Soft top to hard top
- Thread starter markman1414
- Start date
I wouldn't suggest anything other than a factory hardtop. Look for one locally and usually you can find a deal.
Insulation makes a big difference in regard to sound and keeping heat in for sure.
Insulation makes a big difference in regard to sound and keeping heat in for sure.
I would argue that the hardtop is a tradeoff with the soft top for sound because it tends to reflect sound back into the cabin and it generates a little of it's own noise. A Boom Mat or similar attached to the hard top is a game changer though.
My OEM hard top was much quieter than the OEM soft top.
You could be 2k for an OEM hard top +\- depending on your location.
I have heard mixed reviews on the aftermarket tops but I do love the flip down window option for the side window.
Guess it depends on how much you value the quietness.
For me I pick soft top as I damaged my hard top on a trail. If you beat on it, stay soft.
You could be 2k for an OEM hard top +\- depending on your location.
I have heard mixed reviews on the aftermarket tops but I do love the flip down window option for the side window.
Guess it depends on how much you value the quietness.
For me I pick soft top as I damaged my hard top on a trail. If you beat on it, stay soft.
True, a hard top is a liability off road.
I got mine in a rock in a tight spot-was lucky but still opened up a can of worms.
The first time I got out in the woods I got into a couple tight places. I never wheeled with my hardtop again. My hard top has been in the garage for at least 6 years. I like the versability of a soft top. I drive to the trails and take all the windows out. You also get a lot more visibility and less top heavy. It just really depends on you use your Jeep.
Also, pretty much every single other car you'll ever drive will be a hardtop. So it's more fun with soft
I wanted a hard top when I was first shopping for my TJ. Wound up buying one with a soft top because it checked every other box.
After riding in friends YJs and JLs with hard tops and realizing they're not much quieter than my OEM soft top, and that there are a lot more options for replacing or repairing a soft top of damaged than a hard top, I decided to stick with the soft top. That was 8 years ago and I don't regret it a bit.
It's also much easier to get the open air experience with the soft top. Windows out only, fully folded down, removed all together, etc.
After riding in friends YJs and JLs with hard tops and realizing they're not much quieter than my OEM soft top, and that there are a lot more options for replacing or repairing a soft top of damaged than a hard top, I decided to stick with the soft top. That was 8 years ago and I don't regret it a bit.
It's also much easier to get the open air experience with the soft top. Windows out only, fully folded down, removed all together, etc.
I see hard tops in my area from $500 - $1000 ( I have both / hard winter / soft summer ) the hard variety is def A LOT warmer & quieter !
I had a really tall garage ceiling around 12-14 ft in my last house that made it easy to use a hard top lift and store the top above the garage door. I could unbolt the 6 bolts and pull the hard top with that lift as quickly as unzipping the windows and folding down my soft top. Love having both options with a Jeep.
You know back in the late 70s and early 80s a hard top on a CJ was just considered the absolute luxury item- and the truth was the hard tops were certainly no better than they are now, but the difference was the soft tops were absolutely terrible.
Like modern spray foam insulation is really not that incredible. It’s just what we have put up with for so long is pitiful.
Like modern spray foam insulation is really not that incredible. It’s just what we have put up with for so long is pitiful.
Rancho LJ
Member
A soft top with full hard doors for the cold season is a good compromise. Soft doors suck.
Part of the decision making process includes what you're using your vehicle for. If it's your daily 2-hour commuter vehicle, a soft top might not be right for you. It does get a bit loud on the freeway at 70 mph. If you've got a daily driver I would 100% go with the soft top. My hardtop has been hanging in my garage for the last couple years. In spring, the doors and windows come off. If weather turns, I still have my truck as a backup.
Mental note, I need to find a place to store hardtop outside. Tired of hitting my head on it.
Part of the decision making process includes what you're using your vehicle for. If it's your daily 2-hour commuter vehicle, a soft top might not be right for you. It does get a bit loud on the freeway at 70 mph. If you've got a daily driver I would 100% go with the soft top. My hardtop has been hanging in my garage for the last couple years. In spring, the doors and windows come off. If weather turns, I still have my truck as a backup.
Mental note, I need to find a place to store hardtop outside. Tired of hitting my head on it.
I've had TJ's with a hard top, sold the first with the hard top still on it. The second I sold the hard top and replaced it with the Bestop frameless Trektop NX.
That's what I have on BB also.
I couldn't really tell the difference.
That's what I have on BB also.
I couldn't really tell the difference.
I will be driving BB to Savanaha Georgia end of April for my youngest son's wedding.
Soft top all the way, looks like about a 7 hour drive.
Soft top all the way, looks like about a 7 hour drive.
KennethS
TJ Addict
Unless you live in my house. 3 out of 4 vehicles have removable tops.
I love buying TJs with hard tops...................so I can sell them for cash to use on more useful mods. A good soft top is all you need. Noise difference is imperceptible.
KennethS
TJ Addict
That likely depends upon where you drive. Years ago I rented a soft top TJ at Houston IAH and driving 60 MPH on I-59 with its grooved pavement almost caused me to go deaf. I turned the radio off because I couldn't hear it anyway, and no conversation with the passenger until we got off the highway. Then when looking to buy a TJ, test drove one with a hard top and it was a world of difference compared to the soft top ones I test drove.
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