Why Wrangler Owners Make the Switch
You bought the hardtop because it made sense at the time. Better insulation, quieter highway driving, more secure. But now summer’s here and you’re watching JK owners cruise around topless while you’re stuck in what feels like a mobile sauna.
The good news? Converting from hardtop to soft top isn’t as complicated or expensive as most people assume. The bad news? There are some hidden costs that catch first-timers off guard.
I’ve helped dozens of Wrangler owners make this switch, and the questions are always the same: How much will it actually cost? Can I do it myself? Will I regret selling my hardtop?
Let’s break it all down.
Total Cost Breakdown: What You’re Really Looking At
The Soft Top Itself
This is your biggest expense. Prices vary wildly based on quality and features:
Budget options ($300–$600): Bestop Supertop NX, Smittybilt OEM replacement. These work fine for occasional use but show wear after 2-3 years of constant sun exposure.
Mid-range ($600–$1,000): Bestop Trektop NX, Rampage Complete. Better materials, easier operation, typically last 4-5 years with proper care.
Premium ($1,000–$1,800): Bestop Trektop Pro, Mopar factory soft top. Superior fit, best weather sealing, hardware that doesn’t corrode. Worth it if you plan to switch between tops regularly.
Hardware and Mounting Components
Here’s where people get blindsided. Your hardtop and soft top don’t use the same mounting system.
You’ll need:
- Soft top hardware kit: $150–$400
- Door surrounds (if your hardtop used fixed ones): $100–$200
- Windshield header channel: Often included, but sometimes $50–$80 extra
Some soft tops come as “complete kits” with hardware included. Others sell the fabric and frame separately. Read the fine print before you order.
Tools and Installation Costs
DIY route: You probably already own everything you need. Basic socket set, Torx bits, maybe a drill. Figure $0–$50 if you’re missing something.
Professional installation: Expect $200–$400 at most Jeep shops. Honestly? Unless you have physical limitations, this is money better spent elsewhere.
The Math
| Category | Budget Route | Mid-Range | Premium |
|———-|————–|———–|———|
| Soft top | $400 | $750 | $1,400 |
| Hardware | $150 | $250 | $350 |
| Install | $0 (DIY) | $0 (DIY) | $300 |
| Total | $550 | $1,000 | $2,050 |
Most owners land somewhere in the $800–$1,200 range for a quality setup they wont regret.
Step-by-Step Conversion Process
Step 1: Remove the Hardtop
This is the intimidating part for first-timers. It shouldn’t be.
Your hardtop weighs between 80 and 140 pounds depending on model year. Heavy, but manageable with the right approach. If you’ve never done this before, check out our guide on how to install a Jeep Wrangler hardtop solo—the removal process is essentially the reverse.
The quick version:
Don’t have a storage solution yet? Your hardtop is worth $1,500–$3,000 depending on condition and color. Don’t just lean it against the garage wall. Proper storage matters for protecting your investment.
Step 2: Install the Windshield Header
Most soft tops require a header channel that bolts to the top of your windshield frame. This is what your soft top latches to.
The installation is straightforward:
Some headers are universal, others are model-specific. JK and JL use different mounting points. Double-check compatibility before ordering.
Step 3: Assemble the Soft Top Frame
This is the step where most people make mistakes. And it’s usually because they skip the instructions.
Soft top frames have specific assembly sequences. Installing rails in the wrong order means taking everything apart and starting over. Trust me, spend 15 minutes reading the manual.
General frame assembly:
Step 4: Mount the Frame to the Jeep
With the frame assembled, you’ll position it on the Jeep and secure the mounting points.
On most models:
- Rear mounts attach to the sport bar near the tailgate
- Side mounts connect to brackets behind the B-pillar
- Front latches hook to the windshield header
This is easier with two people but absolutely doable solo. Just takes patience and maybe some creative propping.
Step 5: Attach the Fabric Top
Now the satisfying part. Drape the fabric over the frame, starting from the rear.
Work methodically:
The fabric should be taut but not drum-tight. You want slight give for expansion in heat.
Step 6: Install Door Surrounds
If your hardtop used full metal doors with integrated seals, you might need to add door surrounds for the soft top to seal properly against.
These are rubber or plastic channels that attach to your door frames. Without them, you’ll get wind noise and water leaks.
Some two-door Wranglers and models with half-doors already have these installed. Check before ordering parts you dont need.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Buying a top that doesn’t fit your year. JK (2007–2018) and JL (2018+) soft tops are NOT interchangeable despite similar appearances. Even within generations, 2-door and 4-door require different tops.
Skipping the weatherstripping. Factory weatherstrip deteriorates. If yours is cracked or compressed, replace it during conversion. A $30 weatherstrip kit prevents hundreds in water damage.
Forgetting about temperature. Install your soft top when it’s at least 60°F outside. Cold vinyl doesn’t stretch properly and you’ll fight wrinkles forever.
Overtightening hardware. Snug is fine. Gorilla-tight strips threads and cracks plastic components.
Should You Sell Your Hardtop?
This depends entirely on your climate and driving patterns.
Keep it if:
- You experience real winters
- You commute on highways regularly
- Security matters (hardtops are harder to break into)
Consider selling if:
- You live somewhere mild year-round
- You rarely drive in rain or cold
- You need the cash to fund a better soft top
Before you decide, understand what hardtop resale values look like in your area. Factory color-matched hardtops in good condition command premium prices—sometimes more than you’d expect.
Final Thoughts
The conversion itself takes 2-4 hours for a first-timer, maybe 45 minutes once you’ve done it a few times. It’s not complicated. It’s just methodical.
Budget $800–$1,200 for a setup that’ll last and won’t leave you soaked in the first rainstorm. Spend the extra money on quality fabric and hardware—cheap soft tops are loud, leaky, and ugly within a year.
And one more thing: once you experience open-air Jeep driving, you’ll wonder why you waited so long. There’s nothing quite like hitting a trail with the wind in your hair and the sun on your face. That’s what these things were built for.