Taking the top off a Jeep is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and feel the breeze while driving. However, the process of removing the top depends on the type of top you have: hardtop or soft top. Here are the steps and tips for taking the top off a Jeep with either type of top:
Hardtop
A hardtop is a solid, three-piece roof that covers the entire cabin of the Jeep. It provides more insulation, security, and durability than a soft top, but it is also heavier and bulkier. To remove a hardtop, you will need some tools, such as a Torx wrench, and preferably another person to help you lift and store the top. Here are the steps for removing a hardtop:
- Remove the front panels. The front panels are the two smaller pieces that cover the driver and passenger seats. To remove them, you need to open the front doors, lower the sun visors, and turn the L-shaped locks on the front and rear center of each panel. Then, unlatch the header panel latch on the top of the windshield, and lift the panel off. Repeat the same steps for the other panel. You can store the panels in a storage bag that comes with the Jeep, or in a safe place.
- Remove the rear panel. The rear panel is the larger piece that covers the back seat and the cargo area. To remove it, you need to open the swing gate and lift the rear window glass. Then, use the Torx wrench to remove the screws that secure the hardtop at the B-pillar near the top of each front door, and the six screws that secure the hardtop along the interior bodyside. Next, disconnect the wiring harness and the washer hose from the hardtop by pushing the release buttons and pulling downward. Finally, lift the hardtop off with another person and place it on a soft surface or a storage cart.
- Reinstall the hardtop. To reinstall the hardtop, you need to follow the steps for removal in reverse order. Make sure the hardtop is aligned properly and flush with the body, and that the wiring harness and the washer hose are reconnected securely. Tighten the screws and latches, and check the function of the lights and the wipers. Related Articles: JEEP WRANGLER CAMPING TIPS
Soft top
A soft top is a fabric roof that can be folded down or removed completely. It offers more flexibility, convenience, and storage space than a hardtop, but it is also less insulated, secure, and durable. To remove a soft top, you do not need any tools, but you may need another person to help you fold and store the top. Here are the steps for removing a soft top:
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Unzip and remove the windows. The windows are the three pieces of plastic that cover the sides and the rear of the Jeep. To remove them, you need to unzip them from the soft top and unhook them from the retainers. Then, pull them off and store them in a storage bag or a safe place.
- Release the header latches and the side bow knuckles. The header latches are the two metal clips that secure the front edge of the soft top to the windshield frame. To release them, you need to pull down the sun visors and flip the latches open. The side bow knuckles are the two plastic joints that connect the side rails of the soft top to the sport bars. To release them, you need to pull the tabs and slide the knuckles out of the brackets.
- Fold and remove the soft top. The soft top can be folded down in two ways: sunrider mode or full open mode. Sunrider mode allows you to fold back the front part of the soft top, while full open mode allows you to fold back the entire soft top. To fold the soft top in sunrider mode, you need to lift the front part of the soft top and flip it over the sport bars. To fold the soft top in full open mode, you need to lift the rear part of the soft top and fold it over the front part. Then, you can either leave the soft top folded on the vehicle, or remove it completely by detaching the rear hooks and lifting the soft top off. You can store the soft top in a storage bag or a safe place.
- Reinstall the soft top. To reinstall the soft top, you need to follow the steps for removal in reverse order. Make sure the soft top is stretched and aligned properly, and that the windows, the latches, and the knuckles are reattached securely. Check the function of the zippers and the seals.
Taking the top off a Jeep is a fun and easy way to customize your vehicle and enjoy the weather. By following the steps and tips above, you can take the top off a Jeep with either a hardtop or a soft top, and reinstall it when needed. Happy driving!