Need help deciding on soft top

bobthetj03 said:
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.
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Back in 2003 I was rebuilding my 87 YJ and I needed a new top for it and id been hearing good things about the sail cloth tops that were coming out on the new jeeps that time so I bought one from Bestop… Expensive, but it was night and day difference between it and stock… This sierra top for $150 is as good as that one, the fabric felt the same…

https://www.autotopsdirect.com/Jeep-Wrangler-Soft-Soft-Blk-1997-2002-p/10-40-tj19702-21.htm
 
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Murf926 said:
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.
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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
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The saggy front window uppers are Bestop and in need of replacement, but no sag in the top at all.
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Summertime trim
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Man I’m telling you guys - if you are in to excursions and like the top off, but also live in climates that things can change fast like him, or may be driving home late in the cool air, the simplicity and versatility of frameless tops make them a good option - you get a real good safari/bikini top, portable windows that don’t take room up in the TJ that has no room any way, and you can also roll up the windows with hard doors/put your uppers in and run heat or air effectively with no rear or side windows….and can still carry on a conversation or hear the radio.

If I kept the top up all year the Bestop or stock is the better soft top system- but for the owner who “wants it all” especially in warmer seasons these type tops are a good option. I have heard more than one Jeep owner say it was their favorite top set up- and one of these guys has had over 40 Jeeps. They may not be for everyone but I really think they fit the bill and are fun to have.

I just got my first Rampage-not for the quality or the look, but for the fast options and convenience and cost ….it hit the sweet spot…..plus the fact @Hog has one and I try real hard not to let him get ahead of me. He is from Georgia and boy are those Dawgs competitive.
 
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AndyG said:
Man I’m telling you guys - if you are in to excursions and like the top off, but also live in climates that things can change fast like him, or may be driving home late in the cool air, the simplicity and versatility of frameless tops make them a good option - you get a real good safari/bikini top, portable windows that don’t take room up in the TJ that has no room any way, and you can also roll up the windows with hard doors/put your uppers in and run heat or air effectively with no rear or side windows….and can still carry on a conversation or hear the radio.

If I kept the top up all year the Bestop or stock is the better soft top system- but for the owner who “wants it all” especially in warmer seasons these type tops are a good option. I have heard more than one Jeep owner say it was their favorite top set up- and one of these guys has had over 40 Jeeps. They may not be for everyone but I really think they fit the bill and are fun to have.

I just got my first Rampage-not for the quality or the look, but for the fast options and convenience and cost ….it hit the sweet spot…..plus the fact @Hog has one and I try real hard not to let him get ahead of me. He is from Georgia and boy are those Dawgs competitive.
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Yep. If I'm doing a run where I think it might get cold or rain, I'll run with the half doors and put the door uppers behind the front seats. If the bad weather rolls in, I'll put the door uppers on the doors. It's amazing how warm and dry you can be with only a safari top and half doors with the uppers on, but I do like the comfort of knowing that the rear and side windows are onboard if I ever need them.

Count me as one of the guys who consider a frameless top as my favorite option. I haven't put my factory style top back on since I bought the frameless top 3 years ago.
 
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AndyG said:
Man I’m telling you guys - if you are in to excursions and like the top off, but also live in climates that things can change fast like him, or may be driving home late in the cool air, the simplicity and versatility of frameless tops make them a good option -
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Does the Rampage top flip back like the Bestop Trektop NX? :cool:
Trektop NX.jpg


jeep s 1 (2017_11_20 00_38_12 UTC).jpg
 
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I struggled with this with every Wrangler I have had. Always looked for a cheaper option and ALWAYS ended up getting the Bestop Trektop NX, and ALWAYS ended up loving it.

Buy once, Cry once and Smile later.


FWIW... I also sold the hardtop for every Wrangler I have had. Soft top full time and have never regretted it.
 
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TheBoogieman said:
I bought once, didn't cry at all and smiled immediately, after driving my Jeep on the highway with my "cheaper" new top. The first thing my wife said was " how come we can talk without yelling now?" She hasn't stop talking since. :(

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At least she didn't tell you, "We can talk without yelling now, but watch yourself, cuz yelling is still an option!".
 
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Thank you for this thread! I don’t remember how I stumbled upon it, but I just ordered one of the Sierra off road tops. They are currently running a 20% off sale, so it was only $120!!!
I’ll probably be able to sell my current rugged ridge top for more than that!
 
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