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General Forums => The Mess Hall => Topic started by: jwalls4x4 on April 02, 2008, 04:34:49 PM

Title: Hard top to Soft top and Back
Post by: jwalls4x4 on April 02, 2008, 04:34:49 PM
Hey guys, my jeep has a factory hard top.  I'm thinking of getting a soft top (Bestop Halftop or bikini, jammer, duster combo).  Will the hardware make it cumbersome to get the hard top back on next winter?  Is the halftop worth $360 mot than the 3-piece combo.  How important is it to keep the interior dry?
Title: Re: Hard top to Soft top and Back
Post by: Jeffy on April 02, 2008, 05:08:03 PM
Hey guys, my jeep has a factory hard top.  I'm thinking of getting a soft top (Bestop Halftop or bikini, jammer, duster combo).  Will the hardware make it cumbersome to get the hard top back on next winter?  Is the halftop worth $360 mot than the 3-piece combo.  How important is it to keep the interior dry?

I've run with the soft top, no top, bikini top , bikini top and duster, doors, no doors, etc.  I now use a hardtop and full doors almost year around.

I'd forget about the soft top.  If it's cold enough or wet enough, you'll put on the hard top, otherwise, run a bikini top and duster.  Add a Jammer if you want to.

Switching to a softtop is a real PITA.  ALL of the hardware must be removed.  The main difference between the half cab and the duster, jammer bikini is that the halfcab seals off everything.  On a YJ, there are huge gaps where water can get in.  You'll have 4" between the door and the bikini top as well as a gap in the back where the Jammer would cover.  How important is it?  Well, there's nothing too important there but water will drain out under the main rollbar hoop. Rust could form under there over time as well.  Light rain isn't a problem though.  You could seal that area under the main hoop easy enough as well.
Title: Re: Hard top to Soft top and Back
Post by: flyingbrick on April 02, 2008, 06:34:08 PM
Just run A bikini and get a cab cover for when you expect rain.
Title: Re: Hard top to Soft top and Back
Post by: jwalls4x4 on April 02, 2008, 07:11:37 PM
 :clap:  Thanks guys, I think I'll go with the bikini, jammer, duster combo.  Will the belt-rail for the duster interfere with the hard top?
Title: Re: Hard top to Soft top and Back
Post by: Jeffy on April 02, 2008, 07:32:26 PM
:clap:  Thanks guys, I think I'll go with the bikini, jammer, duster combo.  Will the belt-rail for the duster interfere with the hard top?

Yeah, the rail will have to be removed but it's not that difficult.

Make sure you keep track of all of your hardtop parts.  Especially the rubber seal that sits in the upper corners against the windshield and door.  Those can fall off.  I'd look into replacing the bed seal as well since it's probably squished and won't bounce back if it's original.