[joecatch]

While I am waiting to pick up my first Jeep tomorrow (2001 TJ w/hard top) I was wondering how hard is it to remove a hard top and how kong does it take? I assume it is a 2 person job. Do you have to worry about leaks after you put the hard top back on? Thanks for your help.

Joe C

 

[wwch99tj]

6 torx bolts (3 on each side)
And 2 latches on the windshield...
No worries about leaks
2 person job

 

[Lord Jeepington]

Definitely a two person job, unless you have a hoist. but its not too hard. just some bolts on the inside tub rails that you remove, and the clips on the top windshield. And if its a good hard top it really shouldn't have leaks unless its cracked somewhere. just take a good look at it.
Watch out for the back window also, those crack easily when stored

 

[TJDave]

Depending on how long the hardtop has been on that Jeep, sometimes mine likes to stick on the factory insulating seal between the top and the tub.
I find it much easier to break the seal by lifting up on the top near the windshield. More leverage.
Also make sure you keep a finger on the square nuts and not let them drop when removing the bolts. The nuts up front like to drop right into the seat belt mechanism and are a PITA to get out.

 

[Tony T]

I do it by myself with the Hoist-A-Top Jeep Top Removal. I use the manual version.

 

[-DMB-]

If you have a rear windshield wiper setup, make sure you unplug the wiper and water hose first. It's an easy removal, but does take 2 since it's kind of awkward. It's best if you have a set of saw horses to store it on as it makes picking it up and putting it down a lot easier.

 

[Tony T]

I attached some 2X4's with a few lag screws to the rails. Made it easy to store the top. You can also use a Hardtop Storage Cart if you're tight on space

 

[pi55edoff]

Also if it has the rear wiper make sure u plug the washer hose.

 

[baychar]

It can be a one person job. I set up a hoist with rachet straps and made my own dolly. Compliments for you tube. Do your research first and take your time.

 

[YJ Steve-o]

X2 on the hardtop dolly. Built on for my YJ, but it works the same for my TJ top.

 

[-DMB-]

Like others have said, definitely build yourself a hoist. It makes it a one man job and provides a good place to store the top out of the way.

 

[wwch99tj]

Yes a hoist is nice, keeps the top out of harms way...

 

[vertical horizons]

... I find it much easier to break the seal by lifting up on the top near the windshield. More leverage...

How do you lift up, near the windshield?
Do you mean push up from underneath the top, near the windshield?

... Also make sure you keep a finger on the square nuts and not let them drop when removing the bolts. The nuts up front like to drop right into the seat belt mechanism and are a PITA to get out.

Both of the front nuts fell to the carpet. Could have been a PITA if they would have fell into the hole below them.

How do you re-install the nuts? My fingers are too big and that area is way too small to hold those nuts into place. Is there a trick to it?

 

[Majnoon]

Lol it ain't hard a friend and I stand at The side glass lift gate open and hands on the back where the glass closes and where door closes. Up and to the rear. I've taken it off alone but it sucks because it's awkward. Basically sit in tailgate area and pick it up. Edit. It's not hard. Removed mine every year for 14 years no leaks. Also never bought crazy crap to remove it. Takes 10 min. Before I had a large shed I would lay it on a large tarp. Duct tape It up the sides then secure a smaller Tarp over the top. Keeps it protected in the yard.

Hold nuts in place and spin bolts
Into them. They are shaped not to spin.

 

[vertical horizons]

6 torx bolts (3 on each side)
And 2 latches on the windshield...
No worries about leaks
2 person job

I removed the 6 Torx bolts, & unlatched the 2 latches.

I pushed up on the front of the hardtop near the windshield, but the top didn't budge much. I realize that the top may have not been removed for a long time and I didn't want to damage it. So I didn't continue to push on it.

I noticed 2 yellowish plastic clips near the torx bolts, right behind the roll bars that are behind the front seats.

It appears that these 2 plastic clips are attached to the hardtop AND to the Jeep tub, just like the Torx bolts are.

• What are these 2 clips?
• And do they need to be removed PRIOR to removing the hardtop?
• If so, how do you remove them?
• What is the purpose of these clips?

 

[JCro99]

Yes those clips are holding the top on. You need to "pinch" them. They will stay on the tub and the top will slide over them. So you have to pinch them and lift the top at the same time kinda.

 

[JCro99]

They are mainly there as a guide for when you put the top back on. If you have the clips lined up and through the holes, then the rest of the torx bolt holes should be all lined up without you having to slide the top back and forth to try to get the holes lined up.

 

[TJDave]

Yes those clips are holding the top on. You need to "pinch" them. They will stay on the tub and the top will slide over them. So you have to pinch them and lift the top at the same time kinda.

They are guides to line the top on the tub. They stay on the top. I've never taken them off or "pinched" anything. Unless my wife is helping me!:huglove:

 

[jjvw]

Yes those clips are holding the top on. You need to "pinch" them. They will stay on the tub and the top will slide over them. So you have to pinch them and lift the top at the same time kinda.

Incorrect. Those are guide pins that align the top to the Jeep body. Do not remove them.

OP, if you removed the 6 bolts and unclipped the windshield, then your top is stuck on the weather stripping. Keep working the corners. Once you can get an edge to come free, the rest of the top will peel off.

 

[TJDave]

How do you lift up, near the windshield?
Do you mean push up from underneath the top, near the windshield?

Both of the front nuts fell to the carpet. Could have been a PITA if they would have fell into the hole below them.

How do you re-install the nuts? My fingers are too big and that area is way too small to hold those nuts into place. Is there a trick to it?

Yep. I push up while sitting in the driver's seat. Rotate the latches completely out of the winshield frame holes. If the top has not been off for a long time, it may be stuck pretty good on the tub.

I have short fat fingers. The front two square nuts I rest on my finger and shove it up there. Spin the bolt while positioning the nut until you can feel the bolt coming through it.

It gets easier every time you remove it, and you'll develop your own tricks that work best for you.

Can't wait to take mine off, but it's still snowing here.