Can You Change A Hard Top Jeep To A Soft Top

Last updated on July 11th, 2023 at 06:35 pm

Jeeps are notable for their adaption to different landscapes along with their unique customization. Based on where you want to go or how the weather may show up, you might be keen on changing the wrangler of your jeep from hardtop to soft-top or the other way around. Your main aim of being here is to know how to change from hardtop to soft top.

Is it a DIY work or a particular transformation you should leave to an expert? Are there any different parts required and are the two tops compatible? These and many more are what I will be dealing with in this article today.

Truly, you can change a hardtop over to a soft top by removing all the hardtop mounting parts and installing it with soft tops. The two are not compatible. Related Article: Easy way to remove Jeep Wrangler hardtop you may also love to read this Are Jeep Wrangler Soft Tops Interchangeable

Can you change a hard top jeep to a soft top?

You certainly can change a hard top jeep to a soft top and doing the switch is not so hard of a thing to do, however, there are sure measures of ability required by you. There are many sections, mounts, and technicalities needed in the entire process, so if you want to do it yourself, you should get ready for the work. We have written a detailed DIY guide to help you out along the process.

While doing the switch you need to totally remove all the hardtop segments and install them with the soft top mounting framework.

The same applies when changing back to the hardtop, all soft top segments requires to be removed first. It’s not advised to fit the hardtop over the soft top without proper removal and installation.

You might have to watch this video on virtual step by step guide on removing and hard and soft top cover for your jeep. Or you can read this article on How to Install Soft Top/Hard Top and the best tools to use.

Does Jeep Wrangler Hard Top Come Off?

My answer is yes! But you need to ensure you remove your hardtop first before anything else with that removing the hardtop shouldn’t be complicated, having few tools and help from a friend, in no time, it should be removed.

But note that before you remove the hard top off your Wrangler, all the securing points will be removed or disconnected.

So make sure they are well set aside in a few containers for easier reconnection.

2 Best: Jeep Wrangler Hard Top Removal Tool (On Amazon)

Drimfly Wrangler Torx Tool Kit for Soft Top Hard Top Door Install Removal for Jeep Wrangler

Indeed, you can comfortably change your Wrangler to whatever you want. Here’s a handy tool kit that includes everything needed to remove your hardtop, doors, and then fold down your windshield on the go. You can this head top kid here on Amazon

What you get on this tool kit:

T30 Torx Bit
A 3/8 INCH Ratchet
T40 Torx Bit
T50 Torx Bit
10mm Socket
15mm Socket
Black Portable Carrying Pouch

Socket Wrench Kit Hard Top and Door Removal Torx Set Tool Kit For 1997-2021 Jeep Wrangler

This head top kit is compactable and perfectly fit for 1997-2021 Jeep Wrangler with superior quality and premium grade polished chrome vanadium steel.

This tool kit comes with a non-slip comfort grip handle, anti-Impact and anti-deformation, heavy torque, strong and durable, with anti-corrosion and anti-rust.

It comes with a heavy-duty S2 grade integral steel process and ultra-precise design, with high precision and hardness and has a longer service lifespan.

You can get this kit from amazon here for as low as $15 dollar

Can One Person Remove A Jeep Hardtop?

My answer is yes! It’s very possible for an individual to remove a jeep hardtop without any help from someone else. But to achieve this, such a person must have enough experience on it before this can be done alone. However, the best and most convenient way to remove hardtop from a jeep is doing it with the help of someone.

Engaging a hardtop removal service will make the work easier and quicker in taking off the hardtop.

Easy Way To Remove Jeep Wrangler Hard Top

Whenever you remove the hardtop of your Jeep Wrangler, this will make you enjoy that fresh air that you have always wanted. This is just how a Jeep is supposed to be, exactly how people want to enjoy it.

Here are what you will need to make it happen:

An extra person to help
T-40 Torx Head driver

Here’re the steps that are needed

Step 1: Begin from the driver’s side, car rear fastener knob overhead should be unscrewed, it’s located on the speaker bar assembly. Note that it should be kept somewhere safe like in the center console.

Step 2: Make sure you turn all three L-shaped locks that are overhead to the open position. Ensure the sun visor is unclipped and moved to the side. Make sure you free the Freedom Panel from the roof by lifting the header latch above the windshield frame. Now push up and remove it from the Wrangler, and store it somewhere safe.

Step 3: You should unscrew the Rear Fastener Knob located on the passenger’s side. Then turn the single L-shaped lock all the way to open. Now unclip the sun visor and move it to the side. Freely remove the Freedom Panel by lifting up on the Header Latch above the windshield frame.

Step 4: This is for people using 4-door Wranglers only: Make use of your T-40 Torx head driver to remove the two screws that holds the hard top of the driver and passenger side doors. Then place the screws somewhere safe.

Step 5: With the T-40 Torx Head driver, ensure you remove the six Torx Head screws that holds the hard top in the trunk space of your Wrangler. You will find three on each side, just place these screws somewhere safe.

Step 6: Go inside the rear left corner of the hard top and find the wiring harness. Now disconnect the rear windshield washer hose, you can do this by just pulling it away from the top. Then disconnect the wiring harness, you can do this by sliding the red tab over to the right and press on the sides of the clip. Make sure you pull to fully disconnect the harness.

Step 7: You can now close the swing gate and get a friend to help you lift and remove the hard top from the Wrangler. Both of you should lift up on each side of the hardtop and keep it somewhere soft and safe.

Jeep Wrangler Hard Top Removal

It is true that there are many benefits to having a Wrangler hardtop, but having an easy removal isn’t one of them. It is also true that modern tops are much easier to remove, however, they are still not completely hassle-free.

But using a little elbow grease, anyone can quickly and easily get Wrangler top off and be ready for the trail!

Is A Hard Top Or Soft Top Jeep Better?

There is an assortment of casings and top accessible, going from outlined or frameless soft tops, particular soft tops, swimsuit tops, flip tops, and the sky is the limit from there.

Whatever your explanation behind changing over from a hard to a soft top, may it be better permeability, adaptability, or simply that additional cool factor, there are a few contemplations to know about.

Security certainly isn’t guaranteed with a soft top and you’ll require extra lockable boxes and fixed trunks to shield any resources protected from burglary.

Advantages of a hard-top?

Better security
Reduces outside sound
Better protection from the components
No fluttering commotions at high rates
What are some of the advantages of a soft-top?
Ease of utilization
Easily put away
Light
Not inclined to spills
On-the-fly topless choice
What are some of the disadvantages of the soft top?
Very low security
Wind clamor and fluttering
Can tear
Drive-through vehicle washes are unsafe
Weaker protection to the components

Disadvantages of a hard-top

Bulky and hefty
Requires 2 individuals to remove and install
Longer fitment times
Can’t go topless on the fly
Dedicated extra room is required when taken out

Since we know the advantages and disadvantages of each top, we should see what is needed to change from a hardtop to a soft top.

Also check out this video where 3 Different Jeep Wrangler Factory Tops were compared to see which is best.

Hard Top to Soft Top Conversion

In this post, I have detailed every step you need to take in the process of changing your jeep from hardtop to soft top.

The changing process can prove to be challenging but surely if you follow the steps below you should be done with the convention in no time.

There are numerous stores and selling units accessible which come pre-bundled with all the important equipment and necessary components.

The change process is reasonably difficult and requires a touch of ability to do it appropriately.

When changing over to a soft top, it worth mentioning that the less expensive fabric is tinnier in texture. You should therefore get a thicker fabric that helps keep the outside noise down for a smooth and nice ride.

Installation Process

The time needed to carry out the installation process is approximately 4 to 5 hours depending on how you handle the technical part of the process.

You will require the below tools;

Drill
#2 Phillips Bit
#2 Phillips Screwdriver
T30 Torx Driver
Vise-Grips
Adjustable Wrench
Safety Goggles

The whole process has been divided into steps for easier understanding. The following is a quick outline of the process to change from hardtop to soft top on a 2007-2017 Jeep Wrangler JK.

Step 1 – Install Bow Mount Brackets
Step 2 – Install Door Rails.
Step 3 – Install Top Arch
Step 4 – Install Tailgate Bar Mounts
Step 5 – Attach Side Bows to Header/Fabric Assembly
Step 6 – Place Fabric/Header/Side Bow Assembly onto Jeep
Step 7 – Install #2 Bow Assembly
Step 8 – Secure Header/Fabric/#2 Bow/Side Bow Assembly to Door Rails
Step 9 – Assemble Rear Bow and Attach to Bow Mount Bracket
Step 10 – Attach Stay Straps to Rear Bow
Step 11 – Attach Bow Flap to #2 Bow
Step 12 – Drape Fabric over the highest point of the Jeep and Attach Bow Flaps to Rear Bow
Step 13 – Fold back Header/Fabric get together and connect Cable Springs to #2 Bow bracket
Step 14- Attach Foam Seal and Foam Tape on within Header
Step 15 – Secure Rear Corners of Fabric to Jeep Belt Rail
Step 16 – Close Front Windshield Header Latches
Step 17 – Install Rear Window
Step 18 – Install Side Window left
Step 19 – Install Side Window Right
Step 20 – Install Tailgate Bar
Step 21 – Snap Tailgate Bar Onto Tailgate Bar Mounts and Secure Bottom Corners of Rear Window
Step 22 – Folding the Top Down

So there you have an overall outline of what the fitment cycle involves.

Are Jeep Wrangler Tops Interchangeable? Soft Top to Hardtop

It isn’t advised to fit a hard top straightforwardly over your soft top cover. There are explicit mounting focuses for each top which is intended to consistently tie down the top to your jeep.

Fitting a hardtop over your soft top cover will harm the fabric and all the related materials used.

Would you be able to add a hardtop to a delicate top Jeep?

There are numerous resellers exchange hard top units accessible which are year and model explicit. The mounting framework varies from a TJ to a YJ and a JK 2-entryway and 4-entryway models.

It is conceivable to mount a hardtop on any Jeep given the hardtop is explicitly intended for your jeep year and model.

So you just make sure that the hardtop you like to be added to your delicate jeep top is compatible with your model.

What is the cost of a soft-top?

On Average, a good soft top cost ranges from around $200 to $1500 dollars but there are definitely less expensive choices available and can serve you but the better quality are more costly. On the off chance that the item is expensive, there is typically a purpose behind it and you can be guaranteed of getting quality.

Decide on a top that offers a nice 2+ years guarantee and go with a brand that offers decent customer service. It’s in every case great to get a means of conversing with someone first before making any purchase. You should look up these once here on Amazon

What if My Jeep Did Not Come with a Soft Top Feature?

On the off chance that the vehicle you are working with didn’t come with an alternative of changing into a soft or hardtop, you can purchase a soft-top pack with the entirety of the fundamental devices and materials expected to fittingly top your jeep.

Note that you ought not just to lay a soft top over your present top because the purpose of any cover on a jeep is to be fitted to the vehicle.

Putting a hard top over a soft top can likewise harm the soft top by tearing it or by shielding the equipment from working appropriately.

A hardtop over a soft top’s system may likewise break the actual edge, requiring you to spend more in getting it repaired.

Storage of hardtop and soft top.

Both the hardtop and the soft top take up a lot of space when they are not on the vehicle.

Legitimate capacity can not just keep harm from happening to the top yet also set aside some space in your carport.

Hard Top Storage

Hardtops are bulky, hefty, and clumsily formed. These qualities can make it hard to store, yet not feasible.

The normal hardtop gauges a decent 150lbs in this way, when you eliminate your hardtop from the vehicle, it is a great idea to have a cart sitting tight for simple transportation.

This stage will make moving the hardtop to an ideal space simpler and will likewise forestall scratches or water harm that being on the floor may warrant.

Soft Top Storage

Soft tops are somewhat simpler to store because while they are huge, they are flexible to touch and more pliable.

Soft tops can be moved up similar to a carpet and put away on a rack or sections set on the divider.

To shield any components from harming the soft top during its stockpiling you can enclose the top with other textures as towels or possibly utilize a plastic sack to keep away water.

Conclusion

Jeep Wranglers have consistently been known to be quite possibly the most charming and versatile vehicles to possess.

The ability to change your vehicle as per climate conditions and sporting exercises gives it an immense favourable position over different brands.

Altering your Jeep soft top with a 3rd party substitution can radically improve the feel and look of your jeep.

There are many sorts of accessories and soft top varieties to go through with a wide array of costs are going from two or three hundred to more than 2 thousand dollars.

Ensure you pick the right style and material that is most appropriate for your taste and style. Happy driving!

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Jeffery Ekweghi

Hi dear, my name is Jeffery Ekweghi, and I am a certified mechanic and autobody parts technician. I created this site to share my expertise and experience with car lovers looking to resolve their car-related issues. I am certified in private cars and heavy-duty commercial vehicles. I have worked as a mechanic since 2015 and have experience in vehicle brands like Subaru, Jeep, Toyota, TATA, BMW, Mazda, Honda, Nissan, Kia, TVs, and Others; however, I primarily specialize in Toyota vehicles.