Calgary Jeep Association

4x4 Related Groups => Tech Talk => Topic started by: stimpyson on February 14, 2007, 07:20:06 PM

Title: soft tops?? Are they all created equal...??
Post by: stimpyson on February 14, 2007, 07:20:06 PM

Hey all.... heres a question that I would love some input on...

I just bought a new jeep .. (2000 Saraha)... and it only came with a hard top.... so as one could expect with the spring approaching I want to have the softtop ready to go.... but whats with all the choices...

the OEM one from the dealer is $1,800 which seems a bit ridiouclus??

does anyone have  any reccomdations?? or cautions from brands to stay away from??

I have found a few on ebay for around the $5oo mark includuing hardware but are they decent?? Or just cheap garbage???

please point me in the right direction.

stimpy

Title: soft tops?? Are they all created equal...??
Post by: TJ54 on February 14, 2007, 07:24:19 PM

I have a besttop, I've had it about 3 years now, no complaints, It has stood up well to quite a bit of abuse :)

I got it from Modern Motors, I imagine National would have some as well. I don't remember the price, but it was a lot less than 1800

Title: soft tops?? Are they all created equal...??
Post by: BlackYJ on February 14, 2007, 09:24:11 PM

Go with a Besttop one and you need to make sure you get all the hardware with it.

Title: soft tops?? Are they all created equal...??
Post by: CJ-7 on February 17, 2007, 07:24:36 PM

I have one for cheap that is really great condition



I'm moveing back to B.C. and need to get rid of a couple things

Title: soft tops?? Are they all created equal...??
Post by: mudslinginjoel on February 23, 2007, 09:08:48 AM

I have a california top,its good to me,but if you want a factory soft top,chech out jeep stuff,they sell good used tops, with all the hard ware, for around 650$(better then the dealers $1800).

Title: soft tops?? Are they all created equal...??
Post by: 02TJSport on February 25, 2007, 08:37:54 AM

I have a stock one myself but it was re-done with the zippers and I bought it realy cheap from someone.  My only complaint is at -25 I went to clean off the snow and the plastic window broke a hole in it.

I think soon I am going to go buy a besttop because I think they are a bit cheaper then the factory tops.  I think I am going to avoid used this time.

Title: soft tops?? Are they all created equal...??
Post by: whitewolfdakota on February 28, 2007, 09:58:15 PM

Quote from: "02TJSport"

I have a stock one myself but it was re-done with the zippers and I bought it realy cheap from someone.  My only complaint is at -25 I went to clean off the snow and the plastic window broke a hole in it.

I think soon I am going to go buy a besttop because I think they are a bit cheaper then the factory tops.  I think I am going to avoid used this time.

Did't that busted window just irk ya! I tried to unroll my soft top in the garage in February and CRACK! I don't know how the sailcloth ones hold up way north but they are significantly quieter and seem a tougher material down here. I have to DW40 my top to get in in the garage when it's on.LOL! I'm sure you folks hardly ever take yours off except short times in the summer.Bestop works well because they will be there down the road when ya NEED to replace one of the windows and they deal well with single pieces.

Title: soft tops?? Are they all created equal...??
Post by: 02TJSport on February 28, 2007, 10:21:37 PM

Quote

Did't that busted window just irk ya! I tried to unroll my soft top in the garage in February and CRACK! I don't know how the sailcloth ones hold up way north but they are significantly quieter and seem a tougher material down here. I have to DW40 my top to get in in the garage when it's on.LOL! I'm sure you folks hardly ever take yours off except short times in the summer.Bestop works well because they will be there down the road when ya NEED to replace one of the windows and they deal well with single peices.
_________________

Yeah I was ready to tear the entire thing off when it happened but the back window of my hard top was smashed the week before, hence why I have he soft top on.  It realy bugged me..lol.  Now I have a patch of duct tape holding it toghether until I can afford to buy a new top which hopefully is soon.  I may have my house sold in 10 minutes so I will be able to buy it soon :).

Title: soft tops?? Are they all created equal...??
Post by: whitewolfdakota on March 01, 2007, 10:07:20 AM

My reaction exactly! In fact it was on a Wednesday and had a big wheel'n weekend planned. Called Bestop directly and had a back window by Friday. I was soooooo amazed. ALWAYS GO DIRECT bypassing vendors if possible!
     Isn't duck tape God's gift to man!lol! My father,bless his soul taught me to use it on everything. From Wednesday to Friday I had a BIG stripe of RED (being the color of my jeep and keeping with the STRICT laws of offroad color coordination,lol) ducktape right across the middle of my back window. I remember thinking I should have used the ol standard grey cause it really looked lame trying to unsuccessfully color coordinate the #*!? thing.LOL!Good luck with the house closing!

Title: soft tops?? Are they all created equal...??
Post by: JPKIDD on March 01, 2007, 01:31:33 PM

When it is time to replace my 97 tj's original soft top I think I am going to go with Bestop's Sail Cloth replace a top.  It is thicker, wormer and quieter then the original material.   Bestop's replace a tops replace all the material and you re-us the original hardware.