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XT Staff
/ Sep 18 2024
The great thing about having a soft top for your Jeep is having the ability to get into the open air with ease. Removing a Jeep soft top is a relatively simple process. However, you have to know the right steps so you can get it folded down easily without hitting any snags or pinching your fingers. By knowing the step-by-step process of removing a Jeep soft top, you can enjoy the sun and the wind in no time.
Before you do anything else, make sure that your soft top is dry and that your Jeep is parked on a level surface. Then, you can start by removing the three window panels on the side and the back of the vehicle. These panels are held with zippers and Velcro, which should be fairly easy to detach. After you have unzipped the windows, untuck the edge that sits inside the door surrounds.
Depending on the design of your soft top, the rear window will either come out completely or can be rolled up and fastened in place. If you have to remove the panel, unzip it and remove the clips from the corners to take it out.
Once the window panels are removed or stowed, you can then start unhooking the corners of the soft top. Start with the rear corners, pulling them down off the sail flaps and folding them up. Flip them up on the top to allow for easy stowage when you fold the rest of the top down.
Once the rear corners have been removed and stowed up top, you can then move to the front of your Jeep. Unlatch the header latches that secure the front corners. They are located underneath the visors, which should be folded outwards, parallel with the doors. Pull the latches toward you to unhook them and free the front of the soft top.
If your Jeep has latches above the front seat door jambs, you can then unhook them. You may notice that the top starts to pull back as soon as these are undone. Be careful not to pinch your fingers or try to grab the top as it pulls back. It will only slightly shift and it won’t be enough to pull back all the way.
Once the top is completely detached, you can then start to fold down the Sunrider portion of your Jeep’s soft top. Be sure to keep your hands clear of the sides as you fold it back. The top has some small areas that can catch your fingers, so it is best to be aware of where your hands are and avoid getting them pinched. After you have folded back the Sunrider, you can move to the rear of the Jeep and finish stowing the soft top away.
The rest of the soft top will fold down in an accordion and it should glide fairly easily. As you fold it down, watch for any bunching or folding in that might impede the top as it comes down. Using the rear bow, pull the top down all the way. The frame may get caught on the doors as it comes down. If this happens, you will have to move back and forth between the two sides to move the frame out of the way and ensure that it clears these areas.
The goal of folding your top down is to get it as compact as possible. To do this, be sure to push on the canvas and get it as tight in on itself as it is folding up. Think of it like rolling up a sleeping bag. The less air you have in between the folds of the material, the tighter the roll will be. Push the top all the way down and close the tailgate of your Jeep.
If you want to put the top back up, all you have to do is go through the same process in reverse. As you fold the top back up, be sure that the sides seat into the doors and that you hear a click as the side latches catch them. Keep the front latches undone until you have reinstalled the windows as they will help create the shape of the top. Once everything is done, the front latches can be hooked and your soft top will be ready to use.
If your Jeep soft top is starting to look a little beat up or isn’t folding up like it used to, ExtremeTerrain has the perfect replacement for your needs. With everything from bikini tops to mesh sun shades, there is something for everyone, no matter what kind of driving or how much sunbathing you want to do.
