Topic: Frameless top for a YJ?

[jfrabat]

So after seeing the tight trails we run down here, and after having the chains rub on my rear wheel wells, I am thinking of buying a frameless top instead of having one made (it's more expensive, but I can be sure that it will work as it should).  now the question is, WHICH frameless top would you guys recommend?  I know Viking and Rampage (old California Tops) and even Bestop have frameless designs, but they all seem to be for TJ's.  Any idea on where to find YJ frameless tops?  I want something that (1) I can use as a safary top, and (2) I can store the windows on top (like the viking one).  Any hints, please let me know!  by the way, i would probably get the half doors as well...

[melbill]

I have the Rampage top, it is made by Softtopper.  I am still in the middle of a rebuild project, so I am not sure how it will all work out.  So far it seems like it will work out well.  It seems to be well made, the fabric is thick, the mounting brackets went on easily.  For more info go to the Softtopper website.     

I am happy
Bill

--  They are made in the USA.

[jfrabat]

I cannot find the Rampage one, but I did find the softtopper one..

http://www.softopper.com/Softopper_Model__Wrangler-details.aspx?TruckDetails=All Jeep Wrangler All

I just wish the price was a bit lower...  But it looks like I'll be getting myself one of these!

[sharpxmen]

I cannot find the Rampage one, but I did find the softtopper one..

http://www.softopper.com/Softopper_Model__Wrangler-details.aspx?TruckDetails=All Jeep Wrangler All

I just wish the price was a bit lower...  But it looks like I'll be getting myself one of these!

it still has hardware so not really fabric only - i would also be worried how you stretch it, didn't see anything about that, would be flapping big time if there's no ability to make it tight.

[jfrabat]

The reason I decided to go in this direction rather than something I can snap to the rig is that making holes in the tub and wheeling in mud is just an invitation for rust.  So I'm gonna have to go with some frame.  But this style makes the top of the Jeep a bit narrower (on the rear mainly), which means less brushing.  And if I DO lean into a mud wall, it's the roll bar exerting the force, not the top frame or the hard top...

[neale_rs]

It looks like California Tops changed their name:

http://www.offroadheros.com/

[jfrabat]

It looks like California Tops changed their name:

http://www.offroadheros.com/

California Tops is not offroadheros, and Viking is Rampage (although no YJ top is available).

[sharpxmen]

It looks like California Tops changed their name:

http://www.offroadheros.com/

there's only 1 page and no links on it, no product line either - how you order a top from that website?

[neale_rs]

I looked at frameless tops some months ago and same pictures used by california tops are now being used by offroadheros.  There has to be some connection there.  Try this link:  http://www.californiatops.com/yjfull.html

The web page did not work wit Google Chrome but worked fine with the MS Explorer.  Bad web page design.

[sharpxmen]

I looked at frameless tops some months ago and same pictures used by california tops are now being used by offroadheros.  There has to be some connection there.  Try this link:  http://www.californiatops.com/yjfull.html

The web page did not work wit Google Chrome but worked fine with the MS Explorer.  Bad web page design.

you're right, offroad heroes works with IE - i like their YJ fulltop better than the californiatops one (maybe they're the same but the pictures are more explanatory)

[Jeffy]

California Tops is not offroadheros, and Viking is Rampage (although no YJ top is available).

The old domain www.californiatops.com forwards to www.offroadheros.com.  I don't really get why Tim named it California Tops in the first place though.  Although Offroad Hero's is a stupid name as well.  Looks like he's not using his name in the registry.  They use the same host peak.peak.com, too...

California Tops
Tim Taylor
PO BOX 21125
Edmonton, AB (CA)
T6R2V4

offroadheros
Penny Dietz
PO BOX 21125                   
EDMONTON, AB (CA)
T6R2V4
                   
7804367722

As for Viking and Rampage.  Viking Offroad is a store.  Rampage is a Marketing house like Steel Horse was.  I recognize the old Steel Horse Jeep on their site actually.  I'm gonna guess they, too, don't make their own stuff.

Here's another tidbit, the stock top sits 6" higher then no top and 4" shorter then with a hard top.  At the rear, you're gaining a lot more since the tops sit snugger to the roll bars.

[Jeffy]

Seems like that website is not yet complete... I wonder why they did a redirect when its not yet ready...

What's not ready about it?

[sharpxmen]

What's not ready about it?

only works in IE, it had no menu when i opened it in Chrome, like him I thought there's nothing other than the front page on the website.

[Jeffy]

only works in IE, it had no menu when i opened it in Chrome, like him I thought there's nothing other than the front page on the website.

It works in FF, fine...

[aw12345]

soft topper enough said