Can someone plz help?: What's the truth about dual tops?

JimmyJohn · 09-25-2002, 07:46 AM

Hi Gang, I'm fairly new to the jeep world, got mine (Black 2002 Sahara) the end of March and found this great site just recently. As I sit here and watch the temperture slowly go down, I realize I have to get ready soon to put my hard top back on. (I know all of you lucky ones who live in warm climate don't have this dilemma) Problem I am having is getting a straight answer (from the dealer or Chrysler) whether I can leave the soft top still attached or remove it before putting the hard top on. I know the owners manual and video say to remove it incase of wear, but I also know I have heard that alot people leave theirs on. The header material on the very ends (to the right and left of the visors) looks like where it could be a hassel cuz it seems like it could be a rubbing point. Trying to do whats right here so maybe I can get some input from yas?

Thanks alot !! Jim

Sunder · 09-25-2002, 08:20 AM

I always take my softtop off. I'm not so sure that my hardtop would even fit over the softtop bars without bending them. But even if they do, I'd have the bars "blocking" my side windows cosmetically.

"Take it off baby, take it off."

Black 2001 TJ · 09-25-2002, 08:24 AM

Hey JimmyJohn, welcome to the forum...

I say take it off, but what DC (and the video/manual) is referring to is when you leave your softtop up (at least that is what they told me) and put your hardtop on. But that should be impossible as they both latch into the Jeep above the windshield...

You can leave it folded down and put the hardtop on, but remember when you got the Jeep? It will be impossible to get it wrapped up like it came, and if you are like me, you probably thought it was a space hog in the back!

I would definitely take it out, its as small as "Mini Me", so you can virtually store it anywhere (even overhead bins on airplanes)...

myrockfight · 09-25-2002, 08:45 AM

I just bought my wrangler and watched the video the other day. The gentleman in the video states that you should NOT leave the soft top on the vehicle when you put on the hard top. Doing so will void the warranty on your soft top. That is straight from the horses mouth. Besides, why would you want all that space taken up for "x" amount of months.

wolfe1 · 09-25-2002, 09:09 AM

Leaving the soft top on is a bad idea - gets in the way of the wiring harness for the rear wiper- limits cargo loading / space and it is pretty easy to remove- why would you wanna leave it on anyway?

Jim Shanks · 09-25-2002, 10:01 AM

The only reason I can think of for leaving it on is say you live in a 1 room apartment and have no place to store it. Beyond that, I would find a place to let it rest for the winter. I bought my jeep used and it was obvious to me the previous owner cared about the jeep in whole, except for the soft top. It was crammed back there just inside the hard top, it now has stitching coming apart just above both doors and will be replaced here sometime soon. I bought a soft top storage boot for when it is folded back even in the summer, kinda makes thing look real clean, also for winter storage I just leave it all rolled up and it stores quite nicely.

HTH

Jim

**AgentZed** · 09-25-2002, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Jim Shanks
The only reason I can think of for leaving it on is say you live in a 1 room apartment and have no place to store it.

Then where the heck would you put the hard top when you have it off? If you have space to store the hardtop off the vehicle, then certainly you'll have more than enough room to store the soft top!

JimmyJohn · 09-25-2002, 08:38 PM

Thanks to all who replied....the jury has spoken and the verdict is in...take the soft top off and store it !!

Jim