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Fastest and easiest Soft Top

Old Jun 10, 2009 | 01:04 PM
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Default Fastest and easiest Soft Top

I've got a '09 2dr with a soft top and full doors and I really like running with the top down. The problem is, I make mostly short trips (6mi to work, etc) and find myself running with the top up more often than i'd like.

I find it's just not worth it to take out all the windows, and lower the top for the 15 minute drive to work, then put it all back together when I get home. I don't have secure parking and don't live or work in the greatest neighborhoods so I'm hesitant to leave it topless overnight or even during the day while I'm at work.

I was wondering if I can buy a replacement top that's faster and easier to raise and lower? Any ideas on ways to keep my Jeep somewhat secure, but still enjoy driving without the roof on at a moment's notice? I'm also thinking about vinyl doors so I can leave my steel ones at home, but still seal my Jeep when the need arises.

Thanks in advance,
T.
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Old Jun 10, 2009 | 01:55 PM
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Don't you have the Sunrider Top? Why not just take advantage of that for a little open air feel during the drive to work? Also, don't forget that any Jeep with a softtop can be opened with a pocket knife. So, even with the top up, you really don't have much security to begin with.
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Old Jun 10, 2009 | 02:02 PM
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Originally Posted by Mark Doiron
Don't you have the Sunrider Top? Why not just take advantage of that for a little open air feel during the drive to work? Also, don't forget that any Jeep with a softtop can be opened with a pocket knife. So, even with the top up, you really don't have much security to begin with.
I do have the sunrider top and use it on occasion, but I like the back and sides open more than the top. I know the soft top isn't very secure to begin with, but at least when it's installed it doesn't make the vehicle look like as much of a target. When it's parked at home, i'd just like to discourage the neighborhood kids and cats from getting in, at work i'd just like to discourage the local punks who think it's funny to throw pop or slurpees in open convertibles or cars with open windows etc.

I also like the look of the Jeep with the top off. With the sunrider portion open, you still look like you're driving around with your top up on a perfectly nice day.
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Old Jun 10, 2009 | 02:03 PM
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Have a Compustar Pro alarm installed.
With the 3000 ft range and 2 way notification on the LCD remote, you can't go wrong. If someone is within 1 ft of my Jeep I'll know it and the second they try to reach in the Jeep both the horn and siren are triggered.
Best money spent on her so far.

Is Alberta really that bad or are you just over protective of your lady
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Old Jun 10, 2009 | 02:09 PM
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Offroad Heros. They're up in the Great White North somewhere.
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Old Jun 10, 2009 | 02:12 PM
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Originally Posted by MFX
Have a Compustar Pro alarm installed.
With the 3000 ft range and 2 way notification on the LCD remote, you can't go wrong. If someone is within 1 ft of my Jeep I'll know it and the second they try to reach in the Jeep both the horn and siren are triggered.
Best money spent on her so far.

Is Alberta really that bad or are you just over protective of your lady
I've considered an alarm and will probably end up getting one, but it wouldn't help with weather or the inevitable bird poop.

Alberta is mostly pretty good compared to a lot of places, and if I had covered overnight parking and a little better job, I'd probably leave the top off all summer. I'm not overly protective of my Jeep at all, but I live in one of the less desirable neighborhoods (housing costs in Calgary are still pretty high), and I work in the least desirable neighborhood in Calgary, right across from the low end hooker stroll and it's not unusual to have hookers or junkies smoking crack or shooting up on the lawn 20ft from where I park, especially if I work late. There are lots of lowlifes around my work as well and we have had drinks thrown in open car windows here.
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Old Jun 10, 2009 | 02:13 PM
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Originally Posted by seer1
Offroad Heros. They're up in the Great White North somewhere.
Those look pretty nice. How fast and easy is it to go from top up to completely open?
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Old Jun 10, 2009 | 03:08 PM
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Originally Posted by Big T
Those look pretty nice. How fast and easy is it to go from top up to completely open?
I've never timed it, but probably two three minutes to roll the top forward with no straining whatsoever. I don't run in the summer with the rear windows on, but that would add just a few minutes to remove and store. That job was definitely faster and easier than the stock top.
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Old Jun 10, 2009 | 06:48 PM
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Originally Posted by seer1
Offroad Heros. They're up in the Great White North somewhere.
Just a quick heads-up as Wayoflife posted a pretty big "Buyer Beware" in THIS thread stating that Offroad Heros is not to be trusted.

Looks like a decent product but I'm not certain I'd take my chances even if us Calgary guys are close enough to the vendor to make it VERY personal.

...
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Old Jun 10, 2009 | 08:02 PM
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There is also the Trektop.
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