by Scott Ammerman
Torque Senior Correspondent
Hardtops remain a primary top for many Jeep Wrangler drivers, even in spite of the classic popularity of soft tops. That's because soft tops, while fun to use during warmer months, do have plenty of drawbacks when it comes to security. With a soft top, your unsecured belongings are always just a quick zip opening away from theft when unattended. Plus, soft tops attach to metal hardware that sometimes rattles and do not get me started about wind noise or window flapping.
I use a hardtop throughout the year for a lot of reasons. Security is a prominent one, but there are also many accessories that can give hardtop-equipped Wranglers an advantage over a soft top. After all, when foul weather and theft aren’t an issue for you, it also can be removed in minutes.
Mopar Top And Door Removal Torx Set
The least expensive, and still the most essential accessory for Wrangler hardtop owners, is the Mopar Top and Door Removal Torx Set. This little tool kit takes up almost zero room in your Jeep and gives you everything you need to remove the hardtop and doors to enjoy open-air driving during warmer months. The small ratchet and torx bits can remove both the torx fasteners that hold the hard top to the body tub, as well as the security nuts securing the door hinges. A small Cordura pouch keeps everything contained and safe until needed. Even if you have a full set of tools, this is a convenient way to ensure you always have the essentials with you to remove your top. In fact, many newer Jeeps came from the factory with this tool kit included, but it is often lost or removed so if you are currently without one then make sure to grab it before your next trip.
Deluxe Heavy Duty Hardtop Storage Cart
If you do remove the hardtop for any amount of time during the year, then a storage cart is one of the best investments you can make to keep the thing safe. Hardtops are big, heavy and very awkwardly shaped. They are also a challenge to store safely, not to mention quite expensive to replace. Comprised mostly of fiberglass, hardtops can easily get paint chipped off them should they come into contact with garage floors, rocks or anything remotely sharp. A Deluxe Heavy Duty Hardtop Storage Cart is one of the best ways to keep the hardtop safe and secure, while still being able to easily roll it around the garage if you need space for any of your other projects.
Lange Originals Hoist-A-Top
While we are on the subject of hardtop removal, if you have a garage and a high enough ceiling (eight-feet or higher), then a hardtop hoist is never a bad idea. Using mechanical advantage, a hoist can allow you to go from completely secured to 'summer mode' in just a few minutes. All you need is that high ceiling and a Lange Originals Hoist-A-Top can take care of the heavy lifting for you—with very minimal effort on your part.
Garage Smart Universal Hardtop Lifter With Bluetooth
If you want things to be even more stress-free when removing and storing your hardtop, the other end of the spectrum includes the Garage Smart Universal Hardtop Lifter with Bluetooth. This product not only performs the lifting for you, but it also uses a smartphone app for control so you get the ultimate in convenience.
GraBars Concealed Overhead Locking Storage Box
If you have a Wrangler JK Unlimited, then a GraBars Concealed Rear Overhead Locking Storage Box is a solid way to add some critical storage to your JKU interior. As someone who has used this for a few years, I can confidently say it is one of my favorite accessories, even if no one else ever notices. The handles lock to keep your belongings safe, and it doesn’t obscure your vision while backing up.
Kentrol Hardtop Removal Kit And Hinges
Yet another way to add convenience when removing a hardtop is Kentrol's Ultimate Hardtop Removal Kit. This accessory includes a Freedom Panel Wrench and knobs to replace torx screws holding your top to the body. On Wrangler Unlimited models, two factory screws do still remain above the B-pillar, but removing two torx bolts is better than taking out eight. Kentrol also makes a few other hardtop-specific items, some of which I installed on my previous Wrangler. These things like stainless liftgate hinges can replace the worn original ones, while a stainless rear wiper cover adds a unique touch to what is normally a really boring part.
MasterTop Freedom Panel Storage Bag
With a JK Wrangler Freedom Top, the front panels are very easy to remove, but much more difficult to store safely. The MasterTop Freedom Panel Storage Bag is an excellent way to keep those panels from getting all banged around against other objects in your cargo area or garage. The bag's exterior is made of durable black vinyl and has a heavy-duty handle to help carry the panels, while the interior has multiple soft pockets for storage.
Bestop Sunrider For Hardtop
A Bestop Sunrider For Hardtop in Black Diamond nicely bridges the gap between soft top convenience and hard top protection, and allows you to quickly open up your cabin sunroof-style without worrying about storage. The piece installs in just minutes and neatly takes the place of the Freedom Panels. Once attached, it is entirely waterproof when closed and can be easily opened in just seconds. You don’t even have to get out of the Jeep, as you can throw it back right at a stop light if the mood strikes.
Bedrug Hardtop Headliner Kit
If you want better insulation and sound deadening while driving, a Bedrug Hardtop Headliner Kit is a fast way to accomplish those goals. Even though the fiberglass hardtop is better insulated than a soft top, there is always room for improvement. These adhesive-backed panels are precision cut and install in a few minutes, keeping the interior temperature a little more manageable while helping provide a whisper-quiet ride.
Mopar Replacement Paint
No matter how hard you try and keep the hardtop protected, it will eventually pick up a few scratches or marks. Things like shopping carts, other car doors, trees on the trail—even weather—can all leave lasting scars. So if your top has picked up a few 'memory marks' along the way, then either a Mopar Hardtop Touch Up Paint Pen or Mopar Touch Up Paint Spray Can can provide the answer and keep that hard top looking fresh.
Dirtydog 4x4 Front Sun Screen
Dirtydog 4x4's Front Sun Screen is a necessary solution for those who want their Freedom Panels off, but do not want the sun beating down on them while driving. It is offered in eight colors and definitely keeps the sun off you when cruising around or on the trail. It even can even be left installed when you have the top on, so that feeling of open air with a little more sun protection is just a few minutes away. These are great in the hottest months, where just a little shade will make you feel a whole lot cooler.
Bestop Retractable Sunshade
Bestop's Retractable Sunshade for JK Wranglers offers the same type of open-air sun protection, but this product easily retracts back into the roll bar and quietly sits against the soundbar when not in use. The mesh material is UV resistant and, once installed, never needs to be removed as it can sit quietly under the hardtop Freedom Panels.
Rugged Ridge Elite Freedom Panel Knob
Rugged Ridge's Elite Freedom Panel Knob is the ideal replacement for those who have missing or broken Freedom Panel knobs. These ones are constructed with cast aluminum and are engineered to perfectly fit in place of the factory knobs, while adding a tougher-looking, and heavy-duty appearance.
Rhino-Rack Gutter-Mount Vortex 2-Bar Roof Rack
One of the biggest advantages of a hardtop-equipped Jeep is how easy it is to add rooftop storage. The rain gutters over the doors on a JK or JKU Wrangler allow you to add a Rhino-Rack Gutter-Mount Vortex 2-Bar Roof Rack in just a few minutes, which really helps when you need to do things like tie down a ladder for a home improvement project, or a couple of kayaks for a day on the lake.
Keep on rocking those hard tops!
