Good point!, I forgot about that. I always turn on the defroster, and run the fan at high. Not a drop of water comes in.
As far as the dryer, it is loud and you can see the skin on the hood flex. The first time I went through it kinda schocked me, however no damage yet.
As for harsh chemicals. I've a good coat of wax on the Jk, so I'm not concerned. After the wash/dry, I simply drive it home and hit it with Meguairs quick detail then dry with a good microfibre cloth. The shine comes right back.
Getting back to the OP's question about the soft top. No problems.

 

i wouldnt go through a car wash with the soft top on because i have been told by numerous people that the soap that they use in those things causes your cloth top to degrade a lot faster. i am thinking that is why they sell soft top cleaner at the dealerships.. well that and to make a lot of money.
but when i had my soft top on, i would only wash the body.


i guess only time will tell. i could be way wrong. i dont know.

 

Actually the sail cloth used on the soft top is pretty darn hardy.
I have no concerns about the wash. My concerns are acid rain. pollin and hot summer days.
I use 303 protectant, and after 2 years, the soft top looks graet and there are no signs of degradation at all.

 

has anyone gone thru one of those hand wash ones where its like 10 people in a row washing it as it goes by on the conveyor

 

That's exactly what I was talking about earlier...I'm fully convinced that's what made mine leak, because the seam above the soundbar is not really stitched...it's a heat seam that started coming apart after going through these washes.

 

I'm pretty sure the manual states you should Never take the Soft Top through an automatic car wash.

 

I'm sure you can. I don't because I have the time and the patience to do it myself at one of the self serves places or at home. If I want to hit an area especially hard it gives the ability to do so.

 

I'll defer to the owner's manual:

Do not run a fabric top through an automatic car wash. Window scratches and wax build up may result. (manual page/year: 131/2007, 135/2008, 152/2009)

Warranty issues if you do? Let us know!

 

I like to spend time with my Jeeps, so I do it by hand. If I am in a hurry I will go to the car wash and use the pressure washer, but I never go through an automatic one. Will also go to the car wash when it gets below 0°F or so. A good pair of Neoprene gloves help when you are washing at home in the winter time.

 

i go through a hand car wash and no problems with the softop yet