A huge part of it is the sun and temperature of the fabric.

Letting it sit in the sun and get hot before installing/removing the top can make a huge difference. Especially with the premium fabric.

In order for the top to fit snug and quiet when it's on, it has to be that tight. If it was easy to put on when it's cold, it would fit lousy when it's hot.

 

Installed mine myself a year ago March, it was about 45 degrees out and I had no problems what so ever. Had it down a few days later and again no problems putting it back up. Many of the issues people have is because they do things in the wrong order which can make it difficult to put back up, such as not fully extending the latches that secure the top to the footman loop causing it to be impossible to reach the loop. Also many zip the windows in then try to wrap the window into the door surround which doesn't allow enough slack to wrap the 90 degrees they need causing them to come loose.

I do however have the 2 door which is a bit easier for one person to handle.

 

I'm also interested in peoples thought on this. I just installed my premium softtop on my JKU tonight. I am wondering how long I should wait before I put the soft top down? I would rather not have to relive the epic battle that I just had getting it on (mind you it is in the low 40's here in my garage tonight).

 

I have the standard top, but first couple times I put it back up was pretty tough. I did it by myself, but the first time I had to basically sit between the seats and push the top frame in the center to get the latches to catch.

You'll probably learn a couple tricks in the process... If you fiddle with the latches, you'll find the spot where the hooks are extended the furthest. That extra 1/4" makes all the difference in the world.

 

I am so not looking forward to putting on that soft top.

 

I knew having it in the sun would make it easier to put up, I just wasn't sure if keeping it on a prolonged stretch by keeping it up and latched would help that process long term.

 

For wife's 2door jk it took quite awhile. It is garage kept and doesn't go out every day so that plays into it; but I'd say it was at least two+ months. After that I wouldn't say it was easy but rather it was manageable. In the meantime you'll need to muscle it somewhat. Heed others advise and do the steps in the right order.

 

Few days in warm weather should do it.
I'm speaking from experience with the non-premium version, might be different with yours.

 

There will be times when gale-force winds are whipping all around you that you will be glad of every drop of tautness in that top. That's good sports bra advice, too.

 

You can also warm it up by starting the Jeep and cranking the heater up with the soft top just loosely raised and the windows zipped in as far as the go easily. Once the soft top is nice and warm the rest is easy. I have the Quadratec premium soft top but I would think this also works on the OEM.

 

That sounds like a great tip thanks for sharing it!

I installed my soft top at the weekend it was quite a challenge - perhaps because I was doing it in pretty cool weather.. It was ~40 degrees in my garage when I installed it.

I was able to open and close the sun rider on my drive home from work last night. It seems like the top is already stretching out nicely after 3-4 days. It has not been particularly warm here in the Boston area.
It is supposed to be close to 70 on Sunday - I am hoping to take the top down then and I hope it will be a lot easier to get it back up.

 

Ours was a Siberian Beeaacth to get on the first time.

Couple weeks later it worked normal.

 

Purchased my 2 door Jeep fresh from the factory with a hardtop, but I ordered the soft top (regular dealer option, not premium) to arrive at the same time. The dealer gave it to me in a box. Other than mixing up the poles/elbow tubing on the wrong side (damn dyslexia), I’ve never had a problem with the stiffness or tightness of the fabric.

When I put the top up, I start by hooking the front windshield clips (but don’t lock them in place), then move immediately to the rear and pull down on each corner to get those plastic bottoms into the underside groove. Other than having put a bit of weight / muscle into it, they aren’t tight. Pulling down, you can feel the bounce/spring in the tubing. Once the rear is secure, I move back to the windshield and flip the clips before raising the visors.

My only issue is when putting the roof down, there is that spring loaded locking pin just above either door, I have such frustrations with those. I’ll release the one side, and then walk over to release the other side, and as soon as I do, the previous one re-clips back into place. Sometimes I’m running from side to side trying to unclip the spring/pin before the other side relocks again. Frustrating. This is where two people would be nice. But other than the trigger happy pin clips, the rest of it is too easy.

I’ve also never really noticed a difference with or without the sun. Most times I’m putting it down early in the morning before the sun really warms, and similarly I’m usually putting it back up after supper before the dew point hits. Hate when I leave the top down and come out at after dark and the seats are all wet. Grrrrrr First world problems eh?