I'm pretty set on getting a black sahara unlimited but I can't decide which hard top to go with... standard black or body colored (glossy) black.
Being a newbie, I don't have experience with either option.
I like the looks of both so I'm curious if there is any other reason to choose one over the other?
Is one more durable? Easier to keep looking good?
I could imagine having to be more careful with the painted one when removing and storing (same with the freedom panels), but then I hear of the standard black chipping?
I've been searching the forums on the matter and did find out that the top is not plastic like the fenders so it shouldn't fade in the Houston sun like I was initially afraid of. That thought right there was a no-brainer to get the painted version. But apparently that is not an issue?
If anyone has any random thoughts/experiences or can list pros/cons of each I'd really appreciate it.
Saving $1k would be nice but not if I regret the choice.
Thanks!
I think the textured black only look good with the plastic fenders. If you have a Sahara with the painted fenders get the painted top. You'll be happier.
To each their own. I have a white Sahara with the painted fenders but the back hard top. I think it looks great to offset the white. I specifically ordered the Jeep to have the black top rather than the painted top since it was too much white in my opinion. As a bonus it saved me about $1k
Agree with the above statement. I just got a Sahara myself, both had painted fenders, only one had painted roof. Noticeable difference. I went with both painted.
If you're going to be taking the hard top off and on, I'd go with textured. You won't have worry nearly as much about scratches. And if you get any, they're much more easily fixed. I've had both textured and black painted. I've thought about trading someone so I can get a textured top back
Thanks guys, I'm not so much concerned with aesthetics here. The painted matches the fenders but AFAIK, the Sahara still has matte bumpers (partially), side steps, and other bits. But like I mentioned above, I like both so more concerned with the other aspects.
Stutz79, that's interesting to know the textured one can be repaired more easily.
I don't know how much I'll actually be removing it, probably the freedom panels more often than the whole thing.
I got a take off hardtop from a 2016 in the matte finish...will never own another one. The reason it's easier to fix chips is because you'll get plenty of practice! I wouldn't even call it paint... more like an egg shell finish that falls off constantly.
Comes down to what look you like the best. Mines not painted, but love the painted top look. Changes the look of the truck completely. Its a personal preference.
I don't have a sahara so, I didn't have a choice either, so I went with dual tops.
I have painted tops on both my Wranglers and they are much easier to keep looking showroom-like than the textured tops I had previously.
All hardtops are made of fiberglass --meaning they all are brittle. But the painted finish is pretty much the same as any other paint finish with clear coat: it can be washed, waxed, polished and buffed.
Textured tops require less work because they already have that "rugged" look built into them. But when looking at long-term care, a paint finish with a clear coat gives you a few more upkeep options than textured, which pretty much can only be washed and, occasionally, get a coat of 303 or similar to slow the fading process.
All personal preference.... I have one of each and much prefer the painted hard top look. There's something about an all Sahara Tan, Cosmos, Commando or Anvil Jeep that I really like.
Black and tan look good with the painted tops. Other than that, I prefer the textured black top on every other color. Its just too much of the same color and the contrast looks better to me. Plus the jkus all look like hummer h3s with the painted top.
I have a black 2dr Sahara with the textured top. I think it still looks fine even with the painted fenders. It's faded a little, but it's also 7 years old now. Hasn't faded nearly as bad as the OEM bumper and the textured fenders do. Has gotten a few scratches on the top probably from tree branches. And a few nicks on the edges from removing it a lot. They really should make that black layer thicker. Or better yet, die the material black before molding so it would be black all the way through (those cheap skates).
If you can't make a desicion, save the $ and use it for mods or the next set of tires.
Honestly it looks better without the top anyway. Mine spends as much time hanging from the garage as it does on the jeep.
The top or the fenders? My TJ and YJ both had hard tops that sat outside year round. The fenders, bumpers, mirrors, and handles all looked like hell, but the tops were fine! :happyyes:
The unpainted version is easier to touch up and less likely to show scratches etc. If you wheel with the top on in wooded areas, that makes a big difference.
Stock plastic fades to gray when exposed to years of sun damage. Fenders and bumpers for sure, mirrors less, and hard top stayed black on my friend's 2010.
Painted fenders have their downside as well, as rocks and gravel will chip the paint, but they are pretty durable.
My 2004 TJ Sahara had painted fenders to match the body color shale green metallic. The hard top was dark khaki, as they did not offer painted hard tops back then. So obviously my opinion is swayed by that experience, and others may have had different results.
I still think the textured hard top with painted fenders looks great, and assuming you don't want to swap for flats, can help retain a clean look for many years after purchase.
My preference is a painted hard top with painted fenders. I'm not spending $35K+ for a vehicle and half of it missing paint. Plus, I would think it is easier to keep a smooth, painted surface clean from dirt than one that is textured.
The black textured tops are more easy to scratch (the painted tops have a harder surface). The black textured tops are more easy to repair (simply a good Sharpie does it).
As so many others commented, it's a matter of preference. I prefer the standard one - especially with the painted fenders and even on a black jeep. Way too matchy-matchy for me. In my opinion the standard top gives a more casual and rugged look, while the painted one is more polished (and I prefer the former). Black and almost black would get my money.
Basically, imo, painted tops and fenders are for mall crawlers. Sorry. My hardtop and fenders are wrecked from hard wheeling. If they were painted I would be devastated
Well if anyone cares, I weighed the pros/cons/advice here and ended up going with the standard black top.
I got Firecracker Red so I preferred the contrast and more rugged look, and the more I thought about it, the more the painted tops make the JKU look like a hummer to me.
So as a few of you said, it really did come down to personal preference.
I felt the same way when I put the order in for my white Hard Rock. Love the contrast between the black top/fenders and the body. And I always thought if the top really gets beat to hell I'll just rattle can it or rhino line it lol. I'll keep the fenders coated in 303 to prevent fading.
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