Soft top vs. Hard Top -
 

Hi All,

I currently only have a soft top...and I am considering getting a hard top just for the winter. My main concern with the soft top are the windows (cracking in the cold weather) and letting in a cold draft in the winter time (i don't mind....but I think the wifey and kids might)!

My options right now are to go to the dealer and get one or going to a aftermarket shop. Pricing is almost the same, so the pricing variance is almost immaterial. BUT....the hardtop itself is pricey!

The questions is....should i get a hardtop? And who here uses their softtop year round and what are your thoughts (keep in mind...I live in the Toronto area...so it might or might not get cold....but I can gurantee one thing...tonnes of salt on the road - MTO loves their salt)?

tia for your thoughts.

Re: Soft top vs. Hard Top -
 

i have the dual tops and i run the soft in the summer and hard in the winter and fall, the hardtop reduces road noise and hold the heat better. if price is not an issue i would go with the factory hardtop, just my opinion but i love my hardtop with the freedom panels, then again i dont have any leaking issues with mine like alot of people do but that could just be that they are installing it wrong.I live in Nova Scotia and they like their salt as well not sure how the softop windows would fair against the coarse salt, the hardtop on the other hand has no issues with salt.

Re: Soft top vs. Hard Top -
 

We have both, like the hard top for winter. I've read a number of posts on this topic, those that have only the soft top in the winter say there's no issues. (I can not speak with experience...try a search on the topic)
Also, keep in mind the rear window wiper and washer fluid is a big plus keepinng the back window clean from snow and MTOs salt addiction.

Re: Soft top vs. Hard Top -
 

ok just placed an order for the hard top and the wiring kit!

Another question....I am assuming I can take off the complete soft top and store it in the basement...is there a "how to" on how to take it off?

Re: Soft top vs. Hard Top -
 

I have a friend in Montreal that runs his soft top all year and has no complaints, the heater on his 03 ruby works great. Only issue I would see if you had a 4 cy you would need a winter front to keep the heat up..

Re: Soft top vs. Hard Top -
 

Aren't JKs all, 3.8L V6?

Re: Soft top vs. Hard Top -
 

If im not mistake it is 4 bolts that hold it to the bars.
very easy....:240:

Re: Soft top vs. Hard Top -
 

Living in TO I'd think you would have gone hardtop just for the theft safety issue. Maybe you don't park downtown!

Re: Soft top vs. Hard Top -
 

Just switched from soft to hard just thinking about the Jeep, and about the tops just took the soft off for winter, 4 bolts on the roll bar and the hard whare around the doors, hard top has 8 bolts and are 40 mm torks socket. took no time but needed help with the size, very bulky and the rear window wonts to pop open caught us by surprise.

Re: Soft top vs. Hard Top -
 

Correct!

That is until the Pentastar next year?? Or dare I say a oil burner?? Ahhh a Diesel Wranger. One can dream i guess

Re: Soft top vs. Hard Top -
 

Put away the soft top and installed the freedom top by myself yesterday on my 2dr 2010 JK took about 45 min. I purchased the Mopar hardtop storage rack and cover and its work great you can attach it to the hard top and then remove the top and stand it up on the casters and all freedom top parts and screws stay in one spot and the cover keeps it all clean. I didn't trust the plastic buckle and strap for lifting so I used a ratchet strap and it works good to connect to the Block and Tackle in my garage. Just backed the jeep under an lowered in down and attached the Torks screws.

Re: Soft top vs. Hard Top -
 

Yeah I am planning on getting the Hardtop rack for it....IF MY HARD TOP ever gets here!!!!! Dealer told me that the ETA ship date is Jan 2011!!!!!

I guess better late than never.


As for the diesel Wrangler....I hope it doesn't come out soon....can't afford another car right now!!!!

Re: Soft top vs. Hard Top -
 

I've heard of others that run the Softtop all year in the Jk....no heat issues reported. Keep in mind you do loose the rear wiper, handy to have on the slushy days. Weather man says nice week-end here, maybe last chance to go topless and doorless :banana:
(Wifes daily driver right now...she likes the hard top in the winter :rolleyes:)
Looks like I will use my home brew hard top hoist next week, bummer, means winter is close....Hmm...time to play in the snow banks :banana:

Re: Soft top vs. Hard Top -
 

My rule about going topless is that if it's above 10 degrees and no rain....top goes down..so there's plenty of time. lol!