Jeep Soft Top Advisor: Soft Tops Buyers Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I know which soft top will fit on my Jeep?

A: Depending on the model year of your Jeep, you will have a variety of Jeep tops to choose from. If you have the factory original bow system, a replacement top is your best option. For those looking for an improved driving experience, we recommend the Bestop Sailcloth Replace-a-Top. It's produced with a much heavier and denser fabric and offers less flapping at highway speeds and sound-deadening qualities to reduce road noise. If your factory bow is old, rusted, bent or difficult to fold up or down, we suggest you look at a soft top kit that offers both the hardware system and soft top. Bestop's Supertop, Sunrider or Tigertop are all options you may choose from. Not sure if you have the factory original bow system? Check out our hardware “ID Your Top” section or call our factory trained Customer Service Representative for more info.

Q: What's the life expectancy of my new soft top?

A: This depends on how often you drive your Jeep, how the vehicle is stored, if the Jeep top is removed frequently and many other factors. As a rule of thumb, the average life of a Jeep soft top is 3-5 years.

Q: How to install a new soft top?

A: In most cases with just a basic set of tools and average mechanical aptitude, anyone can install a soft top. Depending on which Jeep top you buy, installation can take from 1 hour to 3 or 4. We suggest taking a look at installation instructions, which are posted online from many of our manufacturers, or talking with one of our customer service representatives for further information on installing Jeep tops.

Q: Can I get replacement parts for my soft top?

A: Depending on the brand, replacement parts for Jeep tops, doors and hardware pieces are available. However, replacement parts can be costly and in certain situations it may make better sense to purchase a complete soft top kit- especially if you are buying several major top components. Currently, Bestop soft tops are the only brand that we carry that offer replacement parts to help extend the life of your purchase. Ask our friendly Customer Service Representative for more details.

Q: What do I do if I am missing something out of my new soft top kit?

A: Sometimes a part may be missing out of your new Jeep soft top kit. Do not send the entire kit back. Please call a Customer Service Representative and the missing part will be sent out immediately.

Q: Why won't my new soft doors seal to my soft top?

A: Soft upper doors and Bestop 2-pc doors may require the door frame to be bent inward in order for the door to seal properly. This is a very common practice. With the door in the open position, we suggest grabbing the upper door with both hands and pulling down to create a bit of an arc with the door. The frame is steel and can handle this type of pressure so do not worry about breaking it. Regarding Bestop 2-pc door sand lower half doors, there are adjustments that can be made by the hinge pins on the door that allow the door to close properly.

²Best with 30oz. Sailcloth option.

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  Factory (OE) JK 2-Door

  ID Tip: Bow system has 4 cross-bar pieces. Bow that latches to windshield does not extend above windshield. Windows have the letter "E" in a circle, stamped into the glass. Quarter (side) windows have only one piece of glass. Tailgate bar clips into plastic, snap-on tailgate clips.

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  Factory (OE) JK 4-Door

  ID Tip: Bow system has 4 cross-bar pieces. Bow that latches to windshield does not extend above windshield. Windows have the letter "E" in a circle, stamped into the glass. Quarter (side) windows have only one piece of glass. Tailgate bar clips into plastic, snap-on tailgate clips.

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  Factory (OE) ’97-’06

  ID Tip: Rear bow above quarterpanel is “V” shaped Distinctive fabric. "V-Shape" on quarter windows. Jeep tops attach to windshield with each latch located above the visor. Look for Chrysler Pentastar symbol on windows.

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  Factory (OE) '87-'95

  ID Tip: Rear bows are straight connected by horizontal cross piece. Look for 5 snaps that the Jeep top attaches to above door frames. Bow system slides on rail. Look for Chrysler Pentastar symbol on windows.

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  Supertop (Aftermarket)

  ID Tip: Rear bows above quarterpanels are “Y” shaped. Adjustable bow system.

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  Supertop (Aftermarket)

  ID Tip: Rear bows above quarterpanels are “Y” shaped. Adjustable bow system.

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  Sunrider (Aftermarket)

  ID Tip: Front is hinged to flip backwards. No bows visible through quarter windows. Unique 3rd bow.

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  Sunrider (Aftermarket)

  ID Tip: Front is hinged to flip backwards. No bows visible through quarter windows. Unique 3rd bow.

Depending on your model year, your Jeep® came from the factory with a variety of possible colors. Below are some guidelines as to what color is available by model year, or change the color of your Jeep top completely by picking the color that you prefer most. Due to the process of color printing, these colors are approximations only.

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  Replace-a-Top

  • Built to factory standards by the company that builds the factory-original top
  • Kit includes fabric & windows only
  • Optional clear & tint windows
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  Replace-a-Top Sailcloth

  • 50% quieter than denim
  • Multi-Ply fabric prevents buffeting and insulates
  • The 29 oz. material holds its shape better
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  Supertop

  • Kit includes hardware, windows & fabric top
  • Zip-out replaceable windows in clear or 31% tint
  • Set-N-Stretch fabric maintains it shape in all temperatures
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  Sunrider

  • Quick and convenient flip-back sunroof
  • Kit includes hardware, windows & fabric top
  • Innovative belt rail system makes Jeep top installation quick & easy
  • Fits with a variety of soft door options
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  Tigertop

  • Perfect vintage-style Jeep tops for restorers
  • Kit includes fabric top, hardware, windows & 1-pc soft doors
  • Snaps to tub
  • Windows roll-up
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  Pavement Ends

  • The value Jeep top with fit & function
  • Zip-out windows
  • Available in a variety of colors
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  Smittybilt

  • Marine grade durable vinyl coated soft top
  • OEM style fabrics to resist fading and stretching.
  • Seams are heat sealed to prevent leaking. Wick stop threads seal the stitch holes.
  • Innovative belt rail system makes top installation quick & easy
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  Rugged Ridge

  • Made of durable 15 oz. vinyl coated polyester and cotton fabric
  • Crystal clear DOT approved UV treated plastic windows that will last the test of time
  • Seams sewn with marine grade thread and “welded shut” with heat sealed tape to keep moisture out

Jeep soft tops require normal care and maintenance in order to keep the top looking good and performing well. The fabric portion of the top can be cleaned with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Do not leave mud and dirt on the top over a prolonged period as they will stain the fabric. Also, do not use petroleum-based products to clean or revitalize your soft top as they will degrade the fabric and actually reduce the life expectancy of your Jeep top. We offer a variety of fabric cleaners like Bestop's Fabric Cleaner & Protectant, which are very effective in removing stains and other things that may damage your soft top fabric. We highly suggest that a fabric protectant be applied to the top after cleaning to help reduce the possibility of stains in the future. We offer a full selection of recommended fabric cleaners and protectants.

Soft top vinyl windows require regular care and maintenance to improve their durability over time. These plastic windows may be wiped down with water and a soft towel – do not use a coarse towel as that may permanently scratch your windows. Bestop offers a Vinyl Window Cleaner that is very effective in removing light scratches and providing a layer of protectant to reduce scratches and fogging in the future. A silicon lubricant can be applied to the zippers on your windows to aid in ease of zipping them on and off.

Bestop Cleaners & Protectant

• Specifically formulated for Bestop® soft top windows and other exterior/interior vinyl
• Safely cleans and protects for unrivaled appearance
• Helps prevent UV Damage
• Easy application - wipe on, buff dry