Replacement Top Recommendations?

tj99 · 12-10-2007, 03:29 PM

Being asked what I want for Christmas, a new top for the Jeep has been suggested. Original fabric is about shot and both uppers have bad zippers. Don't want to put the $ in it for a Bestop Replacement top yet.

The Jeep has good factory hardware in it. The header bar is cracked and either will be replaced or epoxied when I replace the top. PO said it worked with the crack, been to cold to take down.

So, between the Rugged Ridge and Pavement Ends Replay Soft Tops which one is the best bang for the buck? Will need one w/ upper doors, not sure if I should go with tinted or not. I like the tinted but they are hard to see out of at night. No A/C so I need all the help I can get.

TIA

bigchevyman24 · 12-10-2007, 05:27 PM

I'd look on ebay for a used or new factory top...nothing NOTHING beats the sailcloth factory soft top...

jawsk2 · 12-11-2007, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigchevyman24

I'd look on ebay for a used or new factory top...nothing NOTHING beats the sailcloth factory soft top...

+1 sailcloth!

eprovenzano · 12-11-2007, 09:34 AM

I replaced the top on my 97 SE with a used sailcloth (off ebay)... What a difference... I purchased new side tinted wilndows, sailcloth... I used to think I wanted a hard top, not anymore....

SecondTJ · 12-11-2007, 09:51 AM

agreed, find a used factory 2001-06 sailcloth top

**Rocky529** · 12-11-2007, 01:24 PM

If you have the OEM frame, your best option is to get the Bestop sailcloth Replace A Top. Get the one with tinted windows, it is worth it. The RAT comes with the top and windows... you can re-use everything else you have as far as hardware goes. Bestop makes the OEM top.

tj99 · 12-11-2007, 02:44 PM

I'll have to rethink my direction on this. I would prefer a RAT but was trying to avoid the expense.

This Jeep isn't a DD (I work out of my house) and trying to keep it inexpensive. Maybe I hold out a little longer and go the Besttop RAT or used OEM route as suggested.

Thanks everyone!

**Jerry Bransford** · 12-11-2007, 03:42 PM

Go for a Bestop RAT (replace-a-top) sailcloth top. I replaced my '97 top with one and the the sailcloth fabric is noticably heavier, plus it's much quieter inside the Jeep now.

carpekd · 12-11-2007, 03:51 PM

I just bought a Rampage soft top for $250 shipped brand new. The reason I went for a cheapo brand is my (then) current soft top was in terrible shape (it was basically just to keep the sun off your head). I didn't have the money at the time for the best top, so I went the cheaper route. So far, I've been pleased, but I've only had it for about a month, so we'll see.

COWBOYJEEP · 12-11-2007, 04:05 PM

I just bought a replacment top from besttop after looking on line thru all the 4x4 shops and found it with a instant rebate so that helped the wallet . Also the place had free shipping so that helped also. the site was www.4wd.com cost with tax was 396.26 I think.

jarrodg · 12-11-2007, 04:08 PM

I actually purchased my Jeep with a Bestop RAT, it is really quiet. I had a 2000 a few years ago with the factory soft top, and it wasn't as quiet as this one. I love it.

**cheesycook** · 12-11-2007, 04:12 PM

I am hoping my top gets slashed so I can get a Viking top.

SecondTJ · 12-11-2007, 06:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jarrodg

I actually purchased my Jeep with a Bestop RAT, it is really quiet. I had a 2000 a few years ago with the factory soft top, and it wasn't as quiet as this one. I love it.

That's because the 2000's top wasn't sailcloth.

mdawg4x4 · 12-11-2007, 06:39 PM

Bestop Sailcloth. I'm ready for another one. My Sailcloth top is 6 years old and the material has outlasted the plastic windows and zippers. I'm going to see how much for an apolstery shop to replace the zippers. If too much or can't find some who can, a new Bestop Sailcloth it is.

TJ Tod · 12-12-2007, 12:38 AM

Don't give up on the hard top though if you have a harsh winter. I found my two-piece hardtop at a junk yard, with hard half doors. A quick paint job on all the pieces and she is quiet and warm in the Michigan winter (still looking for a cheap pair of full doors). Heated hatch window is nice. With the soft top I always had to wear a coat and the little lady would be shivering.
The roof rack is too short-coupled for a ladder or kayak but for a couple pairs of snow skis it is fine.
I had read that the two piece Best Top hard top is less desirable because of leaks, but I have been fortunate so far to not have any by a lot of anal-retentive fitting every fall. Dont wrench tighten the 6 bolts onto the tub until everything is alined perfectly.
Check out my gallery.

12-11-2007, 04:12 PM	#12
cheesycook Accident Prone Bonehead Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Hermiston, OR Posts: 2,659 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	I am hoping my top gets slashed so I can get a Viking top. __________________ 98 TJ 4.0 Stick 30 Lock-Right/44 True-Track,4.56. Fire RED. Optima Red top. 3" Full Traction lift, Cragar 352 Street locks w/3.75 BS. 32" BFG AT's. Sailcloth top. Classic4x4 tubular fenders. AtoZ Fab rockers and front and rear bumpers. TBT sportsbar and rear spreader. VDP 6 speaker bar. 2K Intake Manifold. Tuffy Speaker lock boxes. Power inverter. Cobra CB. Magellan GPS. Bed lined tub. 3core HD radiator. Olds airbox with Hummer snokle. Besttop seat covers with heaters. All running lights LED.Steering and oil pan skids. Mile Marker PE8000 winch. Currie Anti-Rock. Olympic trunk. Tuffy Console....and Buddha on the winch. :) And a child seat stained with mud. Hermiston, ORL AtoZ Where Zach makes me toys! Stu-Offroad, because I don't have a clue, but Stu does!