Switching to Soft Top, Need Some Help

[GregAusTex]

Hi TJ Forum! Newby here. Had a YJ back in the day but it has been a long time. Just got a TJ and have some questions I hope you can help me with.

I bought a one with a factory hard top, but what I want is a soft top. This is a garaged toy. So I am trying to figure out what all I need and where to get it. I have full doors. I want factory compatible hardware so I can buy replacement tops as needed (I think there might be an issue with the Besttop NX kit considering this)


What do I need to buy to get a full soft top? Which manufacturers make decent quality stuff?
If I want a bikini top, do I need a new header or will it go right on?

Thanks!

 

[GeorgeSully]

Well I was a newbie recently and I literally had the exact situation so let me share my wisdom. First of all don’t get anything smittybilt and since you’re replacing a factory hardtop go with a frameless soft top that way you only need the fabric the piece that the top mounts to the top of the windshield of the top doesn’t include it and some of the door surrounds so the doors can seal up to the soft top. I made the mistake of going with a smittlybilt top and a factory frame and there are so many extra small parts that I need I’m four months and hundreds of dollars into it and I’m just going to sell it all and go with a frameless one.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Paul Land]

Hi TJ Forum! Newby here. Had a YJ back in the day but it has been a long time. Just got a TJ and have some questions I hope you can help me with.

I bought a one with a factory hard top, but what I want is a soft top. This is a garaged toy. So I am trying to figure out what all I need and where to get it. I have full doors. I want factory compatible hardware so I can buy replacement tops as needed (I think there might be an issue with the Bbesttop NX kit considering this)


What do I need to buy to get a full soft top? Which manufacturers make decent quality stuff?
If I want a bikini top, do I need a new header or will it go right on?

Thanks!

This is not a endorsement but I have PAVEMENT ENDS soft top it's better then factory standard comes with tinted windows costs me $350 in 2016

 

[Rob5589]

If you have nothing, the Bestop is the way to go. Two other options; frame less top from either Bestop or Pavement Ends; find a used set up from Craigslist.
I have a Pavement Ends frameless. Nice top, easy to install, not a single leak, inexpensive. You will need the header bar, tailgate bar, and tailgate clips since you are starting anew. While I like it, mostly, I am looking for a factory style top. It gives more head room and more room to the rear since it lifts the top off the rollbar instead of using it as support.

And welcome to the forum!

 

[GregAusTex]

So does anyone offer a good factory equivalent frame and other hardware as a single set?

 

[Rob5589]

https://www.bestop.com/jeep/2005/wr...top-2/sub-model/standard/window-color/tinted/

 

[GregAusTex]

Rob5589 - thanks! that may be precisely what I have been trying to find. Do you know if that kit is complete and the same as OEM? I'm trying to make it so when in the future the tops wears I can swap out with any replacement top.

I'm a little suspicious because I do not believe that the factory top has the flip back sunroof, but this says it does.

 

[Rob5589]

Rob5589 - thanks! that may be precisely what I have been trying to find. Do you know if that kit is complete and the same as OEM? I'm trying to make it so when in the future the tops wears I can swap out with any replacement top.

I'm a little suspicious because I do not believe that the factory top has the flip back sunroof, but this says it does.

From looking at the parts list, it has everything right down to the last bolt. The factory does not flip back (far as I know) but the BT does. Just an added feature.

 

[TJ Tigers]

I just switched to factory style top over the frameless. I like it better. Best Top would have been my chose if money was not an issue. Found a frame and top on Craigslist for $50. I'll be replacing canvas with Pavement Ends after winter. Pavement Ends tops are made by Best Top just not as thick if I'm not mistaken.

 

[Rob5589]

I just switched to factory style top over the frameless. I like it better. Best Top would have been my chose if money was not an issue. Found a frame and top on Craigslist for $50. I'll be replacing canvas with Pavement Ends after winter. Pavement Ends tops are made by Best Top just not as thick if I'm not mistaken.

The PE is a Bestop "budget" top, for lack of a better term. Bit less thick in materials but still has beefy zippers and good stitching. Mine has been on and off several times now and still fits very well. I wouldn't hesitate to buy another one.

 

[TJ Tigers]

@Rob5589 thanks for the heads up. That's definitely the route I'm going.

 

[GregAusTex]

Thanks Rob!

 

[GregAusTex]

Went with the Bestop NX. Happy with the quality and fit. Some hiccups on the install, but mostly went fine. Lessons learned shared here.

Thanks!

https://wranglertjforum.com/threads...ertop-nx-complete-replacement-soft-top.15206/

 

[Sj's TJ]

I to have been in the process of going from a hard top to a soft top from scratch. I got a used Rampage frameless from a buddy so I'm building it up. You'll need the header and the tailgate bar, but the biggest and most expensive thing I had to get were the door surrounds. I picked up a used set on ebay for $150. I was a bit shocked how expensive those were. They are key to the process.

 

[JGil]

Went with the Bestop NX. Happy with the quality and fit. Some hiccups on the install, but mostly went fine. Lessons learned shared here.

Thanks!

https://wranglertjforum.com/threads...ertop-nx-complete-replacement-soft-top.15206/

Hello, I have a couple of items that maybe you might need.
I have original door surrounds with mounting hardware.
I have brand new Bestop Header Channel w/ steel J-hooks...
Also brand new Bestop “Wind Jammer”
In Diamond black...
As well as other items for sale... they are all in the “parts for sale” section...
Best wishes...

 

[RussTJ]

I plan on replacing my original soft top in the future with a Bestop. Does anyone know which Bestop fabric is the closest to the original? They have a standard model, sailcloth and twill. I’d like to make an informed decision.

 

[Chris]

I plan on replacing my original soft top in the future with a Bestop. Does anyone know which Bestop fabric is the closest to the original? They have a standard model, sailcloth and twill. I’d like to make an informed decision.

The sailcloth is the original material.

The twill is an expensive upgrade, but very much worth it. Much quieter inside, just ask @Starrs!

 

[AndyG]

I have a stock full doors and what seems to be a factory soft top , and I recently wanted new windows so I got some from Bestop and they were an exact fit.

To appreciate today's tops , you have to go back 20 years to soft tops and soft doors ..man we froze .

One trick is running the fan on 2-3 pressurizes the cabin and cuts down on the popping over 50mph.