Jeeps are some of the most versatile and capable vehicles ever made. They can be an excellent daily driver, a rugged off-roader, and a luxurious cross country vehicle, all at the same time. No other vehicle has the same amount of versatility and adaptability, which is what makes them so unique.
Another popular feature of the Jeep Wrangler is its ability to shed its doors and its roof without sacrificing safety or structural integrity. Unlike most other convertibles, the Jeep can be easily converted from a soft top to a hard top, and back again. This makes the Wrangler one of the few big off-roader models that’s just as enjoyable in summer as it is in winter.
To convert your soft top to a hard top, you’ll first have to remove the doors. Once you’ve done that, you’ll need remove the softtop and unzip the soft windows. Make sure not to rip them apart since soft windows are prone to tearing. You can then unlatch the top by locating and unclipping all of the latches scattered throughout the cabin.
Finally, it’s time to install the hard top by bolting it on, typically by tightening the bolts that hold it in place using a T40 Torx bit. Fitting the hard top by yourself can be tricky, both because it weighs more than the soft top and because the potential for causing damage by scratching something is significantly greater. If you have an extra pair of hands to help with the installation process, you’ll have it done in no time.
Which Is Better - Hard Tops or Soft Tops?
Answering which top type is better is difficult since it’s all subjective. Both have pros and cons, and it’s all a matter of preference and what your intended use is.
Soft tops are considerably lighter than painted hard tops and they usually cost a lot less. They’re also easy to remove and put back on again, and they have a uniform appearance. On the downside, they let more road noise in since they’re not as well insulated and they’re more prone to damage, whether that’s from being exposed to the elements or from someone intent on destroying your property.
Hard tops will make your cabin much quieter overall and they can be used all year round since they keep more of the warmth inside the cabin in the winter. They also offer more security and are easier to clean. The downsides are that hard tops take longer to remove, are heavier, and cost more.
The great thing about owning a Jeep is that you don’t have to simply pick one top type, as swapping between them is simple and quick. You can use a soft top in the summer, for instance, but switch over to a hard top for the colder months.
Ease of Access With Soft Tops
Jeep soft tops are thinner than hard tops and make the cabin space feel roomier. Since they’re so easy to remove and store – you can simply fold them up and store them in your garage – you can have your Jeep doorless and topless in less than 15 minutes.
Soft tops are really convenient if you enjoy spending time outdoors and connecting with nature. The best thing about a soft top? If there’s a storm coming, you can have the soft top back on before a single drop of rain ever reaches the interior. That’s nearly impossible to do with a hard top.
Best Ways To Maintain & Store Your Jeep's Soft & Hard Tops
You always want to store and keep your soft or hard top in a safe space where it won’t be exposed to the environment. Don’t leave your soft top outside or the fabric will become brittle and weak. The hard top can become flaky and rusty if left to bake in the sun and soak in the rain all day. It’s best to keep your soft and hard top somewhere warm and sheltered, such as in a garage.
If you want to go the extra mile and make sure you keep your Jeep’s top in tip-top shape, you can even buy a soft (or hard) top removal tool which will store your top, in addition to making the entire process of removing it much easier.
For both hard tops and softtops, keep it clean when in use. A gentle car wash soap is great for a hard top, and a convertible top cleaner is ideal for the soft top.
You can buy every type of top for your Jeep at Morris 4x4, including other components you might need such as liquids, filters, or even something as specialized as lift kits, winches, or fender flares. Whether you need regular Jeep replacement parts or aftermarket upgrades, Morris 4x4 is your one-stop-shop for all of your automotive needs.
