When I purchased my 24 year old Jeep CJ7 in 2007, the continual desert sun had not been kind to the original soft top.  It was definitely time for a replacement.  Having owned a 1983 CJ7 years ago, I wasn't really happy with the hardware set up for the factory top with its large metal pieces that could get lost or rattle around in the Jeep while driving.  The worst part was having to snap the top down in cold weather - that was murder on my fingers.

I decided to replace the entire top - hardware and all.  As an option, you can purchase just a replacement top to use with the hardware you already have - to save some money.


What I Like:

The top is made of the same heavy duty Haartz fabric it has been for years.  The window zippers are heavy duty.  The top for my CJ7 is simple to install, simple to put up and take down.  I like that there are no hardware pieces to remove - the hardware stays on the vehicle when the top comes down.  No parts to lose is a huge bonus.

I like that the top is versatile too.  You can drive with the top up and windows in, you can remove any of the three windows and create a longer bikini or safari top or you can remove the top altogether.  Some of Bestop's softops enable the user to fold back the front section of the top - called a "Sunrider."  In my opinion, these sunriders are kind of pointless.


What I'm on the Fence About:

Because of the nature of the materials in the top, cold weather makes the material shrink a bit and therefore might make it tough to install (or put up) the top when it's cold.


Installation:

When I purchased my Jeep, it had the snaps all around the perimeter of the tub.  Before I had the Jeep painted, I removed all of the snaps and had the body shop fill the holes in.

Installing the new top was very simple.  I had to install a metal channel on top of the windshield for the front lip of the top to grab.  Then I had to attach the metal "rails" to the outer rim of the tub.  These rails take the place of the snaps (in the older top) for a cleaner look and no worry about rust trickling down from each snap.

Once the windshield channel and rails were installed, I had to measure the distance from the top of the windshield to the rear rail edge.  Both side need to be the same and can be adjusted by raising or lowering the windshield a bit.  The top goes on the vehicle and then attached to the windshield channel and bows that attach to the rails.  Once the edges of the top are slid into the rails around the tub (much like the U-shaped channel on the windshield) the top is on.  The bows can be adjusted up or down for a tighter fit and then the rear and side windows are zipped into their places.

Taking the top down is even easier.  The three windows are zipped out and stored.  Then the bows are collapsed and the top folds down onto the back of the tub.  I would NOT suggest folding down the top with the windows in place.

At this point, I decided to purchase Bestop's plastic window storage bag (Smittybilt also makes a great bag for window storage) to keep the windows protected.  In addition, I purchased Bestop's soft top storage boot.  This is basically an envelope to protect the top while folded down - it actually surrounds the folded down top and uses snaps or Velcro to keep the top inside the boot.  It ties to the rear footman loops via straps and keeps the top from blowing off the vehicle during higher speeds.


Suggestions:

Practice folding down and putting up the top a few times.  Don't wait until the last minute in a cold weather period or a downpour to do try this the first time.  It can be a bit arduous the first few times, but once you get the hang of it, it becomes second nature.

Also, if you can't keep the soft top on the vehicle in a garage or under a car port, I would suggest getting a cover for the vehicle because the sun can yellow the windows and dry out the top itself.  The last thing you want in a soft top is a leak in the rain.

Sometimes, soft tops can flap against the bows and annoy the occupants.  A simple remedy is either open the vehicle's vent slightly or crack open a window.

If the zippers should ever stick try a little beeswax for lubrication.

Another huge suggestion is when you have the soft top on, NEVER lock your doors because a thief will simply cut open the top to get inside.  I never lock my hard doors and never leave anything inside the Jeep.  Use of Tuffy brand storage containers is a wise choice if you need to secure things in the Jeep.

If at any time the top should get cut on a branch or something, patching the area is as simple as patching a tent.  Bestop sells patching kits or you can use a tent patching kit as well.

As far as the plastic windows go, they can scratch pretty easily.  My advice is NEVER wipe them when the windows are dry and never roll them up.  Use dish washing soap and a diaper or soft cloth.  Bestop also makes window cleaning solution in addition to the soft top cleaning solution.  In either case, keep some form of cleaning kit in the vehicle.


Special Note:  A fellow Jeeper friend of mine has invented glass inserts to replace the plastic windows of the soft top.  The glass can be replaced at any glass shop if ever broken.  Last I heard, Bestop was interested in buying this idea from him.  Can't wait for those to hit market.

Shopping advice:  Since this is an expensive item, you should outweigh the cost of shipping versus sales tax.  Depending on where you purchase the top, you'll have to pay one or the other.  Do your math ahead of time.

Bestop also makes tops for early Ford Broncos, early Toyota Landcruisers, Suzuki Samurais, pick up trucks and other vehicles.

There are only two other companies (Rugged Ridge and California Tops) making tops for Jeeps and off-road vehicles, Bestop seems to fit the best and last the longest.   Sadly, some of the older top-making companies have gone out of business.  Since Jeep chose Bestop to make their tops way back in the early days, that speaks volumes about their products.  Bestop also sells replacement parts for any top they make or has ever made.

Soft tops are generally available in black, black denim, spice, nutmeg... although you might find them in white or denim blue as well depending on the manufacturer.  Keep in mind that the black denim looks like a dark gray during the day.  The basic black color is a lot richer black.  Something to keep in mind when picking out a color for the bikini top, roll bar cover, etc.

Bestop recently started making a "sail cloth" fabric that is heavier duty than the Haartz fabric and is quieter at highway speeds.  Expect to pay a lot more for it as well.  These sailcloth tops are available in black only. 

Soft tops can be purchased from any reputable 4x4 shop like 4 Wheel Parts or online at Quadratec.com, JCWhitney.com or on eBay.


* * Please visit www.JeepRiver.com * *


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