Soft Top Lovers Club- Tips and Tricks

[cptchunk]

I was super against the soft top on my two-door, but when looking for my JLUR, I wanted to test drive it to check out the noise and to really see how annoying the rear window removal was.

The rear window still isn’t as convenient as my hard top, but that’s to be expected. It still wasn’t as big of a pain as I initially made it it to be. That being said, the ease of putting the top back is incredible, and like most here, safari mode has to be the coolest look for the JL no matter the number of doors.

The rampage bag that was mentioned here several times has been a game changer as well. If there’s ever a way to make the rear window easier to access, it would make the soft top perfect in my eyes.

I’m still undecided on a tonneau cover or a security box for the rear, so I’m open to any feedback you guys have on those.

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[NoVABr0ker]

How do you soft top enthusiasts wash your Jeep? By hand or through a standard car wash?

 

[El Zilcho]

I would like to know if anyone has removed the top and hosed down the underside to give it a good cleaning.

I did and it worked great for me But dont take my word for it, Looks like I'm doing some things with my soft top that go against the manual.

 

[MrGneissGuy]

How do you soft top enthusiasts wash your Jeep? By hand or through a standard car wash?

Either at a self serve coin op car wash (well the one I've been going to takes credit cards now) or by hand.

 

[cptchunk]

How do you soft top enthusiasts wash your Jeep? By hand or through a standard car wash?

I’m personally a hand wash type of guy. Sometimes I’ll use a self-service wash in a pinch. I don’t trust any non-touchless car washes to not leave swirl marks in the paint. I’m apparently perfectly capable of that on my own .

The soft top makes washing easier because less paint to clean. I let the rain rinse off the top for now and I’ll put a protectant on every few months.

 

[Heimkehr]

How do you soft top enthusiasts wash your Jeep? By hand or through a standard car wash?

Hand wash only. Convertible tops and plastic window panels have no business being anywhere near high pressure wash sprays, touchless or otherwise. Others may disagree, and that's fine.

 

[JayCeeX2]

Apologies for revisiting the discussion about Aerospace products, but I am more confused than ever. Clearly, 303's fabric protectant is optimal for premium/twill, but which product is safe for sail cloth/vinyl tops?

I have the same question, I couldn't tell for sure reading thru this thread. I do not have the premium top either...

 

[NoVABr0ker]

Do you guys drive in BOTH sunrider and safari mode? I heard that is risky but not sure why.

 

[Heimkehr]

Do you guys drive in BOTH Sunrider and safari mode?
I heard that is risky but not sure why.

No. There were warning stickers on my soft top's frame that specifically warned against doing so. That's enough to convince me.

 

[MrGneissGuy]

Do you guys drive in BOTH sunrider and safari mode? I heard that is risky but not sure why.

You mean at the same time? I must be missing something, but I thought safari mode is top fully on but back window and quarter panels out. Sunrider is top back, but not fully down, with variations on windows in or out. Not sure how you do both at the same time.

From the manual
" The following options are available to you when lowering your vehicle’s soft top:
Sunrider® position with rear and quarter windows installed
Sunrider® position with rear and quarter panels removed
Sunrider® position with rear window installed and quarter panels removed
Fully lowered position with rear and quarter windows removed
Both quarter windows should be removed and installed together."

All windows need to be out if putting top fully down.

 

[Swagger]

If I am running safari mode, I don't bother with sunrider position. I just fold the top completely down. Just one extra easy step to do this, and worth it.

 

[NoVABr0ker]

You mean at the same time? I must be missing something, but I thought safari mode is top fully on but back window and quarter panels out. Sunrider is top back, but not fully down, with variations on windows in or out. Not sure how you do both at the same time.

From the manual
" The following options are available to you when lowering your vehicle’s soft top:
Sunrider® position with rear and quarter windows installed
Sunrider® position with rear and quarter panels removed
Sunrider® position with rear window installed and quarter panels removed
Fully lowered position with rear and quarter windows removed
Both quarter windows should be removed and installed together."

All windows need to be out if putting top fully down.

Here is a pic.

 

[GRXKen]

I bought a couple things that have have made life with a soft-top better. I think they are good additions for anyone with a soft top and should come with the Wrangler in my opinion

First I bought a bag for the windows from https://bjdcustoms.com/. I can hang it on the wall or from the headrests behind the front seat.

Next I bought a Smittybilt soft top boot https://www.smittybilt.com/softtopstorage#prettyPhoto It hold the top down nice and stops it from flapping around.

Both are simple to install and remove. We run with the top down and doors off as much as possible. Next is a security cover for the storage area so I can park the jeep and keep gear secure.

Mirror is dirty but you get an idea of how well it cleans up the line of sight

Random picture of our Rubicon re-named

 

[MrGneissGuy]

Here is a pic.

That's the second bullet from what I quoted from the manual:

Sunrider® position with rear and quarter panels removed

That is safe, assuming you have cargo secured so it doesn't fly out.

 

[Bestop]

Do you guys drive in BOTH sunrider and safari mode? I heard that is risky but not sure why.

Absolutely!

Lee
- the Bestop team
www.bestop.com

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