Topic: Soft Top Recommendation

[JFortner5]

I have searched all of the forums, and could not come up with much on a top I was looking at.  My top is shot.  It was down when I bought the Jeep, and that night I put the top up.  I haven't taken it back down because I am afraid it won't survive being put up again.  Most of the zippers are shot, and some of the stitching is shot.  The top is also the wrong color, my TJ is red with a gray interior.  The top is tan.  Needless to say it looks kind of crappy.

Anyway, I don't have a lot of cash to spend, but I don't want a piece of crap either.  I guess that is true for most all of us  .  I have read some pretty bad reviews about the Pavement Ends tops, but I have not completely ruled them out either.  The reviews I saw were a little older so I'm not sure if maybe something has changed.  The top I am really wanting to know more about is the Smittybilt.  I found them on Ebay for $250-275, and they had the tinted rear windows, which I really want.  How is the quality and fit on this top?  That is what turned me off of the PE tops were reviews of the top being too small to fit correctly, and I even saw one that was so loose it looked like it would flap all over the place.

Keep in mind, I know I'm not going to get a sailcloth top in this price range, I just want something that will last me a few years.  As long as it keeps my dry and I can fold it down without fear of it falling apart, I will be happy. 

Thanks,
Joey 

[Jeffy]

Pavement Ends is Bestop's value brand.  They are closest to the OEM tops.  Bestop's are the OEM supplier and arguably the best   Although if I was going to get a new top I'd probably look for a frameless top.

[JFortner5]

Pavement Ends is close to an OEM top?  I know Bestop is good, but I am trying to avoid spending $5-600 if I can.  I really only have about half of that to spend.

[Jeffy]

Pavement Ends is Bestop.  They are one in the same.  Bestop makes the OEM top but does not use all of their premium features with the OEM top or the Pavement Ends line.  Honestly, if you can, it would be a good investment.  BUT if you don't then I would stick with OEM or Bestops Pavement Ends.

[JFortner5]

I guess I could search, but since I already made a thread, anybody have any pics of their Pavement Ends top?

[smashcoast]

I bought a Pavement ends top for my TJ and it fit perfect and looks great. I have had it for over 2 yrs and it still looks new. I bought the one with tinted windows for a half door model for $299 on sale. I live in southern california so I take it off for about 5-6 months of the year and use a bikini top anyways. Thats why I didnt want to spend $500 or more for the Bestop brand. The installation manual has bestops name and phone # all over it if you have any problems.

[jagular7]

Check your local craigslist and 4wd clubs and their forums. People buy new for scratches on their windows and sell the tops cheap. Most of the time, it will be a complete top with bows as well.

I picked up a 04 sail cloth top with dark windows, bows and door surrounds for $300. It bolted directly into my 97. You won't be able to go the other way in years due to the windshield clasp configuration.

[SDWE61988]

I know the Bestops are pricey, but they are good quality.  If you can scrap the funds together,  It will be worth it IMHO.  I have not had any experience with Pavement Ends tops but I tried there roll bar pads and sent them back, and ended up paying the difference for the Bestop ones.  There was a very noticable difference in the material, construction and even the fit, enough for me to justify the cost difference.