JL Hardtop to Softop

[HsyJeeps]

I am on the verge of trading in my 2018 Sahara (Hard Top) for a 2021 Rubicon (Soft Top). I am going to trade my OEM soft top with my Sahara to the trade will be Soft top for Soft top. My question is, what do I need to remove from my jeep to make sure my hard top will fit the new Rubicon? I know that I won't have the wiper/fluid function on the new Rubicon, I just want to make sure I can secure the top and not buy additional parts.

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[Redbaron73]

I am on the verge of trading in my 2018 Sahara (Hard Top) for a 2021 Rubicon (Soft Top). I am going to trade my OEM soft top with my Sahara to the trade will be Soft top for Soft top. My question is, what do I need to remove from my jeep to make sure my hard top will fit the new Rubicon? I know that I won't have the wiper/fluid function on the new Rubicon, I just want to make sure I can secure the top and not buy additional parts.

You will need the screws that secure the hardtop to the jeep and the hardtop / freedom panels themselves. Nothing else required.

When removing the soft top, you will remove the additional plastic panels that attach above each door, and behind the rear passenger door (if a 4 door).

 

[jludave]

My question is, what do I need to remove from my jeep to make sure my hard top will fit the new Rubicon?

Remove the soft top and any brackets attached to the roll bar.

 

[HsyJeeps]

You will need the screws that secure the hardtop to the jeep and the hardtop / freedom panels themselves. Nothing else required.

When removing the soft top, you will remove the additional plastic panels that attach above each door, and behind the rear passenger door (if a 4 door).

Thanks - so I am removing my hard top, putting on the soft top and trading it in. The question is, do I need to remove any brackets for the hard top that would be on the jeep? Ex. the brackets for the freedom panels?

 

[jludave]

The question is, do I need to remove any brackets for the hard top that would be on the jeep? Ex. the brackets for the freedom panels?

I don't recall if all JLs come with them, but you may need to remove the 2 pieces that the freedom panels latch to on the windshield header and the one at the roll bar.

Refer to this thread:

https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/fo...ng-if-i-get-a-hardtop-after-buying-soft.9929/

 

[Gee-pah]

I am on the verge of trading in my 2018 Sahara (Hard Top) for a 2021 Rubicon (Soft Top). I am going to trade my OEM soft top with my Sahara to the trade will be Soft top for Soft top. My question is, what do I need to remove from my jeep to make sure my hard top will fit the new Rubicon? I know that I won't have the wiper/fluid function on the new Rubicon, I just want to make sure I can secure the top and not buy additional parts.

Do JLs shipped with soft tops only (like the Rubi you are getting) come with the brackets on to which the Freedom Panel's forward and midline latches attach to?

 

[jludave]

Do JLs shipped with soft tops only (like the Rubi you are getting) come with the brackets on to which the Freedom Panel's forward and midline latches attach to?

If you refer to the thread I linked above, I'm fairly certain it indicates they do not.

 

[Gee-pah]

If you refer to the thread I linked above, I'm fairly certain it indicates they do not.

Gotcha Dave:

when you wrote "...remove the 2 pieces that the freedom panels latch to on the windshield header" I thought about the front latches closer to either side of the vehicle, not the ones closer to midline.

 

[SteveTigers]

Can’t you sell the hardtop from the Sahara and make enough to pay for a new Hard Top plus wiper, fluid line, defrost connector, column switch, latches?

 

[JPAloha]

2x brackets on the header panel, 2x brackets on the roll cage, 6x bolts holding the hardtop to the tub. You will need to change the wiper stalk, wiring, washer pump and plumbing to make it functional.

 

[Gregj]

If it were me and the goal is a dual top Rubicon I would trade the hardtop Sahara and buy a hardtop Rubicon and keep the softtop since you already have it. That way you get the controls for the wiper, washer and defrost. They are a pain to add later as you pretty much have to gut the interior to install all the wires.

Unless you have your heart set on a particular Rubicon I think you will be ahead to buy one with a hardtop. I bought my JL with a hardtop and picked up a premium softtop on the marketplace for a deal.
Gregj

 

[Razvan_JLU]

Did the same transition to my Rubi (Bought it only with soft top, got later an used hardtop).
If the new car is sold with soft top only (like mine), you will miss the brackets already mentioned above. DV8 has them at a very good price (paid 90 bucks).

PS: I don't give a s*** missing the fluid washer and all other stuff. Got a lot of winter in my side of the world and never felt like missing the wiper, washer or defrost. Summer is coming and can't wait to switch bak to soft top.

 

[HsyJeeps]

If it were me and the goal is a dual top Rubicon I would trade the hardtop Sahara and buy a hardtop Rubicon and keep the softtop since you already have it. That way you get the controls for the wiper, washer and defrost. They are a pain to add later as you pretty much have to gut the interior to install all the wires.

Unless you have your heart set on a particular Rubicon I think you will be ahead to buy one with a hardtop. I bought my JL with a hardtop and picked up a premium softtop on the marketplace for a deal.
Gregj

It was down to a Color and exact model i was looking for.....#SargeGreen

 

[HsyJeeps]

Did the same transition to my Rubi (Bought it only with soft top, got later an used hardtop).
If the new car is sold with soft top only (like mine), you will miss the brackets already mentioned above. DV8 has them at a very good price (paid 90 bucks).

PS: I don't give a s*** missing the fluid washer and all other stuff. Got a lot of winter in my side of the world and never felt like missing the wiper, washer or defrost. Summer is coming and can't wait to switch bak to soft top.

THats what I ended up doing. I will just have to wash the back window when I get gas . Worth it to save on the front end and still have both tops.

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