Taking the hardtop off your Jeep is only part of the job. If it’s never had a soft top, you’ll need the hardware that holds the fabric in place: the header at the windshield, door surrounds, brackets and whatever frame or supports the new top uses. Buying replacement fabric alone won’t give you everything you need.
Below, we’ll walk through the parts, fitment differences and storage options for the Wrangler YJ, TJ, LJ, JK and JL, plus the Gladiator JT. We’ve included tops available at Offroad Trading Company so you can see what comes with each kit and what you may need to buy separately. Still deciding whether to make the switch? Our hardtop versus soft top comparison covers the everyday differences.
Full Soft Top or Sunrider: Which Do You Need?
Switching to a full soft top
If you want removable side and rear windows as well as an opening overhead, a full soft top is the option to look at. The hardtop comes off completely, and the new top takes its place. How it opens depends on the design: some fold behind the rear seat, some have a flip-back front section, and others need to be partly taken apart to open farther.
Before buying, watch the top’s operating video or read through the instructions. A closed-top photo won’t tell you how much work it takes to open it. You’ll also need somewhere to put the hardtop and a protected place for the soft windows when you remove them. They can scratch or crease if they end up under luggage or recovery gear.
Keeping the hardtop with a Sunrider
If you mainly want to open the roof above the front seats, you may be happier keeping the hardtop and adding a Sunrider. The Bestop Sunrider for Hardtop 52454-17, for example, is listed for 2018–2023 Wrangler JL and 2020–2023 Gladiator applications. It comes with the fabric already fitted to its frame, plus door rails. Those parts replace the removable front panels while the rear hardtop stays on the Jeep.
A Sunrider is worth considering if garage space is tight or you don’t want to remove the whole hardtop for a sunny afternoon. You’ll still have the hardtop’s rear windows, rather than removable soft windows. JK owners need the JK version; for newer JL or JT model years, confirm fitment for the exact part number before ordering.
Already have soft-top hardware?
If you already own a soft top with a sound frame, replacement fabric and windows may be all you need. Make sure the new fabric is made for that frame. A listing that says “fits TJ” or “fits JK” isn’t enough—the year range, body length and window attachments also have to match. Factory, Supertop and Trektop hardware aren’t automatically interchangeable.
What parts do you need to convert a Jeep hardtop to a soft top?
Here’s what to look for when you open a kit’s parts list. You won’t see every item listed separately on every top. Some come assembled, and frameless tops use a different support arrangement from folding tops.
| Component | What it does | What to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Fabric roof and matching windows | Enclose the cabin and attach to the roof system. | The right body length, door count, fabric type and window attachments. |
| Header or windshield channel | Connects the top's leading edge to the windshield area. | Included assembly, compatible latches or channel, seals and required fasteners. |
| Bows, side rails or support structure | Support the fabric and guide the top as it opens. | Whether the kit supplies these or requires an existing factory or aftermarket assembly. |
| Door surrounds and seals | Support the top and help it seal around the doors. | Left/right components, front/rear pieces on four-door models, compatible doors and knobs or bolts. |
| Rear-window bar and mounts | Hold the bottom of the rear window in place and help it seal. | Correct bar profile, end mounts and seal; a Wrangler tailgate bar is not a universal JT component. |
| Pivot brackets, retainers and hardware | Attach and locate the moving assembly. | Vehicle-mounted brackets as well as hardware attached to the top. Used kits often leave pieces on the donor Jeep. |
| Straps and specified restraints | Secure approved open or folded positions. | Correct quantity and routing. A loose folded top is not ready for highway use. |
| Storage equipment | Protects the removed shell, panels and windows. | Whether the cart fits your hardtop or the bag fits your windows, plus any mounting requirements. |
When you’re ready to order, have your Jeep’s year and model handy, along with whether it has two or four doors and full or half doors. Mention any roof rack or cargo accessories. If you’re unsure what hardware is already on the Jeep, photos of the windshield header, door openings and rear corners can help us work out what you’re missing.
Start with our soft tops and accessories collection, then read the individual kit's contents. A collection includes both complete systems and replacement pieces; check which type you’re looking at before ordering.
What to Know About Your Jeep’s Model and Year
| Platform | Model years | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Wrangler YJ | 1987–1995 | Door-upper shape, chosen frame system, windshield channel, body retainers and any required drilling. |
| Wrangler TJ, standard wheelbase | 1997–2006 | Exclude LJ-length tops; confirm door surrounds, header, pivots and rear-window bar. |
| Wrangler Unlimited LJ | 2004–2006 | Longer two-door body requires its own fabric and support system. |
| Wrangler JK / JKU | 2007–2018 | Two versus four doors, hardware version, door surrounds and accessory clearance. |
| Wrangler JL / JLU | 2018 onward | Door count, listed model years, window attachments and current roof type. |
| Gladiator JT | 2020 onward | Truck-specific cab roof, rear window and mounting components; Wrangler full tops do not transfer. |
The years above identify each Jeep generation; individual tops may cover a smaller year range. Pay particular attention to 2018, when Jeep sold both JK and JL Wranglers. “Unlimited” can also cause confusion: the 2004–2006 LJ is a longer two-door Jeep, while later Unlimited Wranglers have four doors.
Wrangler YJ: Check Your Doors First
On a YJ, check the doors before choosing the top. Full steel doors and factory-style half doors don’t necessarily work with the same top. If you have half doors, the shape of the upper-door frame has to match the opening in the soft top; changing the fabric skin won’t fix a mismatched frame. It’s also worth checking windshield alignment, worn body retainers and any changes a previous owner made.
The Bestop Supertop Classic 51599-01 listing includes adjustable frame hardware and specifies compatibility with full factory hard doors. Fabric doors are separate for its CJ7/Wrangler applications. The doors you see—or don’t see—in a product photo aren’t a reliable guide to what’s in the box.
Wrangler TJ and LJ: Two Different Top Sizes
A standard TJ top does not stretch to fit an LJ. Even on the correct body, identify the frame rather than mixing parts because their brackets look similar. The Bestop 54720 instructions, for example, require supplied replacement pivot brackets on applicable 1997–2002 vehicles with factory pivots and show tailgate-mount installation that can involve drilling. Read those steps before ordering so you know whether the job involves drilling.
For a standard-wheelbase TJ, the Supertop 54720-35 is a framed kit for owners starting without a soft top. It works with full factory hard doors and doesn’t fit the longer Unlimited. For an LJ, look at a top made for that body, such as the 2004–2006 Unlimited Supertop 54721-35; check its parts list before ordering.
Wrangler JK: Watch for Missing Hardware
A two-door JK top and a four-door JKU top have different lengths and support arrangements. When buying used, ask for the exact top label and photographs of every loose piece. Door surrounds, tailgate-bar end mounts, mounting brackets and small fasteners may still be attached to the donor Jeep. Ask the seller to lay everything out for a photo. Small brackets left on the donor Jeep can hold up your installation.
Check the specific replacement-fabric year range even within JK. Later hardware and aftermarket designs can differ from earlier systems. Also inspect for bent bows, cracked surrounds, loose pivot joints and damaged window zippers before deciding that fresh fabric will solve an old top's fit problem.
Wrangler JL: Check How the Top Opens
Start with the right door count and model-year fitment, then look at how the windows come out and where the top sits when it’s open. Some newer windows have rigid edges that slide into tracks. They need to come out in the right order and can’t be handled like an older roll-up window. Fastback and slantback describe the roof’s shape, not how far it folds down.
If your JL has the Sky One-Touch power roof, speak with the top manufacturer before buying a replacement system. A kit for a Jeep with a removable hardtop may not include what’s needed to replace the power roof.
Gladiator JT: You Need a Truck-Specific Top
You may see JL and JT listed together on a Sunrider product, but that doesn’t mean their full soft tops are interchangeable. The Gladiator needs a top made for its shorter cab, rear window and mounting points. Shop by the JT application when replacing the whole roof.
Also check the roof's opening path against a bed rack, front rack crossbar, awning or other equipment near the cab. A rack can fit the truck perfectly and still get in the way when you fold the top back. Use JT hardtop-removal directions for its electrical connections; do not apply Wrangler rear-wiper and washer instructions to the Gladiator.
Bestop and Rampage Soft Tops: What’s Included?
Bestop Trektop for the Four-Door JL
The JL four-door Trektop 56863-17 listing states that it supplies its own hardware and does not require drilling. You can remove its windows and flip back the front Sunrider section. Check the instructions for this particular Trektop, since other versions open differently. The slanted rear window also changes the space available for tall cargo behind the rear seat.
Rampage Frameless Top for the TJ
The Rampage TJ Frameless Soft Top in Spice uses the Jeep’s factory sport bars to support the roof instead of a conventional full bow frame. It still needs a windshield channel, door surrounds and a tailgate bar, which are sold separately. If your TJ only has a hardtop, check whether you own any of those parts before comparing its price with a complete kit.
Take a look at how you’ll remove the fabric and store the windows, too. A frameless top won’t necessarily fold down like a framed top. If your Jeep has an aftermarket cage or different sport-bar padding, ask about fitment before ordering—the roof depends on that structure for its shape.
What Else Should You Budget For?
Add the top, missing hardware, required door components, window protection, hardtop storage and any installation labor to your comparison. If you plan to alternate seasonally, include replacement seals or damaged mounting hardware discovered during inspection. That’s why the fabric price alone doesn’t tell you what the swap will cost. A complete new kit may include parts you’d otherwise have to track down separately.
For broader style and fabric choices, see our Jeep Wrangler soft-top options guide. Once you find a top you like, come back to the parts list and check what comes with it.
Installing Your Soft Top
1. Unpack the kit before taking the hardtop off
Lay out the parts and compare them with the installation manual while the hardtop is still on. Look for missing fasteners and shipping damage, and separate the left- and right-side pieces. Read ahead for tools, torque settings and any drilling or sealing work. Give yourself a dry place to work and plenty of time; putting a top together for the first time takes longer than swapping one you already know.
2. Get help removing the hardtop
Position the approved cart or prepare the correctly installed hoist before releasing the shell. Use the number of helpers and lifting points specified in the Jeep manual and your cart or hoist instructions. Hardtops are awkward even when their weight seems manageable. Never lift by the rear glass, improvise support from trim or depend on drywall anchors for an overhead load.
On equipped Wranglers, identify and disconnect the hardtop electrical connection and washer hose using the model-specific procedure before lifting. Secure them in their designated storage locations. Bag and label the bolts and washers as you remove them. Stop if the roof resists lifting: look for remaining fasteners, attachments or connected wiring rather than pulling harder.
3. Fit the brackets, surrounds and frame
Clean the sealing surfaces and inspect the windshield seal and mounting points. Follow the kit’s instructions as you fit the brackets, door surrounds and supports. Use the supplied replacement brackets wherever they’re called for, even if an old bracket looks similar. If the job calls for drilling, check the location and what’s behind it before making a hole, then protect the exposed metal as directed.
Use the stated torque for each fastener and watch the units: inch-pounds and foot-pounds are not interchangeable. Over-tightening a plastic surround can damage it without curing a leak. Avoid power-tool shortcuts on small fasteners and threaded inserts.
4. Give tight fabric time to warm up
New fabric can be tight, especially in cool conditions. Follow the product's installation temperature guidance; Bestop's 56863 instructions specify installation above 72°F for easier fitting. That instruction applies to that top, not every product. Use a suitable warm work area or the manufacturer's recommended conditioning method. Do not use a heat gun, pull zippers with pliers or change bracket positions simply to force a cold cover into place.
5. Check the fit before your first drive
Check both header latches, the fasteners, rear retainers and window edges. Open and close the doors, then try opening and closing the top while parked. Follow the instructions for removing windows before folding it. Make sure the straps and locks hold it securely and that nothing catches on luggage, a rack or other accessories.
Check sealing with gentle water flow and inspect inside for the first wet point. Do not direct a pressure washer at seams. After a short local drive, park and inspect attachments, window seating and unexpected rubbing. Any loose header or unsecured panel needs correction before continuing. Recheck hardware at the interval specified by the manufacturer.
Where to Store Your Hardtop
Make room for the hardtop before you lift it off, including enough space to move it into storage. A cart makes it easier to roll out of the way, but its supports, straps and rear-glass restraints need to match your top. The Bestop HOSS 42804-01 cart is listed for YJ and TJ. JL and JT owners need a storage system approved for their hardtop. Browse hardtops and hardtop accessories for the correct storage application.
Follow the cart's loading sequence and required assistance. Secure the shell, lock the casters and keep the assembly on a stable surface away from traffic. Do not lean an unsupported hardtop against a wall or place its sealing flange directly on concrete. Keep loose hardware labeled by location, with front panels protected separately. A compatible ceiling hoist also needs verified structural mounting, adequate clearance and the manufacturer's specified lifting attachments.
Protecting Your Soft-Top Windows
Clean grit off the windows before putting them away; dirt trapped in a bag can rub scratches into the surface. Use a cleaner approved for the window material, let everything dry and keep the bag’s protective layers between the windows. Don’t fold or roll panels with rigid edges unless the instructions allow it, and be especially careful with cold vinyl.
The Bestop HOSS Window Duffle 42810-09 has an important limitation: it is not recommended for Trektop or TJD windows. You’ll need a different bag for the JL Trektop shown above. Check the fitment notes in our window storage bags instead of assuming one bag fits every soft top.
Switching back to the hardtop
Clean and fully dry the soft top before storage. Label removable brackets and fasteners, then remove the components that the top and vehicle instructions require before hardtop installation. Do not assume the entire folded assembly can remain underneath the shell. Inspect seals, reinstall the hardtop in the specified sequence and reconnect applicable electrical and washer connections. Test those functions and check for leaks while the tools are still nearby.
Soft Top Won’t Fit? Here’s What to Check
| Symptom | Check first | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Header will not latch normally | Correct top application, header alignment, bracket position, fabric temperature and installation sequence. | Using excessive force or changing latch geometry without instructions. |
| Gap above or behind a door | Correct surround, seal orientation, door-upper compatibility and full engagement of retainers. | Assuming thicker fabric fixes incompatible hardware. |
| Rear window will not seat | Correct window/bar combination, fully engaged tracks or zippers, rear-corner installation order. | Pulling on the clear panel or forcing a zipper with tools. |
| Flapping or new wind noise | Loose attachments, unseated edges, missing support pieces and correct tensioning sequence. | Adding homemade holes, random shims or extra straps as a substitute for proper fit. |
| Water near a door or rear corner | Trace the entry point, then inspect seal condition and overlapping retainers. | Covering everything with sealant before identifying the cause. |
| Top catches while opening | Window-removal requirements, cargo clearance, rack position and any accessory wiring. | Forcing the mechanism past an obstruction. |
If you’re still having trouble, take photos of the problem and have the top’s part number handy when you contact the manufacturer or Offroad Trading Company. We can help with product and fitment information. Damage around a door opening or changes to the cage may need an installer to inspect the Jeep in person.
Common Questions About Switching to a Soft Top
Complete kit? · Keep my doors? · Frameless hardware? · Drilling? · 2018 fitment? · JL and JT? · Used top? · Roof rack? · Winter use? · Seasonal swaps? · Security? · Budget?
Can I put a soft top on a Jeep that came with a hardtop?
Yes, provided you choose a system made for your Jeep and get all the required hardware. If the Jeep has never had a soft top, look for a complete kit rather than replacement fabric. If you have a power roof, check the conversion requirements with the manufacturer first.
Can I keep my full steel doors?
Many kits are designed for full factory doors, including specific examples in this guide. Others require a particular half-door or upper-door arrangement. Check the chosen kit's door compatibility before buying; do not assume all YJ or TJ door uppers share the same shape.
Does a frameless top need door surrounds?
It can. The Rampage TJ example above requires door surrounds, a windshield channel and a tailgate bar despite its frameless design. The term describes the support approach; it does not mean the top attaches without hardware.
Will converting to a soft top require drilling?
That depends on the kit and the hardware already installed. Some complete systems specify no drilling. Others include steps for attaching new retainers. Read the exact manual before purchase, particularly on older Jeeps with missing mounting pieces.
Why do I need to identify JK or JL on a 2018 Wrangler?
Both generations were offered for that model year, and their tops are different systems. Confirm the generation and door count before using a year-based fitment filter. A 2018 label alone is insufficient.
Does a JL soft top fit a Gladiator?
A complete Wrangler JL soft top does not fit the JT cab. Certain front-panel replacement products list both platforms, but that shared application does not extend to the full roof or rear-window assembly.
What should I inspect when buying a used factory soft top?
Check its identification label, all windows, frame joints, latches, surrounds, brackets, rear retainers and fasteners against a parts diagram. Inspect for cracks, bent supports, damaged zippers and hardened seals. Ask which mounting pieces remain on the seller's Jeep before agreeing on a price.
Can I keep a roof rack with a soft top?
Only if the rack manufacturer approves that roof and mounting configuration. A rack attached to the removed hardtop loses its support. A separate body-mounted system may remain but still block folding or window removal. Check load ratings and opening clearance; never place cargo directly on the fabric.
Can I use a soft top in winter?
Use the specific top within its manufacturer's limits. Winter driving and folding a cold top are different questions: cold vinyl windows can be damaged by bending or rolling. Follow the instructions for snow removal, cleaning and minimum operating temperatures. A fabric window also does not provide the hardtop glass's electric defrost function.
Can I switch between hardtop and soft top each season?
Yes, with compatible systems and the required removal steps. Keep separate labeled hardware sets and dry storage space. Do not leave a folded soft top beneath a hardtop unless the exact vehicle and top instructions expressly allow that arrangement.
Does changing the roof affect cargo security?
A fabric enclosure and removable windows provide limited resistance to entry. Avoid leaving valuables visible and consider a compatible lockable cargo solution. Make sure the box’s lid and hinges clear the folded top so you can still use both.
What should my conversion budget include?
Include the complete compatible top, missing mounting parts, any required door components, storage protection and installation labor if needed. Compare that total with a front-panel replacement if you primarily want open air above the front seats. Do not compare a replacement skin's price with a complete kit as though they include the same equipment.
Finding the Right Top for Your Jeep
If you’re ready to make the switch, browse our Jeep tops, covers and accessories or Bestop products. If you’re stuck between two kits or aren’t sure which brackets you need, contact Offroad Trading Company with your Jeep’s details and the part numbers you’re considering. We can help you sort out the differences before you order.
Technical references: Jeep/Mopar vehicle manuals; Bestop 56863 installation instructions; Bestop 54720 installation instructions; Bestop soft-top care guidance. Use the current instructions for your exact vehicle and part number. Product photos show the listed products; the cover is an editorial composition.