Video: How To Take Off & Put On A Jeep Soft Top
Here's a video we made as a how-to guide for removing your Jeep soft top...
Jeep Soft Tops
We've owned two Jeep Wranglers -- one a 1990 YJ, and one a 2004 TJ.On the YJ, we simply used the Bestop Supertop (for the front seats) and the Bestop Duster (for the cargo area) during the warmer months of the year. And in the winter, we'd put the hard top on.
With the 2004 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, we don't have a hard top, so we ride around with the soft top -- either up, or down, or completely off.
i have a 2005 unlimited. what is the best way to fold the side windows so that the plastic sides are not damaged. i want to take them with me so i can put them back on if the weather becomes questionable. where do you store the side once they are folded. thanks
sam
I am still not clear on one issue. When using the sunrider "sunroof" do you have to remove or roll up the rear window? I have read different accounts
Sure can Harris. You might want some help as they are a little heavy and awkward. Try this out http://bit.ly/it7J1
Try putting the sail panels (the long pieces near the back window) on first - then use the front clips to pull it tight.
You can use the sun rider top without taking the sides off. However I do recommend rolling up or removing the back window.
I roll it up with and attach it to the bar OR we use this sometimes use this roll-up bag: http://bit.ly/AA3Tr
i have a 2008 jeep and everytime i take the top off i struggle terribly with the back window. From taking it off to putting it back on.. To me its not very user friendly..good luck!
Just bought a 2009 2-door soft top wrangler. Question is when using sunrider feature, I have read you must remove rear window at over 40 miles per hour. What is the best way to do this? Roll it up or lay it flat? I have read different views. Mine has the straps with snaps to roll it up. Do you roll it up with the bar? Not much info on this.
LOL!! Thank you so much for posting this video! I bought my 05 Jeep used and it had no manual, of course I wanted to get right out there and rip the top off, yeah right!! After watching your video I realized it was easier not having the pieces laying all over the ground..heehee...Thanks again!!
Can you use the sunrider top option only? Do I have to take the sides and back off?
Thanks so much! I recently got a 06 Wrangler and noticed someone else on the road with the "sunrider" top option in place. As my last Jeep was an 88 I'd never seen this before. I'm going out right now!
is it possible to remove a jeep wrangler hard top?
Thanks for the tips for taking the top off...what is the secret to get the soft parts of the half doors off?
I have a 2002 also and was having trouble getting the back window out...i sprayed a little WD-40 on the zipper and it came right open ;)
hi saw that you just gaught a 04 unlimited .how do you like it? i am thinking of buying a 05 and would like to hear any commants you may have..
On my 03 Wrangler, taking the soft top off-no problem. Putting it back on can be, especially when it's cool out. Any suggestions for making the plastic clips easier to handle in cooler temps (and 75 can be considered a cool temp). It almost seems like the thing shrinks! But I do love my Jeep (-:
Yes, if your front half is the Sunrider option. No need to take out the side and back windows. We do it all the time :-D
Is it possible to fold back the front half to make a sunroof without taking off the side and back windows?
Nice vid...thanks for sharing!
Ah, ok, ive tried so many things but i couldnt do it. Thank you so much!!!
DJ, You're supposed to have the 2 zippers :-D
Just move both zippers to the farthest left size of the Jeep's rear window and the window will completely release from the zippers that way.
I have a 2002 Wrangler and have a problem. The rear window seems to have two zippers on it, one on each end, but with this being the case, how do i take this rear window off all the way? Can't seem to take it off!! Help!!!
Tom - It is very tricky at first to get that retainer bar at the bottom of the rear window in precisely the right position.
It's not difficult, it's just that the bar needs to be positioned at just the right angle and must be centered perfectly beneath the window.
So first, slide the bar right to left until you find that perfect center -- with the black rubber pieces on the ends falling at the right places on both the right and left.
Then, tilt the bar at about 15 degrees or so. It can take a bit of force that seems strange at first, but just keep playing with the angle of the tilt for the bar itself until it finally pops in.
Fortunately, this gets easier the more you do it.
I have a 2008 Wrangler soft top and am having trouble putting my back window in.
I can not get the Retainer bar back in place.
Hi TNJeepGirl -
The only thing I can say about taking the rear window completely out at the same time you take the the side windows completely out is... we did it all the time during the first year that we owned our Jeep. Then, things changed.
Unfortunately, there's not enough pressure in the rear corners to keep the rest of the soft top on securely.
As I said, it worked for awhile, but now anytime we try it, one of the corner sail flap comes loose and starts flapping in the wind. THAT's not good, as it makes the rest of the soft top unbalanced and flimsy.
So we don't do it anymore.
I have a 2005 jeep wrangler and was wondering if its ok to zip out the rear and side windows. Will it be too much wind when driving on the top and remaining sides? Any info is appreciated. Thanks!
Great Info. Cant wait to use it tomarrow.
Hello guys,
I am having a hard time with my sunrider top. Whenever I use my sunrider top it flops around after a little driving. I didn't get any straps with it. Am I missing something?
is it the same going down and up on a 1990 model? friend just bought one and i am supposed to know it all --the one i had was a 76 in about 83 and i think i had the top on mine twice while i had it --so i have no clue!
I just purchased a 90 jeep wrangler and he gave me the soft top. It currently has the hard top on. What im trying to find out how to put the soft top on once i get the hard top off.
Deborah (and others having difficulty getting the Jeep soft top back up)...
The first thing that might help is to put the soft top up in 2 steps:
1) Take the soft top from the back tailgate area only 2/3rds of the way up... to the point where the latch pins will lock in. (Remember, the latch pins are above each door/window.)
Securing the latch pins is MUCH easier with 2 people (one at each door/side) -- and even that takes a bit of muscle to get the pins lined up perfectly so they'll actually lock in.
2) For the 2nd step, grab the last 1/3rd of the soft top that hasn't been secured yet, and attach it to the 2 levers under the visors. (But don't do this before securing the latch pins above the doors/windows first.)
Hope that helps some...
I really need more help getting the top back on! Problem seems to be that no matter how hard you push, etc. the top seems to not want to reach the levers behind the sun visors......whew! It's a work out!
Lynette and Jim, You've done jeep owners a great service posting this video. Its better than the one on the "official" Jeep website. I just purchased an 06 Unlimited and love it. I'm sure I'll be checking out your site frequently for suggestions. I'm thinking of purchasing neoprene seat covers since I live at the beach any suggestions? I'd like to make the Jeep as waterproof as possible similar to the FJ Cruiser with the cargo liners. Thanks Again.
The title says putting up and taking down a top. The video is only of it going down. that seems the easy part. the hard part is what to fasten first when lifting it up and the best way for one person to lift the top.
kelli and lynnette,
First - thank you!!! This video has answered so many questions. I also have the 4-dr, an '08 Rubicon. I managed to convert from the hard top to the soft top last month. The first time I opened the soft top I was sure I did it wrong and your video has proven that (and shown me how to do it right next time!) Just wondering if there's anything significantly different about opening the sunrider on the 4-dr vs the 2-dr.
Thanks again for such a helpful video.
Thanks for the video. I just bought an 04 Unlimited and you just made my day!!!
thank you for your reply Lynnette! although i couldnt find the exact part on the links above i am sure they have it. i found a picture of the exact parts that are missing from both sides. it is picture #4 located here: missing hook thing. there are so many cool parts for our toys it becomes overwhelming looking at the endless possibilities. thanks again and best to you and Jim.
Todd,
Thanks for your clarification. I wasn't exactly sure what you were talking about at first.
I'm still not positive what the actual parts you're referring to are called (and Jim's not here today to ask his opinion), but perhaps these links might help:
1) Is it the tailgate bar? Here is replacement hardware from Bestop. (Plus .pdf instructions for greater detail.)
2) JCWhitney Jeep Soft Top Replacement Hardware
It says these are included in the kit:
"Bows & Connection Tubes, Two Ultimate Adjustable Spreader Bars, Ten Upper Door Frame Snaps, Windshield Channel, Side & Corner Belt Rails, Tailgate Brackets, Mounting Screws, 12 Bolts, 12 Washers, 12 Taping Plates."
...perhaps one of those is the part you're missing?
3) This link might also help some:
Cyber Jeep Parts
Hope that helps some...
hi again - it seems i have located the issue but still require some help if you can. problem is the hooks (?) that the bar (on the bottom of the soft top window) should clip into are missing and i am not sure if they were ever there as we bought this with 15k miles on it. i have found a photo of what they look like but need to order or obtain them somehow and am unsure of what they are called exactly. hoping you could provide some terminology help if possible. thanks again for your first rate efforts.
hello! you have a very fun and informative website. what a great resource. we recently purchased a 2007 jeep wrangler X with a soft top. we really love it! heres my question - i noticed the back window doesn't seem to really attach to the body on the bottom, the bar just kind of sits across the tailgate area when zipped down on both sides. it doesn't feel very rigid and can be pushed in from the outside so you can just reach inside of the tailgate with little effort. is that right? i know its only a soft top but it doesn't seem very secure like that and i'm not sure if i am just noticing that or if something came undone or broke. hopefully not the later but just some advice if you could on how the bottom bar of the rear window attaches. the manual is quite vague. thanks for all of your efforts and happy jeeping to you!
Hey there! Great website! I just bought a new 2008 4 Door Jeep Wrangler with a soft top and I don't think we are taking it off correctly. I saw the video for the 2 door and was wondering if you had info for the 4 door or knew anyone who does. We would appreciate the help! Merry Christmas...Kelli
:)
Thanks for your help. The Video was most useful after recently purchasing my 04' umlimited jeep that came w/ the soft top crunched in the back seat. Thanks once again. Paul
ok so this is my sitution so i have a 2004 jeep wrangler model and my sister drove it before me and bent like everything and it pissing me off cause it a bitch to put the top on how do u take it off so it wont take long to put up and i always took it down with back window in how bad is that for the jeep please answer asap thank you very much
Thanks so much for explaining it all. helps alot. Does the soft top stay down and attached to jeep when hardtop is added? Need a quick answer on my way to pick it up!
After owning a 1976 CJ-5 years ago I felt like an idiot as I looked at the top on my 2004 YJ I bought today... Thanks for taking the time to help us all out! Now I can back it out of the garage and not feel ashamed if the neighbors see my try!
Bought an "04" Unlimited very recently. Had no clue it even had a sun roof option, or the ability to fold the whole top back without taking it off. Your video was awesome. The Jeep company should pay you for it. (Good luck trying to collect though. :-) )
Great video.
I just purchased an '04 Unlimited yesterday, which didn't come with the owner's manual. I am so appreciative of the help, and can't wait to lower the top for Labor Day.
Thanks again,
Jim
THANKS ALOT BOUGHT 06 RUBICON DIDNT KNOW HOW TO DO THE SUN TOP PART ONLY , NOW I DO GREAT THANKS.
THANKS MARK
Can you do something like this for the 2007 JK 4 door?
thanks that was nice but i was looking for soft top removal not just lowering it. i need to completely remove it with the bars and all to put on my hard top for my 06 rubicon.
Excellent direction. You don't know how much this has helped. You've made this process so easy. Thanks!
Great video! How about another showing how to put the top up and install the windows? The manual isn't the greatest. I just bought a new JK and installing the windows and putting UP the top is what causes me the most frustration...although I DO love my jeep!!!! Keep up the good work. Love the website!!!!
i found that taking the top down and putting it up was very easy. i think maybe i put up one too many tents in the marine corps. but very easy.
that was very helpful thanks!
I love your site and especially the video how to remove the soft-top. Do you have any pointers for getting the front latches 'latched' when putting the top back on? They don't reach the holes even in the most open position I can get them. I've got a 98 TJ.
Thanks!
Thanks a whole lot I have had my jeep for 6 months now and have taken the top down several times but never that easy or neat. Thanks
Lynette, Height may be my problem I am 5' 4" and have recently purchased an 03 Wrangler X. So far I have needed help to get the top up but can manage to get it down on my own, the dealership did not have the manual, so they have ordered it for me, and I am not so sure that the instructions I was given by the sales staff were all that great. I want to be sure I am taking care of everything properly because it is in great shape now. Thanks for all the info you guys have here.
Carolann,
Hmmmm... Jim and I have both -- individually -- gotten the Jeep soft top back up alone. But it wasn't easy.
Nor, is it really recommended, because you're likely to tug unevenly at the frame.
It's easier if you are standing inside the middle of the Jeep, and you bring it up about halfway. Or, maybe far enough to get the "release pins" secured. Then, get out of the Jeep and do the rest while standing outside the vehicle. (It helps if you're tall -- Jim and I both are tall.)
Thanks, very informative...I am actually having more trouble getting the top back up. Can it be done solo?
Casey -
Did you un-clip the heavy-duty locks underneath the visors?
Also, you need to "release" the rain guards above the windows in the front doors.
Have you done those 2 things?
I just bought a 07 XWrangler...I wanted to take my top off, but the manual wasn't helpful. I searched and searched for a website to explain...found this one and it was so helpful.
I wanted to just pull back the sun roof, but my top isn't giving- what step did I miss?
I agree with the last comment, the instructions on the four door are horrible. even the dealers cannot show me how the top goes down. Can anyone help?
man great instructional video..I too am looking for one for the 4 door model..the instructions are HORRIBLE! but great job it helped quite a bit already..
i have a 2004 jeep sport the drip wells on the sunrider seem to bend when i put my top down how can i keep them from damaging them even further.
thanks kimberly
This was a great video. Thank you for publishing it. I just bought an 06 wrangler and was missing a couple of steps with the removal.
Do you have a video for the new 4 door soft top? The manual is impossible to understand.
Any tips on removing the top for the new 07' unlimited. It seems that it does not lay flat.
how do you exactly remove a hard top? i just bought a soft top and i cant find any directions online/
that was a very good video, it even kinda works with the YJ. although it's not the same as a the YJ it still has the same idea on how it works, just the straps are different. you should make a video on how to remove the YJ top.
Steve -
Jim says those check straps are just meant to keep the sunrider top from rattling when it's open more than anything. Because the pins are still in place... holding the soft top itself in place.
He says you work 'em just like a football belt (looping the ends through the buckle part), but I'm guessing you've already figured that part out.
Good to see this this video, but the very last item (which I am struggling with) is missing. How do the "check straps" work? Mine seem to loose to actually keep the top down tight....
wow, nice video. thank you so much. i bought an '04 unlimited myself earlier this year and am eagerly awaiting the warmer weather. the owner's manual just doesn't explain it well enough, but this video is great!
Super job on the instructional video. The whole thing flows together great and I especially like the still photo "pull-ins" just like you might see on Autoweek on tv. Straightforward and very informative.
Who is the faceless helper? Tee hee....