There are few auto brands as iconic and enduring as Jeep. Founded in 1940, the manufacturer has made some of the most popular cars in the U.S., including the Wrangler, Grand Cherokee, and Renegade. One of the most distinctive features of the Jeep is its top. Drivers typically choose between a hard top or a soft top, with proponents of each often defending their preference. If you’re debating whether to opt for a hard top or a soft top, though, there are certainly pros and cons to each option.
Hard tops tend to be more durable than their soft counterparts, and they also offer better insulation, which is ideal if you live in an area that’s prone to a colder climate. Soft tops, on the other hand, offer more versatility due to their malleable material. They can be removed more easily and stored more easily, too, which might make them the more convenient option of the two.
Tips Before Removing Your Jeep Top
If you’re ready to make the switch from hard top to soft top — or you want to alfresco with no top at all — there are a few things you should know before you attempt to take your Jeep’s top off. The first and most important tip is to prioritize your safety above all else. If you don’t have the correct equipment to remove your Jeep’s hard top, wait until you do! Removal isn’t worth risking an injury. Hard tops can weigh between 80 and 140 pounds, no removing one is no small task.
Another important tip is to consult your Jeep manual prior to attempting removal. Each model of Jeep is different, and each may have a slightly different removal protocol, so it’s best to familiarize yourself with the steps rather than assume you know what you’re doing. Your vehicle’s manual should include details about the specific steps required to remove the hard top. Consult this guide thoroughly before you begin any work on the hard top.
Hard Top to Soft Top Conversion Steps
Once you’ve read your Jeep manual, you’re ready to get the right equipment for a hard top removal — and yes, you will need equipment. This isn’t a task that’s suited to DIY attempts. Most people prefer to use a hoist that’s mounted to the ceiling of the garage and specially designed for use with hard tops. The Smittybilt Hard Top Hoist, for example, has a capacity of up to 1,000 pounds and features an easy AC plugin for simple operation. A tool like this can make it a breeze to remove your hard top in a matter of minutes.
Once you have the right equipment, you’re ready to convert your hard top to a soft top. To do so, you should disconnect all of the bolts that attach the hard top to the body of your Jeep. Some Jeep models also feature electronic connections between the Jeep body and hard top, and these must also be disconnected. The hard top can then be attached to the hooks of the hoist and slowly lifted up and away from the vehicle’s body.
With the hard top removed, you can either hit the road or install a soft top in its place. Options such as the Rampage Replacement Soft Top offer great protection and soft, breathable fabric that are perfect for summer days spent in the sun. The exact process for installing a soft top will vary based on what kind of soft top you choose, but generally, you can reverse the process for removing your hard top and start by fitting the soft top to the body of your Jeep. Once it is fitted securely, you can fasten it down with bolts and attach any electrical wiring that may be included.
Summer Storage Solutions
If you’re wondering how to store your Jeep’s hard top during the summer, you’ve encountered the dilemma that countless other Jeep owners have faced. Once you’ve taken off your hard top, where do you put it? Luckily, most Jeep hoists can safely hold your hard top in suspension while you ride around in your soft top for the summer. Models such as Lange Originals Hoist-a-Top feature a power lifting unit that allows the top to easily be lifted and stored in your garage.
Are All Jeep Tops Interchangeable?
Jeep is one of the top car manufacturers in the U.S. for many reasons, but one of the top is the consistency of their products. When you get a Jeep, you know what you’re getting. It makes sense, then, that all Jeeps would offer the same interchangeable tops, allowing drivers to switch seamlessly between hard tops and soft tops, depending on the season. If you’re ready to enjoy summer breezes and sunny skies, invest in a hard top hoist and a soft top shell!
