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Post by carabaoray on Nov 10, 2005 17:45:53 GMT -5
If you guys could have only one top, which would you prefer? Unfortunatley, my LJ only came with a hardtop and everytime I take that sucker off, I wish I had a softop. Just wondering if I'm really missing out. Also, is it a lot louder with the softop? Thanks
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Post by salyers890 on Nov 10, 2005 19:53:31 GMT -5
sailcloth top is pretty quiet, i'm not gonna lie. HT is great, but I'd only go HT-solo if I had a hoist in the garage. even then you're stuck with nothing if it rains. Softy is pretty crucial to my jeep experience. sunrider is unbelievably convenient and when you pull the back window in conjunction, for short trips/possible rain - you're better off than taking it down all the way.
in other words, you're missing out. but hey, it's your vehicle preferences are preferences. if you're in a decent climate - go to a jeep dealership and ask them to demonstrate the sunrider and also how to take the top down completely so you'll get an idea of what you'd be doing every time you want some sun. the 7 speaker system is clear as a bell while driving through the city, and even pretty good on the hwy as long as the doors are on. I wouldn't go any other way during the summer months.
down sides? you lose gas mileage - you're an easy target for any theif, and even if nothing's in there, your window gets cut/console busted if it's locked. - SLIGHTLY louder but surprisingly air/water tight when all buttoned up. - you've got to find a place for the HT during the summer. - also, they wear faster than a hardtop, obviously. anyone else want to chime in?
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Post by moneypit on Nov 10, 2005 19:59:40 GMT -5
If I was only allowed 1 top ever I would go with the Sunrider soft top. I bought my 04 with the hardtop because I wanted the Sunrider top that was not yet available till 05. The advantage of starting with the hardtop is that it is wired and has the hookup for the washer fluid. If you start with a soft top you have to buy and install those. There is no better feeling then running with the top off. The soft top is a little louder then the hardtop. But it's nice to have the hardtop for the winter here in Chicago. I bought my soft top off Ebay for $650.00 + shipping. Brand new take off. Watch there if you think you want one.
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Post by vauxilicon05 on Nov 10, 2005 21:40:49 GMT -5
If I could only have one or the other...definately the soft top. I like the added security of the hardtop, but I just put my hardtop on and already miss the softtop. And honestly, I don't think the hardtop is that much quieter. The only times my softtop was loud was when it was really hot outside so the material stretched a bit and it was really windy...other then that, I was very surprised at how quiet it can be. I was actually considering selling my hard top, but I'll probably keep it just because if I ever HAVE to sell the Jeep (which I hope NEVER happens) it would be nice to have both tops. Also, since I consider my Jeep to be a little bit of a collectors Jeep since they only made the Unlimited Rubicon's for '05 and '06 I would like to have both tops in that sense as well. But as far as either/or.....the soft top, hands down.
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Post by carabaoray on Nov 10, 2005 23:47:21 GMT -5
Wow, all three responses so far say I'm missing out. I had a feeling somthing was missing. Before I got my unlimited I had a 99' TJ, soft top and half doors. I hated the half doors, but now I wish I had the versatility of the softtop.
I'm going to keep an eye out for a good deal on a softop, but I'm going to hang on to my hardtop.
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Post by carabaoray on Nov 11, 2005 1:05:37 GMT -5
UPDATE! Well you guys convinced me. I just closed a deal on a new 05 soft top for $450.00.  It was posted for sale a couple days ago and is only a 2 hour drive from. Thanks for taking the time to comment. |
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Post by moneypit on Nov 11, 2005 12:36:15 GMT -5
UPDATE! Well you guys convinced me. I just closed a deal on a new 05 soft top for $450.00. It was posted for sale a couple days ago and is only a 2 hour drive from. Thanks for taking the time to comment. Good job on the top, that is a steal. Before you drive 2 hours make sure that they are including the soft top frame and hardware to attach it as well. Post some pics. |
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Post by Belfast on Nov 11, 2005 19:39:12 GMT -5
I agree that both tops are the best. But I have to say that the hard top is invaluable in the winter. No, its not warmer (the heater does a good job with either top). It is nice having a rear windsheild wiper and defroster in the slushy weather we get up in the north. Salt and slush ends up all over the window. I had a SWB with only soft top and learned the hard way. I would have to stop and rub snow on it to be able to see out the back through the salt. For a daily driver, the hard top makes a big difference in the winter!
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Post by vauxilicon05 on Nov 12, 2005 9:42:57 GMT -5
I live in Oklahoma, I wish we got snow and all that good stuff every winter here, but damn, it was 75 degrees yesterday here, and in the 80's a few days ago! I kinda wished I hadn't already put the hardtop on! But, it's freakin November it's usually much colder here by now!
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It was posted for sale a couple days ago and is only a 2 hour drive from. Thanks for taking the time to comment. 