Best automotive tops & roofs according to redditors
We found 55 Reddit comments discussing the best automotive tops & roofs. We ranked the 40 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
We found 55 Reddit comments discussing the best automotive tops & roofs. We ranked the 40 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
Foot pegs will change your life.
I got some MOLLE seat covers that I enjoy, having pouches to keep things attached down with the doors off is key.
Shorty antenna. Same radio quality, only 5" long.
Bikini top is nice but personal preference really.
Flip open key is more comfortable in pocket.
Flip Key- http://www.amazon.com/Discount-Keyless-Replacement-Compatible-OHT692427AA/dp/B00LLLVW9A
Foot Pegs - http://www.amazon.com/Foot-Peg-set-Jeep-Wrangler/dp/B010TWOQGW
Shorty Antenna - http://www.amazon.com/AntennaX-Shorty-5-inch-Antenna-Wrangler/dp/B00DQJ8T00
MOLLE Tailgate - http://www.amazon.com/Smittybilt-5662301-Black-Tailgate-Wrangler/dp/B003CG9QFY
MOLLE Seat covers - http://www.amazon.com/Smittybilt-5661001-Black-Front-Cover/dp/B001CF3N9M
Bikini Top - http://www.amazon.com/Bestop-52584-35-Header-style-Wrangler-Unlimited/dp/B0032H6WR8
Finally, I had a welder friend make this for me and it's amazing. http://www.oman4x4.com/albums/cad/hammock2.jpg
You can get bug netting from Home Depot and some strong magnets (neodymium) and attach it to the outside of your car, then roll down the windows. If it's raining, you'll have a harder time, you might want window deflectors if it's something you're going to do often.
You could also try to find a hatch tent that hooks up to the back of your suv with the back open. Gives you the feeling of more space and a nice way to keep the air moving, something like this:
https://www.amazon.com/DAC-DA-E2T-Explorer-SUV-Tent/dp/B0001WTY0E/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1473905855&sr=8-4&keywords=hatch+tent
I'd also recommend getting a sunshade, and some privacy shades for the side windows. You can make your own out of reflectex.
yep, http://www.amazon.com/Smittybilt-9970235-Diamond-Replacement-Wrangler/dp/B003CGH13S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1398523226&sr=8-1&keywords=jeep+tj+soft+top
We have this one - Bestop 81040-09 Charcoal All Weather Trail Cover for 07-13 Wrangler JK 2-door https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0018Y44Z4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_PtLGxb8FRH84W it is similar to your second link but no idea what the brand in your link is, Bestop makes the factory tops for Mopar so I went with them.
At first it as a real PITA to put on as it was difficult to work out the orientation, I get better at it each time but I recently went around each corner with a sharpie to label on the cover where it goes, now it is a breeze to put on.
The third link won't cover your doors fully so if you are door less than that won't be the best for you.
I have one similar to this, mine is for a JK though. I live in a desert and with the top down it makes a HUGE difference!
I got the Bestop emergency cover, with door flaps because I leave my doors off most of the time. Takes only a couple minutes to put up, but you can't drive with it. Good in a pinch or for over night if you don't have a garage.
Edit: link On Amazon
I have been meaning to get the wingnut version because getting the torx tool for the factory bolts every time is a pain.
These are all over amazon. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01K4GP9XW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Sa9XCb731J9BR
https://www.amazon.com/Bestop-52450-17-Sunrider-2007-2018-Unlimited/dp/B01CACYCXQ/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?keywords=sunrider+for+hardtop&qid=1564862345&s=gateway&sprefix=sunrider+f&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1
My vote goes to the BesTop Trektop NX. I've only had mine for about a year, so only time will tell how durable it is. However, the zippers and top material are much sturdier than the QuadraTop I previously had, but you certainly pay for it. I really like the sunrider feature, which allows you to flip up the front of the top, so if you want a little more openness but don't want to take all the windows out then it's a super convenient option. Also, the bows that go from either side of the roll bars really help cut down on wind noise. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004P23VNW/ref=cm_cr_arp_mb_bdcrb_top?ie=UTF8
Found this detailed review that appears to be for the same product. People on Amazon also seem to like it. Looks like a fun time.
I did read a couple comments about door chimes being a nuisance, though. Any comments, OP?
Short(ish) TL;DR: Building a box on top of a utility trailer that will bolt-together, plywood sides, seat with locking storage and will be pulled behind a electric front hub recumbent trike. Not for use on the road, low speeds (~5-10mph) on pretty flat terrain with at most some ruts and dust piles. TTITD Already got the hitch made up and working well enough.
Longer form:
SketchUp file for those that want to follow along that way, otherwise image link.
This Gorilla Carts GOR1001-COM utility cart, going to weld up the frame but in sections that will bolt together. Want to be able to flat(ish) pack this in my storage unit when not using it. Main tube will be 3/4" square steel, the tube that's the extra supports will be recessed 1/2" tub, flush to the inner surface of the 3/4" tube providing ~1/4" for plywood to fit in against and help keep it in place.
All the tabs shown are 1/8", and almost all 1"x1". Debating drilling 1/4" holes and using #12 screw bolts, or drilling 5/8" holes and 1/4" hex bolts.
The seat bottom and back and top may be 3/4" plywood, not sure yet. All the rest will be 1/2" on the sides/back except the bottom (sitting on the mesh of the cart) which will be 1/4". Mostly to prevent little things from dropping out the bottom or stuff coming up from underneath.
The small 4" posts sticking inwards are for square u-bolts from the bottom which correspond to the cart cross beams and are 1/2" tube ~1/4" from the bottom to allow for the plywood.
The footrest in front is detachable and narrower than the full width, hopefully to cut down on people using it to step up as much. I'm slightly worried that if they step on the edge it may overbalance the cart. Having it closer to the center may help with that. If not, I'm going to just remove it and people will have to watch their feet with the tow bar :P
The seats bottom and back will be 2" high density foam covered with some basic cloth, stapled to the bottom of the plywood. The seat bottom may be hinged at front or rear to provide access to the front area where I'm intending to have a battery box and such. Using these type latches and some combo locks. Probably have a bit of 1x2" or similar wood behind the hinge area and latch areas to provide better grip for those.
The back will have a strip at the top/bottom, probably reinforced behind by some 1x2" wood or similar to provide better grip for hinges and latches. Might use the same latches as for the seat, but considering using these. It will swing backwards, and I'll may have a bit of steel cable to keep it from going all the way down, I'll see how it is in practice first.
I'll also get some anchors or similar and put them at the bolt points, and possibly at some of the other extra tabs I have in to help attach and hold the plywood in place. Might use screws, might just bolt through the plywood, not sure yet.
So, hopefully I'll get some constructive feedback (probably along with some "you're insane" or "no way that'll work" or what not). And it may not work as I hope. Oh well! I'll still learn a lot about how to do some things, and how not to do some things.
My alternate is just build a rectangular box, hinges in the middle with cushion and fabric all on top split in the middle. Still bolt together as a goal. A lot quicker and simpler and cheaper. But that's boring.
Here's the OEM style at Quadratec. I'd personally just go to the hardware store and get some regular hex head bolts instead of the Torx style.
You could also opt for something like this, so you don't have to worry about having a wrench handy.
Some are different.. but you willl likely need a windshield channel, door surrounds, and a tailgate bar.
Some come with, or may not require some of these parts, but the required equipment should be listed in any description where you are buying it.
Check descriptions on amazon for the model you are looking at..
It will often show you what all you would need to install each one.
also...
Any top that can go on... can come off completely...
Its just may not be the most convenient.
I would recomend This
Should be all you need
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It's called the Frankenstein bolt or the rear deck stud. You can get them on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Mazda-1990-2005-striker-Frankenstein-NA01-R1-38XB/dp/B017L8M8YE/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=miata+Frankenstein+bolt&qid=1559148788&s=gateway&sr=8-2
I have a < $300 soft top with a heated glass window from Amazon. It didn't fit perfectly over my frame, but the end result was actually very good, looking very much like factory.
http://www.amazon.com/Convertible-One-Piece-Non-Zippered-Heated-Window/dp/B00O0FPA6U/
I recommend getting a new rain rail.
Probably this then...Link: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00DR14U0K
You'll need to buy contact cement. And buy or borrow a riveter. Don't waste your money on the Harbor Freight riveter. We made that mistake then went and got one at Sears for not much more that actually works.
Yup, frameless is nice. I have a hardtop for winter, but this past summer bought the Bestop NX Frameless .
Being able to just zip off the sides and back is really nice. I also really like the sunrider feature, which is basically a sunroof for driver and passenger. And yes you can drive with it open on the freeway.
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Used this from Bestop on my two door and loved it. Never had a problem with water getting in, you just have to be careful taking it off if water pooled on the top.
Click Here
I just bought and installed a new soft top. It was really easy, and as long as you had a soft top before you should already have everything for the new one. Usually they will ,day if they are oem replacement tops. Do you currently have full doors (think you're average car) or half does, which add you might imaging is half a door, the lower half to be specific. I recently bought a smittybuilt top that was on sale from $500 for around $250 on Amazon. I'll look up the link and pay it for you.
Edit: here is the link http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003CGH13S/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1
This might be a dumb question but is this the same thing you're talking about? Because this is the one I was looking at. I didn't realize it had safari in the name until I looked it up and this was one of the top results.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0032H6WR8?cache=4b0d6c47f938e30f51447ae3230ee8b5#ref=mp_s_a_1_3&amp;qid=1393727323&amp;sr=8-3
I have the following cars I have used quite well with a pair of Newfs.
SAAB 9-5 wagon
Mazda 3
Tesla Model 3.
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They all work quite well as they are low to the ground and its easy for the dogs to get in and out of the car. I have a hammock in the back seat for them and they work quite well in the back. Overall the Tesla and SAAB arent my favorite because of the leather seats. The cloth seats work much better so that the hammock doesnt slide around in the back as much when they jump in. Our girl sometimes likes to go "camping" and will get under the hammock and poke her head in the front seat in the cars with leather. To get around this I am going to attach a small black D ring anchor point like below near the door under the seat cushion and then sew a clip to the hammock so that it cant slide around when installed.
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https://www.amazon.com/AVOMAR-Tie-Down-Trailers-Warehouses-Replacement/dp/B07H292YZV/
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This will make it just about perfect for them.
Its a rampage frameless top. http://www.amazon.com/Rampage-109535-Trail-Top-Frameless/dp/B0031WGQBQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1377489643&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=rampage+top
I found some that worked but don't love them. Not much room to turn them so I think it's actually slower. I keep a cordless driver under the seat with an extra torx bit in it then just tighten with the ratchet.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075M53YTF/
Rampage Frameless, and you get a bikini/safari out of it, and no stupid frames to deal with. also in the $400 range.
Quadratec
and even cheaper on Amazon
Dont forget to buy the header.
This is the top I bought.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0031WGQBQ
The best part about this top is that it can easily turn into a bikini top. You can store the windows in the actual top so if you were away from home you could easily put the windows back up. At most it has taken me 15 minutes to take it off, 20 to put it back on. Now I put it up and take it down in under 10 mins.
I can't really tell you about the road noise because I can only compare to the hard top. Personally, I don't think it sounds too bad on the highway, average Jeep noise. And insulation is awesome. As I mentioned, when it rained, I experienced no leaks. Now, I've only had the top for a month now so I'm not sure about longevity and how it does in the winter. But so far I have no complaints.
https://www.amazon.com/1989-1997-Complete-Convertible-Replacement-Plastic/dp/B00DR14U0K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1469896015&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=miata+soft+top
I was really trying to find a soft top in my local area but either nobody had one or they were already super damaged.
price: $850 OBO
condition: excellent
make / manufacturer: Rugged Ridge
model name / number: Rugged Ridge 2-Door Exo-Top
Everything you need to convert a hard-top Jeep Wrangler 2 door JK (2007-2018) to a soft top with an integrated roof rack (accepts all major roof rack accessories such as kayak and bike carriers and roof top boxes)! This is the Rugged Ridge Exo Top and includes all parts and the original instructions. The pictures show all the pieces that are included, the top fully on, the top in "safari top" configuration (windows out), and with the soft top fully off and the roof rack still on. I recently sold my Jeep and was only able to use this system for about two months so all pieces are very lightly used. Here are the pieces that are included:
https://www.amazon.com/Rugged-Ridge-13516-01-Exo-Top-Wrangler/dp/B010VCLWP8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1534613966&amp;sr=8-2&amp;keywords=rugged+ridge+exo+top
https://www.amazon.com/Rugged-Ridge-13516-10-Exo-Top-Wrangler/dp/B013IDUPR8/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1534613966&amp;sr=8-3&amp;keywords=rugged+ridge+exo+top
https://www.quadratec.com/products/11132_9050.htm
https://www.quadratec.com/products/11132_9051_07.htm
(Please serious inquiries and offers only. Cash or venmo payment required.)
Yea, that sucks. Which I assume why the item I ordered said "Note: Signature required upon delivery due to high value of this item" and that I felt safe in ordering. Well I did not sign for it and even if I did sign for what was shipped, it was the wrong weight, wrong number of packages, etc. It is pretty clear something is horribly wrong here but Amazon has already closed the door on my case, multiple times. Even with an Amazon insider (for lack of better term) trying to help me.
I will take the 3rd party seller and possibly Amazon to small claims court, if it comes to that. The attorney will probably cost close to that, so it would be smart for them to just pressure the 3rd party seller into doing to right thing.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00OWS4J6M
I really like my sunshade for when the freedom panels are off. Awesome gift for $60
Alien Sunshade Jeep Wrangler Durable Polyester Mesh Shade Top Cover Provides UV Sun Protection for Your 2-Door or 4-Door JK or JKU (2007-2017) Original Black Unrivalled 10 Year Warranty https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JWZWRY6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_ldJ7Bb4A31WM3