I wasn’t trying to rub salt in the wound…
… just trying to put out the word…it was a nice one for two weeks… if I could find an OEM frame I’d buy it again!
Need help deciding on soft top
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- budget soft top soft top frame
I wasn’t trying to rub salt in the wound…
… just trying to put out the word…it was a nice one for two weeks… if I could find an OEM frame I’d buy it again!
I just remembered that I had these pieces that came with the car. I didn’t know what they were for and so I put them in a corner. When I looked to price out hardware again I remembered them, does anyone know if I’m right about these being part of the soft top frame. And if so what other pieces a would i need.
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No sure where in GA you are, but I’ve never wished for a hard top here in ATL (Summer or Winter) If I was still in Chicago, that would be a different story.
I’m also in ATL, but do you really think that a hard top isnt that much better in the winter? I thought it would be more insulated and warmer driving down the highway.
In fairness, I don’t have a hardtop to compare but Jeep heat working properly is pretty damm good and it’s not like we get snow.
They are warmer, and they are quieter than a soft top… that being said if you get the sail cloth, soft top they’re pretty damn quiet also and if your heaters working like it supposed to a soft top, will keep you plenty warm… I just went from a soft top on my wrecked jeep to a hardtop on my new jeep and I like the hardtop and I’ll probably keep it but I will be getting a sailcloth soft top to put on it also… best of both worlds!
Ok that’s good then, but my heating and ac doesn’t work correctly atm. It only blows out the top left and right vents that you can’t move, and feet blowers.
Ok that’s good that they’re just as quiet, and I’m probably gonna get that sailcloth seierra one y’all are all recommending, and I’ll still have my old hardtop for when I want so I guess I’ll still be off pretty well.
I didn’t say that…they’re not as quiet as a hard top but they’re pretty damn quiet, that’s comparing it to no top at all, and a Smitty built… but you’re gonna need all the OEM frame for that sail cloth Sierra…
Well i sent a photo above and I think I have some oem pieces to a soft top frame but I don’t know what I’m looking at, or if I can buy the other pieces I need separately. And if I do need to buy it all could I not buy oem hardware somehow.
The single biggest benefit to a hard top, behind a theft deterrent for internal cargo, is noise reduction!
You will need the OEM frame for a soft top… It’s getting hard to come by…. This is the best top kit that you would need for that Sierra soft top…
https://www.bestop.com/products/oe-...7-2006-wrangler-tj-exc-unlimited/?sku=5500201
Now if you can find somebody that has a used one and wants to sell it they usually go between $200 - $300… but you will need all the pieces..
That’s why frameless soft tops have become so popular is it’s becoming hard to find the OEM frame… if you can’t find all the OEM parts for the traditional soft top then I believe this frameless top might be the best buy because it includes everything you need… I figure it’s the same one that @AndyG just got, and was talking about…
https://rampageproducts.com/frameless-trail-top/1997/jeep/tj
Door surrounds, it should have 4 "door surround knobs" with it.
You could call https://www.bulldawgmfg.com/
They make nice hardtops in Chattanooga but I've seen them list soft tops for sale. When I was searching a few years ago they seemed to have a good price.
I personally don't like the look of a frameless top
I have used all of the cheapo $200 tops and they all fit the same. Usually too loose and floppy but bearable. The back window is always a bitch but doable.
I sell used oem frames for $100 and the surrounds can often be found for less than $100.
I have used all of the cheapo $200 tops and they all fit the same. Usually too loose and floppy but bearable. The back window is always a bitch but doable.
I sell used oem frames for $100 and the surrounds can often be found for less than $100.
While I, on the other hand, love the "fastback" look of frameless tops. I also love the convenience of the one I have.
I've owned my Jeep since it was new and bought it with a soft top only. I don't have AC, so I run a safari top spring through fall since I need open air, but also want shade.
I know Smittybilt is generally a brand that receives much criticism, but I have this top and absolutely love it.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00L81T4G6/?tag=wranglerorg-20
The unique features of this top are the interior, overhead storage compartments and the fact that the side and rear windows store in zipped pockets within the safari top when not in use. My top is almost 3 years old (3 winters and now on my 3rd summer) and it's still super tight with zero stitching or fabric issues.
Overhead storage
The saggy front window uppers are Bestop and in need of replacement, but no sag in the top at all.
Summertime trim
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I found a complete OEM soft top on CL for $100. Top was rough, but all the hardware and frame were good. Just ordered new skins. I'd be curious to know what MIL thickness those Sierra tops are. I've done the $200 replacement tops before, but have been not happy with how noisy and thin the material is. Just my thoughts.
Maybe it has already been mentioned, but I think that @TheBoogieman found a brand of soft top he likes better than Bestop.
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