Soft top frames, How many are there?

Ctskip · 03-04-2008, 09:07 AM

When I got my YJ she had a hard top on. I also got a soft top and windows that are in somewhat, sad condition. Some frame pieces, like the two back side tub pieces and the curved pieces. The bar that goes on top of the windscreen that needs to be screwed to the top windscreen frame and two plastic pieces that screw down the side of the windscreen frame. I think thats where they go? I have looked in the archives and found hardly anything on the frames for soft tops. It seems to me that there are more variables in the frame set-ups, than there are jeeps. I've even copied off the internet some pictures of frames that are for sale, trying to compare them to what I have. Talk about confusing. It also seems to depend which top and which roll bar and which doors one has. I thought I had a stock (standard) Wrangler. Is there a site where I can go to view the different soft top frames in both the up and the down position? What am I missing? Please don't tell me a screw. I have them all. They are in a jar somewhere. I think??

I also read, "with practice you can lower the soft top in 20 minutes" That seems long to me. Or am I just not seeing the whole picture. How long does it take the experienced jeepster to convert from a hardtop to a soft top. I want to be able to use the soft top and a bikini sometimes, with as little work as possible. Does the frame and soft top fold down like the old convertibles do? Thanks
Ctskip

cheap5.0 · 03-04-2008, 09:32 AM

As for answering your fist question, that will be difficulty without pics of what you have and what you dont have for the frame...get pics if you want a good answer.

For the second question, i just switched from the hardtop to my softop 2 weekends ago. It took me about an hour, but i was missing screws and stuff and had to run to town.

If you were really hustling, and had everything lined up (a helper to move the hardtop, air tools for the screws, and reckless abandon for your softop) you could probably switch it in 10-15 minutes....but that would be really moving fast

**YJdad** · 03-04-2008, 10:13 AM

If the windscreen is the windshield then yes, you have the channel that screws to the top of the windshield and the two plastic pieces go down the front sides of the door frames. like the two back side tub pieces and the curved pieces. <-- Not sure about these...pics would help...try this...hardware or Quadratec

Tkamplin · 03-04-2008, 10:46 AM

I have the OEM soft top frame with the two hoops and stretch bars above the back side windows. You just unbutton the front snaps, take out your three windows, peel the top off out of their retaining channels, the snap channel pops off a little rubber nub, and then I slid the hoops out the little rail system (front to back.) Then unscrewing the channels on the windshield frame saides (not the windshield rainchannel, I run a bikini top) took another 2, 3 minutes. Then just the two pieces on the sides of the tailgate, 2 screws each. But I leave the side bars on, also. The ones the hoops mount into. They look fine, imho. And I don't think I want to tango with that torx50. the whole thing took 15 minutes, and I was in the process of looking for what to do next.

Who knows, maybe that's a sign they aren't supposed to come off. First time I've taken it down anyways.

I can probably find some pictures of what I meant if you want. Oh, and I have the frame where there's nothing in the back windows. Just the two spreader bars across the top. I believe that's OE?

Ctskip · 03-04-2008, 01:47 PM

Pictures would be great Unfortunatly I am computer illerate. I'm a hunter and pecker guy. I am whats known as a 12o'clock flasher I have a hard time finding a message on my cell phone. Computers are waaaaaay beyond me. I'm lucky just to be here.
The hardware for the frames are (to a new guy) confusing to say the least. Does all hardware have to come off everytime the tops get changed? There has to be a better way.

Yes the windscreen is also the windshield just as the hood is also called a bonnet.
Thanks guys I'll keep being a pain till this guy has done it a few times. I guess once you do it a few times it becomes second nature.\
Thanks,
Ctskip

cheap5.0 · 03-04-2008, 01:56 PM

Yes all the "tent like" hardware has to be removed in order to install the hardtop. No way around it, it will get in the way if it is left on the tub.

Just thinking off the top of my head, i have two metal hoops that have pin like buttons that slide into the metal that attaches to the tub. Then there are 2 pieces of metal that connect the windscreen to the middle hoop above the roll bar above your head. There should be 4 metal pieces that attach to the tub with the big slotted screws and rectangle nuts.

If i missed something, someone correct me.

Burnerman · 03-04-2008, 07:00 PM

Here's a link for you. Bestop install Guides. This is the full list of all their products. You can click on Hardtop install and scroll down near the bottom for Supertop install. The hardtops all pretty much install the same. The Supertop has less "hardparts" then the OEM softop. I can fold my Supertop down convertable style in about 2 minutes by myself. Yes it all folds nicely back. 2 people that have done it before can do it in about a minute. The hardtop to softop transformation takes about 2 hours if you want everything to fit right and don't wanna lose anything.