2008 JK Wrangler cable top conversion?
Thread Starter
JK Newbie
Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Madison, MS
2008 JK Wrangler cable top conversion?
I have a 2008 Wrangler Sahara 2-door and the soft top is needing to be replaced. The problem is, the factory top was khaki diamond color and I’d really prefer to keep that color, but I can only find one option and the quality sounds less than OEM.
I have managed to find two different Bestop sailcloth tops in the correct color, one for the 2010 model and one for the 2011-on models. Those obviously use the cable retention rather than the 2007-2009 style. Is it possible to convert a 2008 2-door over to the cable retention style of a 2010 or 2011 model, and if so, what hardware would I need to do that?
Alternatively, if you happen to know of a Bestop or OEM replacement in Khaki Diamond for the 2008 2-door for sale, that would be awesome, I just haven’t been able to find one.
Thanks for any help.
I have managed to find two different Bestop sailcloth tops in the correct color, one for the 2010 model and one for the 2011-on models. Those obviously use the cable retention rather than the 2007-2009 style. Is it possible to convert a 2008 2-door over to the cable retention style of a 2010 or 2011 model, and if so, what hardware would I need to do that?
Alternatively, if you happen to know of a Bestop or OEM replacement in Khaki Diamond for the 2008 2-door for sale, that would be awesome, I just haven’t been able to find one.
Thanks for any help.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 226
Likes: 80
From: Port Coquitlam, BC
I can't help you with conversion info - but maybe there is an option you haven't thought of ....
On one of my previous jeeps (a CJ7) I wanted a specific top that was not yet commercially made - the fastback style.
I found an outfit that made / repaired canvas tops for boats - I told them what I wanted, left the jeep there for 3 days and presto ! The work and materials used were top tier - and I never looked back.
Maybe this is an option for you if ya can't find what you want retail.
Neville
On one of my previous jeeps (a CJ7) I wanted a specific top that was not yet commercially made - the fastback style.
I found an outfit that made / repaired canvas tops for boats - I told them what I wanted, left the jeep there for 3 days and presto ! The work and materials used were top tier - and I never looked back.
Maybe this is an option for you if ya can't find what you want retail.
Neville
JK Jedi
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 11,360
Likes: 2,089
From: Willow Park, TX
The two tops you've found....are those simply the material and you use your existing frame, or whole new tops with the frame as part of it? I vaguely recall there being conversions to the newer style but want to say they didn't look super great.
Here is another idea......if what you're finding is simply the replacement fabric, look for a real tore up top for sale on FBM or CL for dirt cheap and simply use the frame and door surrounds from that with your new fabric. The cable tension tops are so much better than those original ones. A lot of times you can find a top in below-average shape for $100-150 around me. You can't hardly buy the door surrounds alone for that much less the whole frame with roll bar and tailgate pieces.
Here is another idea......if what you're finding is simply the replacement fabric, look for a real tore up top for sale on FBM or CL for dirt cheap and simply use the frame and door surrounds from that with your new fabric. The cable tension tops are so much better than those original ones. A lot of times you can find a top in below-average shape for $100-150 around me. You can't hardly buy the door surrounds alone for that much less the whole frame with roll bar and tailgate pieces.
