I was thinking it would be a good idea if Jeep made a "bikini" or "safari" style hardtop as a complete kit (including the freedom panels) or as a separate piece if you already had freedom panels. Looking at the J8 Sarge, if I could find a wrecked Unlimited hardtop, it would be rather easy to make a top like the J8. It would have some rear overhang due to the rollbar placement, but it could be trimmed down. Reinforcing it underneath would be simple so it could be of use with a roof rack and some creativity would be required to mount it to the rollbar.

Has anyone else thought of doing this or know someone that has? I understand finding a damaged hardtop will be hard to do.

 

It's a cool idea but what would hold it down?

 

The front is held down by the freedom panels, bolt to rollbar and the "B-pillar" bolt to the rail. Back could use a channel bracket riveted to the inside of the top with a pad between it and the rollbar cross member, secured with straps. I can't see exactly how they did it on the Sarge, but the below photo shows it resting on the cross member.

 

I can see the merits of doing something like this, but for me it has no usefulness unless the roof can accomodate freedom panel storage. If I need to store the freedom top panels in the cargo area, this has became a total non-mover for me. Additionally, if I somehow store the freedom panels on the lid, they would need to be secure at 75mph and also not make excessive wind noise.

If all that isn't accommodated, then a soft top is more useful and less intrusive.