Hey y’all, what is the best budget roof option for a 2004 tj? I do not have any frame work other than the door surrounds.
Soft top options for 2004 TJ?
- Thread starter Cms04
- Start date
The best bet would be finding an OEM frame and the other smaller items you will need from someone changing to a hardtop. Then buy a new canvas. I use the smittybilt or similar cheap ones but there are people who will spend big bucks on a bestop that is questionable quality.
There's a brand of cheaper soft top that some folks recommend but I can't think of. You can typically source used soft top frame and hardware fairly cheap.
I have a Bestop Trektop NX and love it. The price starts to not be as big of a difference since you would need a full top including hardware. However, the frameless tops aren't for everyone since some don't like the slant back style. It's not an aggressive slant with the TJ Trektop but if I (5'9") sit in the back my head clears unless I lean back a bit.
I have a Bestop Trektop NX and love it. The price starts to not be as big of a difference since you would need a full top including hardware. However, the frameless tops aren't for everyone since some don't like the slant back style. It's not an aggressive slant with the TJ Trektop but if I (5'9") sit in the back my head clears unless I lean back a bit.
The trektop nx is exactly what I have been looking at. All parts included correct? Has it help up pretty well? I have a roof on for 3.5 months at most so would like to not have to worry about all the framing
The PO installed mine, but yes everything is included because they use their own surrounds for the fit. It's only a year or so old but it's holding up great. I was a little nervous about driving at highway speeds with the front portion flipped back, but I tested it and have now had it up to 75 flipped back with no issues, flapping or anything unusual. It's nice to be able to take the sides and back off and leave the top on. Then if you want more you can flip the front back.
Also, I live in the PNW and haven't had any issues with leaking yet. We've had a bit of rain since I bought it plus I've done some garden hose testing without issue.
Up to you and your budget really. Many have done what @P man mentioned. Get a used top for the frame and then replace the fabric portion. If you don't want to do that, then you could buy a Bestop Super Top which is similar to OEM. Or a Trektop NX if you don't want a frame.
There are lots of less expensive options, but they're not as nice, won't last as long.
There are lots of less expensive options, but they're not as nice, won't last as long.
I personally purchased the "RedRock TruShield Series OE-Style Replacement Soft Top" from extreme terrain back in April of this year. For the price I feel this is a great option.
As others have said try to find someone selling the bows and hardware used. Check FB marketplace.
As others have said try to find someone selling the bows and hardware used. Check FB marketplace.
CreepinDeth
TJ Addict
I just bought the SAIL CLOTH version.
SIERRA OFFROAD $179 - DENIM VINYL
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DR150OA/?tag=wranglerorg-20
SIERRA OFFROAD $199 - SAILCLOTH
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MLTJ629/?tag=wranglerorg-20
I was curious and watched a BEST TOP unboxing and it's identical.
IMHO they come from the same supplier.
SIERRA OFFROAD $179 - DENIM VINYL
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DR150OA/?tag=wranglerorg-20
SIERRA OFFROAD $199 - SAILCLOTH
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MLTJ629/?tag=wranglerorg-20
I was curious and watched a BEST TOP unboxing and it's identical.
IMHO they come from the same supplier.
Sierra Offroad frameless sailcloth top.
p.s. I've had their Trilogy top for nearly two years now. Still more quiet than my previous Bestop.
WestCoastDan
TJ Addict
They are only "identical" because they are for the same application.
Just like all cans of soup look the same on the shelf.
WestCoastDan
TJ Addict
W
Are you telling me that at speeds over 40 this doesn't flap around and beat the shit out of the top?
I'm not baggin on a budget ST, but really?
WTF is w/ the strap on the outside of the top?
Are you telling me that at speeds over 40 this doesn't flap around and beat the shit out of the top?
I'm not baggin on a budget ST, but really?
My old Rampage top had the same straps.
p.s. I don't currently have a frameless top.
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WestCoastDan
TJ Addict
I wouldn't call those "the same".
Being on the back of the vehicle is way different from being on the side.
I can already hear those side straps beating like a drum.
The straps can be hooked toward the rear at the bottom. I guess they didn't want it to look like they stretched the top out, like in the Rampage picture.
Those outside straps are one of the main reasons I went with the TrekTop over the Rampage back when frameless tops were a fairly new thing. That and the Bestops always had perfectly flat rear windows and most of the other brands are all wavy, which is just poor fitment imo.
I don't know how many years later (9? 10?) My Trektop has some broken teeth on the rear zippers, those inside rear straps have rotted and ripped off, and it's starting to tear where the bottom tabs for the top overlap with the rear window tabs at the back... but it still keeps water out and functions like it should.
I'm in the market for a new top pretty soon and those tan Sierra folding tops sure are tempting. Just need to source some folding hardware, mine is long gone...
I don't know how many years later (9? 10?) My Trektop has some broken teeth on the rear zippers, those inside rear straps have rotted and ripped off, and it's starting to tear where the bottom tabs for the top overlap with the rear window tabs at the back... but it still keeps water out and functions like it should.
I'm in the market for a new top pretty soon and those tan Sierra folding tops sure are tempting. Just need to source some folding hardware, mine is long gone...
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The straps can be hooked toward the rear at the bottom. I guess they didn't want it to look like they stretched the top out, like in the Rampage picture.
It looks like it's actually hooked into a provision on the side of the top though. I don't see any alternate hooking point on the rear. Not that it matters to me anyway, a strap on the outside is a strap on the outside.
CreepinDeth
TJ Addict
Not how I see it
When I say “Packed/Unpacked identically” i mean its literally like they were made & packaged by the same company. Rolled up, paper, box, etc identically.
That makes me believe theyre produced by one company and sold with various brand names , just like battery manufacturers and brake rotor manufacturers do
I believe this one, and the Sierra Sailcloth are from the same originating manufacturer. This one is just marked up 200% higher
https://www.quadratec.com/products/11000_2135_07.htm
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I love reading the reviews on products like soft tops.
One star reviews because;
it took 2 weeks to arrive.
it was hard to install.
the instructions were too vague
I thought the color would be darker, etc.............
One star reviews because;
it took 2 weeks to arrive.
it was hard to install.
the instructions were too vague
I thought the color would be darker, etc.............
The Sierra top looks nice. Too bad it doesn't look like they make one for the LJ.
Only frameless alternative to the Trektop NX appears to be the Rampage for about half the price. Though I have read those are pretty flimsy.
Only frameless alternative to the Trektop NX appears to be the Rampage for about half the price. Though I have read those are pretty flimsy.
WestCoastDan
TJ Addict
Our previous ST was a Rampage ( not frameless). It lasted about 10 years but gave up pretty quickly once it started to go south.
The thread used was not super UV stable; it disintegrated and caused the seams to detach.
I fixed it a few times, but once the entire top split away from the part that wrapped around the surrounds, I gave up on it.
For about $500, lasting 10 years wasn’t so bad, but don’t expect to find any parts of you end up needing them.
The thread used was not super UV stable; it disintegrated and caused the seams to detach.
I fixed it a few times, but once the entire top split away from the part that wrapped around the surrounds, I gave up on it.
For about $500, lasting 10 years wasn’t so bad, but don’t expect to find any parts of you end up needing them.
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