in each I think it's literally just the rear windows being open. Wish the 2 door top had the sliding rear windows like the old scrambler's had. Oh well. Still fun!

 

[GATORB8]

We had the hard top on for all of 2 months this winter. Swapped back to soft as soon as we could.

The windows haven't been back in since, the topless (or soft top stowed) is a completely different experience to me.

 

[mferrara91]

Mine came with a hard top...a month later I sold the hard top and went full-time soft top. Hated having to hoist the hard top off every time and also worrying about rain. I enjoy the experience of being completely topless and also being able to put the top up quickly in case it starts to rain. I also have a Spiderweb Shade on full time to cut down on the full heat of the sun. As they say...to each his own but I love driving topless.

 

[blessidsoul12]

Not to mention how much cooler the jeep looks driving around topless vs just freedom panels off

 

[Baconator]

Though I do seem to perceive a larger difference than OP b/w full top off vs. front only, the real game changer is doors. The first few rides w/ those off is like a roller coaster. I don't think I can own a full-time door vehicle going forward...

 

[Steph1]

Totally agree. Biggest difference is the backdraft which anyone can do without. From the front seats, the experience is the same, hence why I chose to go with a bestop sunrider for hardtop.

I also agree that the real deal is doors off, not necessarily top off.

 

[jmr]

Freedom Panels off & Back Window up = No Buffering.

Freedom Panels off & Doors off & Back Window up = More Fun & No Buffering.

 

[cripton805]

Neither. I have a hard top and I'm still debating if I want to go back to a soft top. Only two benefits to the hard top "for me"

1. The Back Window has a strut to stay open when loading something.
2. Defrost option to clear the rear window

I do live in CA and could drive with the soft top down 98% of the year. If I lived somewhere with snowy winters or a lot of rain. I would have a different opinion.

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