[Maddog7103]

I have a 2006 Jeep TJ with a hardtop. I want to have a soft top for the summer only. Can anyone advise what I need to get to make this happen? What is the best route? Thanks for any help in advance.

 

[xxBOsoxFANxx]

If you don't already have the frame for the soft top, you will either have to purchase it, or go with the bowless/frameless top. I like the look of those tops, myself. Also, if you are planning to re-install the hardtop every winter, I think it would likely be easier without the soft top frame. There are many different soft top options, just research which one suits your needs and budget.

Also, there are products you can buy to place your hardtop on for storage purposes, dollies, covers, lifts, etc.

You already have the expensive part (hardtop), the rest is easy.

 

[TJ4Jim]

try Keeping a close eye on your local craigslist for a soft top setup, you will need a frame, door surrounds and a top if you want to go OEM style

 

[Oldchief]

You may also want to consider going to half doors to go with your soft top. I recently switched from a hard top to a soft top and half doors and love it. Soft tops create more wind noise, especially at highway speeds. I'm also in FL, so will have more time to use half doors than someone who lives in the "frozen north".

 

[MarkyMark117]

Windshield header, door surrounds, tailgate bar, and frameless/Bowless soft top. I'm currently in the process of doing the same thing. your biggest cost besides the top will be the door surrounds, keep an eye on Craigslist for them and see if you can find them for a good deal

 

[Neil F.]

door surrounds are always on ebay. On ebay and the forums, the normal going price is around 100. Make sure the knobs are included

 

[Morris4x4Center]

Just to mention this, if you want to poke around, our soft top adviser can help narrow down what you might need, it's usually helpful -
Jeep Soft Top Advisor|Bestop, Smittybilt, Rampage & More





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[wvone]

I switch every summer. Mine was a factory soft top though. I still ditched it for a best top trek top nx bowless and couldn't be happier. Has the flip back section over the front seats and stays on as a bikini with all the windows zipped off. It's very tight and doesn't flap in the wind. I'll try to find a pic.

 

[wvone]

I actually have zero pics of it, but this is it. http://www.bestop.com/soft-tops-and-bikinis/trektop-nx

 

[Stubbs60]

If I were you I would go with a frameless soft top,just need a header channel, and full soft doors. Very easy to just take off and throw in the back. I wish I had this set up.

Cheaper than buying a frame and half doors too.

 

[racefan88]

I actually have zero pics of it, but this is it. Trektop NX

X2 I have an 06 factory hardtop and I just bought this top last week it has everything you need to make it work took a couple of hours to install but it fits very well and looks fantastic. PS they are not kidding when they say it needs to be 72 degrees or higher when you install, the fabric is very tight but once installed it is worth it.

 

[wvone]

^^^ got that right lol.

 

[Maddog7103]

I just registered in the Forum and was my first request and would like to thank all for their response. It is very helpful. Is it hard to switch back to use the hardtop for the winter?

 

[SurfKaster]

Is it hard to switch back to use the hardtop for the winter?

No. Only difficult part, which isn't difficult with an extra pair of hands, is lifting the hardtop.

 

[Jeep_guy3]

I switch back and forth from hard to soft when the weather permits. Like mentioned above you need door surrounds for what ever top you decide, check craigslist, that's where I got my OEM setup for $200.

I built a hoist in my garage to help with install/removal of the hard top by my self, as well as storage.

 

[MarkyMark117]

X2 on a hoist. Makes putting the top on and off a breeze, plus will give you a place to store it. kills 2 birds with one stone!

 

[Gary2]

Takes no time at all . I did the hardtop/full doors in the winter for years until I got to the point of just not liking how the TJ handled with the added weight up high . Sold it last fall and don't regret it . Its also not my daily driver and it sleeps in a heated garage. Now I only swap doors . Craigslist and Ebay has always worked for me when I wanted a different top

 

[ajcjake]

I have a besttop frameless soft top and it's just amazing in the summer. The whole thing just kind of pulls over the roll cage and clips into the sides. I would highly recommend it because there isn't a lot of hardware to install and uninstall when switching between the hard and soft, which is something I do regularly too