Buyers Guide to Jeep Hard Tops
There is perhaps no other vehicle on the road today symbolizing the spirit of America like the Jeep Wrangler. Jeeps are highly customizable and come in a variety of configurations. Jeeps typically come standard with a soft top. A more secure, more expensive alternative, is the hard top. Hard tops provide increased security and a quieter ride than their softer counterparts. For those in the market for a hard top, the following will detail the options available and hopefully make your decision somewhat easier.
The newer version of the Jeep Wrangler, the JK (2007-current), comes from the factory with a three-piece hard top. This is different from previous models that came as one solid piece. The three-piece top allows owners to remove one or both of the front panels, making a quick transition to “semi-topless” on days when it is not practical to remove the entire top. TheMOPAR Three-Piece Freedom Topfor both the 2 and 4-door Jeep Wrangler can be found at a variety of retailers.Bestophas also created a variation of the Freedom Top for the JK, a two-piece version that can be stored on an optional roof rack. This keeps the interior of the Jeep free from clutter, allowing more room for gear.
From 1997-2006, Jeep Wranglers were known as TJ’s. This model can also be fitted with atwo-piece hard top from Bestop. Thestandard MOPAR hardtopfrom the factory is a singular, one-piece top. Bestop also provides upper door extensions for those soft top jeeps that also have soft doors. Bestop also manufactures a one-piece hard top for the TJ. It should be noted, that awiring harnesswill be required for some of these tops in order for accessories such as the rear wiper and defroster to work.
The 1987-1995 model of Jeeps were called YJ’s. Bestop also produceshard tops to fit these models, a one-piece top. Tops are available for older models of Jeep as well, although from not as many vendors. Most of the tops come in the colors of khaki, grey, tan, or black.
A Jeep with a hard top has more insulation from the elements and highway noise in comparison to the soft top version. It is also more secure from thieves. I have owned a 1981 CJ, a 1997 TJ, and currently drive a 2008 JK Wrangler. I prefer to have both styles of top in my rotation, soft top for the Spring and Summer months, and hard top for the Fall and Winter. This configuration allows me to easily remove the top in the warm months, while having the insulation provided by the hard top when needed. Without doubt, the Jeep remains one of the most dynamic vehicles on American roadways.
