[jl2569]

In need of replacing soft top on '98 Wrangler. Looked at Bestops RAT and Pavement Ends RATs. Price difference is $200 less for Pavement Ends. Anyone have any experience w/Pavement Ends?
Was told that Pavement Ends was OEM at one time but can't confirm.

Thx in advance for help.

 

[bluvikng]

I have always been told to go with Best top. But it is your money, and I personally do not have any experience with Pavement Ends.

 

[jeeperman]

Pavement ends has not been an OEM supplier since at least 1990 (was Besttop then), if ever. When it comes to stuff like this, you usually get what you pay for. Buy the most expensive one you can justify. If it was me, I would buy Besttop.

 

[NY94YJ]

I am happy with the Pavement Ends replacement top. I bought it for Price.....worried it would be 'cheap'........but it's Fine, fits perfect. It is a little thinner than the Best Top I took off. I keep the On-Off-On-Off...to a minimum as I think that's what will wear a top out fast.

 

[amerijeep]

Pavement ends has not been an OEM supplier since at least 1990 (was Besttop then), if ever. When it comes to stuff like this, you usually get what you pay for. Buy the most expensive one you can justify. If it was me, I would buy Besttop.

I'm still running my factory original top and it is Pavement Ends. My YJ is a 94 model.

It's a good top, but it's not as good as Bestop. It's 12 years old and is holding together pretty well, but is starting to show it's age. I got my first rip about a month ago (dry rotting slightly). The only thing that keeps it around is that I don't use the top very often.

 

[jeeperman]

I'm still running my factory original top and it is Pavement Ends. My YJ is a 94 model.

It's a good top, but it's not as good as Bestop. It's 12 years old and is holding together pretty well, but is starting to show it's age. I got my first rip about a month ago (dry rotting slightly). The only thing that keeps it around is that I don't use the top very often.

Well, I stand corrected! My 1990 YJ had a factory Besttop on it... Wonder if they made the switch for just a couple years... Oh well, good luck with your top purchase!

 

[amerijeep]

Well, I stand corrected! My 1990 YJ had a factory Besttop on it... Wonder if they made the switch for just a couple years... Oh well, good luck with your top purchase!

It was my understanding that Bestop didn'tcome into play as factory equipment until the TJ was released. I don't even remember why I thought that.

A guy I know has an 88 YJ. If I think about it, I'll ask him what top came with his. He bought hois Jeep new in late 87 and has taken the top off once the whole time he has had it. It's in very bad shape. I want to say he has the same top I do, but I can't say for sure.

I also know a girl with an Islander. She has a Bestop on hers, and she said it came that way. She bought that YJ at about 3 years old, so the top may be aftermarket or original. Who knows?

 

[mikestj]

i have a PE bikini top and the straps tore on the first install.i would go with the besttop

 

[compshooter]

I have no reccomendation on the two tops being discussed, however, I would shy away from anything by California Tops. Heard many people complain about the quality of the tops. Nothing more than a word of caution.

 

[93_Wrangler]

I personally don't like my pavement ends soft top at all. I have the sun rider model with the flip up front part, the fabric is too big and the whole thing just seems to be made really cheap. I think the rule of thumb for buying a soft top is you get what you pay for.

 

[amerijeep]

I've been happy with my Pavement Ends top. It doesn't see much road time, so it doesn't make any difference anyway. However, it is original to the Jeep, which makes it about 13 or 14 years old. It's held up pretty well.

 

[bad00jeep]

In need of replacing soft top on '98 Wrangler. Looked at Bestops RAT and Pavement Ends RATs. Price difference is $200 less for Pavement Ends. Anyone have any experience w/Pavement Ends?
Was told that Pavement Ends was OEM at one time but can't confirm.

Thx in advance for help.

which ever one you buy keep us informed. I would like to know which one you get and how it works out.

I too am in the market for a new softy!

 

[jl2569]

which ever one you buy keep us informed. I would like to know which one you get and how it works out.

I too am in the market for a new softy!

Shy'd away from the pavement end and returned it. Decided to go with the Bestop with tinted windows. Price difference is $172. The more I looked into it the more the Bestop seemed like the better deal. As one person said to me in their feedback, "...if you're going to sell it right away go with the Pavement Ends. If your planning to keep it for a while, the Bestop is the way to go."

Sell my jeep; are you kidding??? That clinched it!

 

[bluvikng]

Sell my jeep, are you kidding???

Now that is a great signature for you........lol

 

[97TJAC]

any updates on this yet?
i am going to be in the market for a new top and wanted to hear what you went with and how u like it

 

[Blwndr83]

I was over at 4Wheel drive hardware about a week ago to buy a new top for my TJ.. I told the guy this is what my husband told me to buy, it was the pavement ends top.. He told me that he wouldnt sell that top to anyone...

He showed me a scratch and dent top.. the windows are a very very cheap plastic compared to the bestop tops. He said yeah your saving money on the top but you'll be back here in 2 years buying a new top, as with the bestop you wont be. So I bought the bestop top...

the plastic on the windows are very cheapily made, one false move on a branch you would have a hole in the window.

 

[mrbigjeep]

keep us informed as i too am in need of a soft top cuz i got the hard top and i'm out of a ride when it rains cuz i can't put the hard top on every time

 

[amerijeep]

I must have the only Pavement Ends top that has lasted for 12 years. Either that, or the salesmen love to push the much mre expensive bestop. I know bestop is a mighty fine top, but I can't argue with my top that has lasted the lifetime of my Jeepie.