Reddit mentions: The best automotive tops & roofs

Here it is: http://www.morris4x4center.com/complete-soft-top-with-soft-upper-doors-gray-denim-rampage-68111.html (and on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000X5HGEK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)

My door legs were slightly bent on passenger side (they claimed shipping error) and the driver side window clips the windshield channel (I think this is a broken part on my side) but otherwise the top fits pretty great! I love the color so much!

It does come with all of the hardware you need. I got new rails, the actual hardware, windshield door channels, and windshield top channels (but my top channel was ripping out so we've drilled through my windshield frame, so I didn't need those).

Could've used some new bolts for the rails though. No big deal.

The soft uppers are great though, they're velcro style so they can actually come off of the hardware...plus you get the hardware! So I now have black upper sliders, black upper zippers, and gray/white upper zippers! :D

Short(ish) TL;DR: Building a box on top of a utility trailer that will bolt-together, plywood sides, seat with locking storage and will be pulled behind a electric front hub recumbent trike. Not for use on the road, low speeds (~5-10mph) on pretty flat terrain with at most some ruts and dust piles. TTITD Already got the hitch made up and working well enough.

Longer form:

SketchUp file for those that want to follow along that way, otherwise image link.

This Gorilla Carts GOR1001-COM utility cart, going to weld up the frame but in sections that will bolt together. Want to be able to flat(ish) pack this in my storage unit when not using it. Main tube will be 3/4" square steel, the tube that's the extra supports will be recessed 1/2" tub, flush to the inner surface of the 3/4" tube providing ~1/4" for plywood to fit in against and help keep it in place.

All the tabs shown are 1/8", and almost all 1"x1". Debating drilling 1/4" holes and using #12 screw bolts, or drilling 5/8" holes and 1/4" hex bolts.

The seat bottom and back and top may be 3/4" plywood, not sure yet. All the rest will be 1/2" on the sides/back except the bottom (sitting on the mesh of the cart) which will be 1/4". Mostly to prevent little things from dropping out the bottom or stuff coming up from underneath.

The small 4" posts sticking inwards are for square u-bolts from the bottom which correspond to the cart cross beams and are 1/2" tube ~1/4" from the bottom to allow for the plywood.

The footrest in front is detachable and narrower than the full width, hopefully to cut down on people using it to step up as much. I'm slightly worried that if they step on the edge it may overbalance the cart. Having it closer to the center may help with that. If not, I'm going to just remove it and people will have to watch their feet with the tow bar :P

The seats bottom and back will be 2" high density foam covered with some basic cloth, stapled to the bottom of the plywood. The seat bottom may be hinged at front or rear to provide access to the front area where I'm intending to have a battery box and such. Using these type latches and some combo locks. Probably have a bit of 1x2" or similar wood behind the hinge area and latch areas to provide better grip for those.

The back will have a strip at the top/bottom, probably reinforced behind by some 1x2" wood or similar to provide better grip for hinges and latches. Might use the same latches as for the seat, but considering using these. It will swing backwards, and I'll may have a bit of steel cable to keep it from going all the way down, I'll see how it is in practice first.

I'll also get some anchors or similar and put them at the bolt points, and possibly at some of the other extra tabs I have in to help attach and hold the plywood in place. Might use screws, might just bolt through the plywood, not sure yet.

So, hopefully I'll get some constructive feedback (probably along with some "you're insane" or "no way that'll work" or what not). And it may not work as I hope. Oh well! I'll still learn a lot about how to do some things, and how not to do some things.

My alternate is just build a rectangular box, hinges in the middle with cushion and fabric all on top split in the middle. Still bolt together as a goal. A lot quicker and simpler and cheaper. But that's boring.

Foot pegs will change your life.

I got some MOLLE seat covers that I enjoy, having pouches to keep things attached down with the doors off is key.

Shorty antenna. Same radio quality, only 5" long.

Bikini top is nice but personal preference really.

Flip open key is more comfortable in pocket.


Flip Key- http://www.amazon.com/Discount-Keyless-Replacement-Compatible-OHT692427AA/dp/B00LLLVW9A

Foot Pegs - http://www.amazon.com/Foot-Peg-set-Jeep-Wrangler/dp/B010TWOQGW

Shorty Antenna - http://www.amazon.com/AntennaX-Shorty-5-inch-Antenna-Wrangler/dp/B00DQJ8T00

MOLLE Tailgate - http://www.amazon.com/Smittybilt-5662301-Black-Tailgate-Wrangler/dp/B003CG9QFY

MOLLE Seat covers - http://www.amazon.com/Smittybilt-5661001-Black-Front-Cover/dp/B001CF3N9M

Bikini Top - http://www.amazon.com/Bestop-52584-35-Header-style-Wrangler-Unlimited/dp/B0032H6WR8

Finally, I had a welder friend make this for me and it's amazing. http://www.oman4x4.com/albums/cad/hammock2.jpg

My vote goes to the BesTop Trektop NX. I've only had mine for about a year, so only time will tell how durable it is. However, the zippers and top material are much sturdier than the QuadraTop I previously had, but you certainly pay for it. I really like the sunrider feature, which allows you to flip up the front of the top, so if you want a little more openness but don't want to take all the windows out then it's a super convenient option. Also, the bows that go from either side of the roll bars really help cut down on wind noise. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004P23VNW/ref=cm_cr_arp_mb_bdcrb_top?ie=UTF8

I really like my sunshade for when the freedom panels are off. Awesome gift for $60

Alien Sunshade Jeep Wrangler Durable Polyester Mesh Shade Top Cover Provides UV Sun Protection for Your 2-Door or 4-Door JK or JKU (2007-2017) Original Black Unrivalled 10 Year Warranty https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JWZWRY6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_ldJ7Bb4A31WM3

I have the following cars I have used quite well with a pair of Newfs.

SAAB 9-5 wagon

Mazda 3

Tesla Model 3.

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They all work quite well as they are low to the ground and its easy for the dogs to get in and out of the car. I have a hammock in the back seat for them and they work quite well in the back. Overall the Tesla and SAAB arent my favorite because of the leather seats. The cloth seats work much better so that the hammock doesnt slide around in the back as much when they jump in. Our girl sometimes likes to go "camping" and will get under the hammock and poke her head in the front seat in the cars with leather. To get around this I am going to attach a small black D ring anchor point like below near the door under the seat cushion and then sew a clip to the hammock so that it cant slide around when installed.

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https://www.amazon.com/AVOMAR-Tie-Down-Trailers-Warehouses-Replacement/dp/B07H292YZV/

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This will make it just about perfect for them.

price: $850 OBO

condition: excellent

make / manufacturer: Rugged Ridge

model name / number: Rugged Ridge 2-Door Exo-Top

Everything you need to convert a hard-top Jeep Wrangler 2 door JK (2007-2018) to a soft top with an integrated roof rack (accepts all major roof rack accessories such as kayak and bike carriers and roof top boxes)! This is the Rugged Ridge Exo Top and includes all parts and the original instructions. The pictures show all the pieces that are included, the top fully on, the top in "safari top" configuration (windows out), and with the soft top fully off and the roof rack still on. I recently sold my Jeep and was only able to use this system for about two months so all pieces are very lightly used. Here are the pieces that are included:

https://www.amazon.com/Rugged-Ridge-13516-01-Exo-Top-Wrangler/dp/B010VCLWP8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1534613966&sr=8-2&keywords=rugged+ridge+exo+top

https://www.amazon.com/Rugged-Ridge-13516-10-Exo-Top-Wrangler/dp/B013IDUPR8/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1534613966&sr=8-3&keywords=rugged+ridge+exo+top

https://www.quadratec.com/products/11132_9050.htm

https://www.quadratec.com/products/11132_9051_07.htm

(Please serious inquiries and offers only. Cash or venmo payment required.)

Yea, that sucks. Which I assume why the item I ordered said "Note: Signature required upon delivery due to high value of this item" and that I felt safe in ordering. Well I did not sign for it and even if I did sign for what was shipped, it was the wrong weight, wrong number of packages, etc. It is pretty clear something is horribly wrong here but Amazon has already closed the door on my case, multiple times. Even with an Amazon insider (for lack of better term) trying to help me.

I will take the 3rd party seller and possibly Amazon to small claims court, if it comes to that. The attorney will probably cost close to that, so it would be smart for them to just pressure the 3rd party seller into doing to right thing.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00OWS4J6M

Yup, frameless is nice. I have a hardtop for winter, but this past summer bought the Bestop NX Frameless .

Being able to just zip off the sides and back is really nice. I also really like the sunrider feature, which is basically a sunroof for driver and passenger. And yes you can drive with it open on the freeway.

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I was looking at the Smittybilt last summer and ended up going with this Bestop safari top for the same reason. Been pretty happy with it, feels good and sturdy, and it's a lot easier to put on than some of the reviews claim!

I have a < $300 soft top with a heated glass window from Amazon. It didn't fit perfectly over my frame, but the end result was actually very good, looking very much like factory.

http://www.amazon.com/Convertible-One-Piece-Non-Zippered-Heated-Window/dp/B00O0FPA6U/

I recommend getting a new rain rail.

You can get bug netting from Home Depot and some strong magnets (neodymium) and attach it to the outside of your car, then roll down the windows. If it's raining, you'll have a harder time, you might want window deflectors if it's something you're going to do often.

You could also try to find a hatch tent that hooks up to the back of your suv with the back open. Gives you the feeling of more space and a nice way to keep the air moving, something like this:

https://www.amazon.com/DAC-DA-E2T-Explorer-SUV-Tent/dp/B0001WTY0E/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1473905855&sr=8-4&keywords=hatch+tent

I'd also recommend getting a sunshade, and some privacy shades for the side windows. You can make your own out of reflectex.

I just went through this. What I did was bought these bestop bags for the doors: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002SA31G/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

They're very heavy duty and will prevent scratches etc to the doors. That way you can storage them easily inside.

For my hard top, I built myself a cart which was really easy. You can find the directions here: http://www.jk-forum.com/forums/jk-write-ups-39/diy-hardtop-cart-85305/ . All you really need is some plywood (which most stores will cut for you), some wheels, some screws and a drill/drill bits. I duct taped some of the rough parts and also put some cloth on it. In total, it probably costed me $50. If you're storing outside, you may want to consider purchasing the Surco Hard Top Carrier instead of making it as the wood probably won't do well outside. You can also purchase the bestop cover: https://www.amazon.com/Bestop-42807-09-Charcoal-Wrangler-Hardtop/dp/B000VLF8AK/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1467384165&sr=8-2&keywords=jk+hard+top+cart .

I leave my hard top panels in my freedom top bag right inside my hard top.

I just bought and installed a new soft top. It was really easy, and as long as you had a soft top before you should already have everything for the new one. Usually they will ,day if they are oem replacement tops. Do you currently have full doors (think you're average car) or half does, which add you might imaging is half a door, the lower half to be specific. I recently bought a smittybuilt top that was on sale from $500 for around $250 on Amazon. I'll look up the link and pay it for you.

Edit: here is the link http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003CGH13S/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Bestop make the OEM tops for all Wranglers.

http://www.amazon.com/Bestop-58128-35-Replace-Wrangler-Unlimited/dp/B000VLHC72

This is likely your best bet.

They do make foam sound dampeners that you can attach to the inside of the hard top.
Something like this http://www.amazon.com/Rugged-Ridge-12109-03-Deadener-Insulation/dp/B006JXVVMS/ref=lp_15710171_1_7?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1450140888&sr=1-7

I started with a soft top and moved to a hard top, it was a huge improvement, but I always feel like I have to yell.

Found this detailed review that appears to be for the same product. People on Amazon also seem to like it. Looks like a fun time.

I did read a couple comments about door chimes being a nuisance, though. Any comments, OP?

Used this from Bestop on my two door and loved it. Never had a problem with water getting in, you just have to be careful taking it off if water pooled on the top.

Click Here

I have one similar to this, mine is for a JK though. I live in a desert and with the top down it makes a HUGE difference!

3 stars. I have the Rampage 109435 Frameless Soft Top I absolutely love the fit of this top. No bulky metal framing makes this top extremely easy to put on/take off and store. Unfortunately after only 2 years, this top is falling apart. Both front window zippers have now failed, and the rears now missing teeth so I can only close them about 3/4 of the way. Half of the snaps have broken off and the stitching has ripped in multiple places as well. Customer service has been exemplary though! They have replaced my 2 front windows and several snaps at no cost!!
TL;DR Great customer service, awesome idea, poor quality materials. Will last you 2-3 years

Sunshades are nice. Window tint, working AC, shaded parking. Maintenance wise, not really anything extraordinary I can think of.

I have on of these for my JK (the link is for a YJ I think), and I really like it. It hooks into the frame and so it doesn't flop around.

https://www.amazon.com/Rampage-960435-Diamond-Black-Storage/dp/B002W8IICA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1486069860&sr=8-1&keywords=jeep+wrangler+soft+top+boot

If your soft top is up why do you need a cover?

I have this one for when the top & doors off and we get unexpected rain - Bestop 81040-09 Charcoal All Weather Trail Cover for 07-13 Wrangler JK 2-door https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0018Y44Z4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_y.c7ybNQHRT88

It was initially a pain to get on trying to get it situated in the right position but I have since gone around and labeled each panel with a sharpie so now it's a lot easier. If you get a lot of rain you'll want to either periodically go out to poke it from the inside to push the rain off or prop it up sign a broomstick so the rain doesn't pool.

I got the Bestop emergency cover, with door flaps because I leave my doors off most of the time. Takes only a couple minutes to put up, but you can't drive with it. Good in a pinch or for over night if you don't have a garage.

Edit: link On Amazon

yep, http://www.amazon.com/Smittybilt-9970235-Diamond-Replacement-Wrangler/dp/B003CGH13S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1398523226&sr=8-1&keywords=jeep+tj+soft+top

This might be a dumb question but is this the same thing you're talking about? Because this is the one I was looking at. I didn't realize it had safari in the name until I looked it up and this was one of the top results.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0032H6WR8?cache=4b0d6c47f938e30f51447ae3230ee8b5#ref=mp_s_a_1_3&qid=1393727323&sr=8-3