Replacing the Soft Top

[CBJason]

The annual birthday complement of funds from parental units have arrived, and it's time to get a new soft top for my girl.

I've been looking at the Bestop Replace-a-top, one from Quadratec, and one from Smittybilt. Would love to hear others thoughts on each of these vendors.

 

[Chris]

Bestop is the OE supplier to Jeep for their tops. That being said, the Bestop is a factory top.

There is not a better top out there than the Bestop, plain and simple.

Comparing a Bestop to a Shittybilt (sorry, I loathe anything Smittybilt) would be like comparing a Porsche to a Hyundai.

If you want the best fitting top that's going to last the longest, you want a Bestop.

 

[Ahoragi]

Bestop is the OE supplier to Jeep for their tops. That being said, the Bestop is a factory top.

There is not a better top out there than the Bestop, plain and simple.

Comparing a Bestop to a Shittybilt (sorry, I loathe anything Smittybilt) would be like comparing a Porsche to a Hyundai.

If you want the best fitting top that's going to last the longest, you want a Bestop.

This.

If you want to save a few pennies and still get quality (Bestop makes this) then try Pavement Ends Sprint Top.

Nice and tight and quality made with a sunroof included. Bigger windows too.

 

[Rob5589]

The one in my avatar is a Pavement Ends bowless. Nice top, installs easily, kept out heavy rain and snow a few weeks back in Idaho. I went bowless because when I bought the Jeep the entire top was trashed, frame included. The only differences I found between it and an actual Bestop are the thickness of the material. I have better pics right after install if you are interested.

 

[Jerry Bransford]

As above, the order of best to worst is Bestop, Quadratop, and in a distant 99th position, Shittybilt with its paper-thin fabric and general poor quality. Quadratop's problem is fit when compared to the Bestop. Every in depth comment I've read on Quadratop's Sailcloth top says the Sailcloth is good but not as heavy as Bestop's is.... the most common complaint about the Quadratop is its poor fit, usually too loose and it flaps more while driving than the Bestop does.

 

[Ahoragi]

Shittybilt......

 

[Rob5589]

I will say that I also have a SB bikini top. Good fit, can snug it down to keep it from flapping, installs in minutes. I won't mention my SB bumpers so you guys don't hammer me too bad

 

[CBJason]

I was afraid of that...I like the Bestop Replace-a-Top, but they are much pricier than I'd thought...get what ya pay for I guess *sigh*

 

[Chris]

You get what you pay for with most things, especially tops!

 

[CBJason]

So, riddle me this...Bestop replace-a-top retails for about $550 on their website:

https://www.bestop.com/jeep/2006/wr...l/standard/window-color/tinted/door-skins/no/

So why do third party vendors, Craigslist, Amazon, and Fleabay mark it up so much? I used to think that these were resources for discounted gear, but apparently not anymore.

My bad, I wasn't comparing Apples to Apples. Seems the best deal is thru Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001892W58/?tag=wranglerorg-20

 

[Rob5589]

Look at it this way, if you get 5 years it is less than $100/yr.

 

[CBJason]

Yup...now just waffling between the tinted and clear windows. I like the tinted look, but am also remembering that for the entire summer from May-Oct the top was off anyway.

Do tinted windows on the side and rear impact visibility at all? I know the main purposes are to help keep it cooler in the summer, and ostensibly for privacy, but since it's a soft top, it's not like the tint will keep anyone out! LOL

Thoughts on the windows before I buy? Pulling the Amazonian trigger on Monday....

 

[CBJason]

Well, trigger pulled - went with the tinted windows

 

[Chris]

Well, trigger pulled - went with the tinted windows

How much did you get it for?

Also, I have the tinted windows on my Bestop as well. That is the way to go 100%. It doesn't impact visibility at all and looks much better than clear.

 

[CBJason]

Amazon had it for ab out $490, and an instant credit available of $25 which basically paid for the taxes. Best also has a mail-in rebate available for items purchased between Sept 1 and Oct 31 for $50, so when all is said and done, it'll be about $440

 

[Rob5589]

Good deal. Like Chris said, the tinted windows do not decrease visibility and look better than clear.

 

[Chris]

Amazon had it for ab out $490, and an instant credit available of $25 which basically paid for the taxes. Best also has a mail-in rebate available for items purchased between Sept 1 and Oct 31 for $50, so when all is said and done, it'll be about $440

Sounds like you got a good deal then! You'll be happy with it.

 

[CBJason]

I guess - just pissed away the entire birthday funds on one thing! LOL At 47 I'm also realizing that happiness is not a function of the material possessions we own.

What would really make me happy is winning a couple million bucks and retiring to some obscure island to spend the rest of my days with a cold drink in my hand and hot sand under my feet and between my toes!

 

[Rob5589]

I guess - just pissed away the entire birthday funds on one thing! LOL At 47 I'm also realizing that happiness is not a function of the material possessions we own.

What would really make me happy is winning a couple million bucks and retiring to some obscure island to spend the rest of my days with a cold drink in my hand and hot sand under my feet and between my toes!

You and me both brother!

 

[Chris]

At 47 I'm also realizing that happiness is not a function of the material possessions we own.

I realized that in the last several years myself. When we die all those possessions are gone anyways!