First timer - hope I'm in the right forum... just bought a 2002 Wrangler SE (2.5L) and need to replace the soft top (dry-rotted and falling apart). Looking for advice on soft -vs- hard top replacement and best (reputable) source for same. -Many thanks.
Old TJ - New Top
- Thread starter H-Byrd
- Start date
Welcome. you can't go wrong with Bestop replacement soft tops. Their 'Trektop NX' model is very versatile and popular. Very high quality materials and construction. hard tops are great too.
Best top made the original top for your jeep. You can check out their website to see which top you want to get. As long as your hardware is good (frame) I would just replace the soft top. Hard tops do come in handy in the winter time. however; for the convenience of being able to take down the top at any time by yourself I like the soft top. I've had two jeeps (one with a hard top and one without) and I enjoy the soft top better. But here's my disclaimer, I don't commute in my jeep everyday plus I live in California where the winters are much milder than Virginia. 4 wheels parts has pretty good prices on best top soft tops right now.
I'm one of the few who refuses to run a soft top. After owning a soft top I will only run my hardtop. The reason for that is because to me it's either top on or top off. There is no in between for me at all.
However, if you want the best-of-the-best (even better than factory), get a Bestop Replace-a-Top Sailcloth. Bestop is the OE manufacture for Jeep tops, and the sailcloth model is the same as the factory top, but a little thicker material so you'll get less sound inside the cabin.
However, if you want the best-of-the-best (even better than factory), get a Bestop Replace-a-Top Sailcloth. Bestop is the OE manufacture for Jeep tops, and the sailcloth model is the same as the factory top, but a little thicker material so you'll get less sound inside the cabin.
I had a hard top for several years but ended up selling it. I could never use it on longer trips to where I was going wheeling because it was a PITA to remove and then I had no secure place to store it... so it was totally vulnerable to theft.
The Bestop Sailcloth Replace-a-Top is nearly as quiet as a hard top, I no longer see the need for a hard top after having had both.
Be aware that no non-Sailcloth soft top will produce as quiet of an interior as the Sailcloth fabric will so I'd make sure the top was made out of Sailcloth... heavier-duty multi-layer fabric that also holds up to the sun much better.
The Bestop Sailcloth Replace-a-Top is nearly as quiet as a hard top, I no longer see the need for a hard top after having had both.
Be aware that no non-Sailcloth soft top will produce as quiet of an interior as the Sailcloth fabric will so I'd make sure the top was made out of Sailcloth... heavier-duty multi-layer fabric that also holds up to the sun much better.
I wish I had tried the sailcloth soft top. I bought a Bestop replace-a-top and it was so loud (and inflated at highway speeds) that it drove me nuts and I finally sold it. I'd be curious to see how much of a difference the sailcloth material makes over the standard Bestop soft top material.
I've had several versions of the sailcloth tops, and they are the best as far as regular soft tops go. I have to say, however, that compared to the newer black twill replace-a-top, there is no comparison. A co-worker has the black twill NX Pro top on his JK, the one with glass side and rear windows, which do nothing for me, but I have to say the material on that top is as superior to sailcloth as sailcloth is to the old standard tops. Thicker, quieter, more substantial overall. The only drawback (other than the hefty price) is there are no upper doors in black twill at this time.
If I was in the market for a new top, I might seriously think about dropping the cash for a black twill replace-a-top, they're that nice.
If I was in the market for a new top, I might seriously think about dropping the cash for a black twill replace-a-top, they're that nice.
I've thought about selling my hard top from time to time, but pretty much just use it in the winter here in ABQ. That way I can not only stay a little warmer, for the most part, but I can scrape ice off the windows if needed, and don't have to think about snow piling on top, it's no big deal with a hard top. It comes off in the spring and gets stored until late in the year.
Ahhh, thanks for reminding me about that. Sailcloth used to be top dog, but twill is supposed to be a lot better from what I hear.
Similar threads
