Calgary Jeep Association

4x4 Related Groups => General Talk => Topic started by: SausageCat on June 12, 2009, 11:33:52 PM

Title: Soft vs Hard
Post by: SausageCat on June 12, 2009, 11:33:52 PM

I'm thinking about swapping my Hard Top for a Soft Top - I like how fast I can take the Soft Top down in the summer versus the struggle to take the Hard Top down.

My concerns:
How are the Soft Tops performing in the winter?
What abut street noise?
Leaking?

I can't afford both right now and was thinking to swap my Hard Top for a Soft Top - both in very good shape.

I have heard once about the soft top liner / warmers that can be attached inside the soft top in the winter, anyone any info about these?

Thanks!

Title: Re: Soft vs Hard
Post by: dunl on June 12, 2009, 11:58:25 PM

A Chevy heater blower mod works wonders with a soft top in the winter.

Title: Re: Soft vs Hard
Post by: BEZZ on June 13, 2009, 12:17:28 AM

You can definitely afford both man. Just find a guy who has a less than perfect soft top, some door surrounds and get them in.  After crushing my soft top in a roll last summer I got a full soft top with surrounds for a total of $40. Just dig for some deals and save that hard top for winter!

Title: Re: Soft vs Hard
Post by: SausageCat on June 13, 2009, 01:07:12 AM

40 bucks... I'll dig then...

Title: Re: Soft vs Hard
Post by: SausageCat on June 13, 2009, 01:16:57 AM

Any ideas how to get the Hard Top off the jeep easy?

I would have to do it myself... I remember it was quite a workout when I was taking the Hard Top off my last jeep.
I would much appreciate any tips...

Title: Re: Soft vs Hard
Post by: slimbeam on June 13, 2009, 10:00:24 PM

if you have a garage, run a1" ratchet strap undre the hardtop over the doores to the rafter, hang a strap around each of the lift window hinges to rafter the winch up till top clears then drive away

Title: Re: Soft vs Hard
Post by: fuzzylizard on June 14, 2009, 11:07:24 AM

If you have an 07 or newer Jeep, the only problem I have had with my soft top is that the windows don't seal very well around the doors and tend to flap in the wind when driving at highway speeds. As for the noise, the soft top isn't any louder then the hard top.

Title: Re: Soft vs Hard
Post by: Spinalguy on June 15, 2009, 02:40:24 PM

i have never had a hardtop.
97TJ
03TJ
Always WARM to HOT.
No leaks ever.
03+ is quieter but 97 was just fine.

Title: Re: Soft vs Hard
Post by: sn4cktime on June 17, 2009, 02:46:21 PM

Love the softop.  Always feel sorry for other vehicles on a warm sunny day.

Title: Re: Soft vs Hard
Post by: TheCaptain on June 17, 2009, 03:20:02 PM

Meh.  You never notice it.  Just turn up the stereo.  8)
In terms of heat, just do a complete flush to get all the crap out of your heater core and rad before the winter hits and it'll will be beyond warm.  In my '97 I often have to turn down the heat even with the softtop in January!