So I shredded the rusty old zippers on two of my windows yesterday while trying to remove my soft top for the summer.  I wasn't terribly suprised, as I figured this was coming for my 2003 soft top which has been subjected to salty PA winters for the past 8 years.  I'm completely torn (no pun intended) on what to do now.  I see that I can purchase a replacement softop online for a decent price, or I can upgrade to a replacement hard top.  My only concern with the hard top is that I do like to remove the top in the summer.  To anybody here with a removeable hardtop...how difficult is it to remove/install the top?  What do you guys think I should do?

I can only give you my thoughts and experience with the hard tops I had on my 1st gen trucks about ten years ago.  

The top 'pros' that come to mind:  more security for "stuff" inside your truck and far more durable than the vinyl covered tops, especially to twigs and sticks when off road and it is quick and easy to pop the front section out and put it back in and they seem to hold heat in better in the winter.

The cons:  Cost... even back around 2000, they cost (as I recall) around $800 for a decent hard top.  You could buy a couple quality soft tops for the same price and still have some change in your pocket.  IF you like "drop the top down driving" a lot, the hard tops are considerably more effort to remove (versus just folding a soft top down).   Of course, with hard tops once off, you are topless until you return to where you stored the hard top.  

With mine, I got tired of the constant squeaking and it eventually started leaking.  The squeaking I had came from the front top.  When it was off, the squeaking stopped. The gaskets on my top shifted when the sun heated them up.  The leaking got really aggravating cause it dripped down either my back or my passenger's back and in either case soaked the seat. I didn't have those problems with the soft tops. As I recall, I got to the place where I didn't even remove my hardtop (because of the hassle).  For all practical purposes it became a "tintop".  In hindsight, I would have just siliconed the front top's seal permanently.  Driving with the front top off is akin to driving a car with a t-top.  I think the answer for you is all in what you do and what you like... how much money you want to spend and how long you think you will keep your truck.

Thanks for the great reply.  You brought up some cons to the hard top that I never considered.  For the cost, I think that I'll probably just get another soft top.

-Dan

Thanks for the great reply.  You brought up some cons to the hard top that I never considered.  For the cost, I think that I'll probably just get another soft top.

-Dan

I'd look into Bestop for a softop. They're a bit more expensive than some of the other brands, but I've been very happy with the one I bought for my '95 Sidekick. It's built really well and fits like a glove. We also use Bestop exclusively on our Jeeps. Just my two cents.

- Andy

Thanks for the help Andy, I'll check them out.  When you guys gonna make a nasty bumper for the gen 2 trackers?

Quote from: djaychris on May 27, 2011, 06:35:30 AM

Thanks for the great reply.  You brought up some cons to the hard top that I never considered.  For the cost, I think that I'll probably just get another soft top.

-Dan

I'd look into Bestop for a softop. They're a bit more expensive than some of the other brands, but I've been very happy with the one I bought for my '95 Sidekick. It's built really well and fits like a glove. We also use Bestop exclusively on our Jeeps. Just my two cents.

- Andy

I agree, i  needed a new top for my 95 tracker, and i bought the cheapest one i could find.  i think it was a rampage top.  it was junk, the straps above the doors ripped when i put it on the very first time.  put it back in the box and sent it straight back.  I decided i wanted the canvas top with tinted windows, so i bought mine from tops 4 less.  a bit pricey, but in the end im much happier since i got what i really wanted.  the quality is good, and the tinted windows look great.

I purchased a best top for my previous tracker, and was very happy with that one as well.  it was good quality.

John

Thanks for the help Andy, I'll check them out.  When you guys gonna make a nasty bumper for the gen 2 trackers?

I dunno. I wish we'd rehash the bumper for the 1st gen Trackicks (we made at least two if not three styles in the '90s!).

Thanks for the great reply.  You brought up some cons to the hard top that I never considered.  For the cost, I think that I'll probably just get another soft top.

-Dan

If you are gonna go with bestop, id suggest checking with jc whitney, I bought one a couple months back, found a coupon code online for 15% off, was less than 400 to my door, was the cheapest I found, the code was jcw 7, don't know if it still works but they'll prolly give you, the 15% off if call in and order over phone, its what I did.

I have a complete softtop for a 99+ for sale!

Front and rear sections with all windows and the tension bars.  I was thinking $150+ shipping

PM sent.

I sent a couple emails to you. I hope you get them, if not PM me again.