AZH

I tried searching the forums so sorry if this is a repeat question.

I'm wondering about how easy it is to put on and take off hard tops. Is it a two man job or can one person lift it off?

How time consuming is it to take off and put back on? Is it realistic to take it off just to go topless for the day, or is it only worth removing if you're going to use the soft top for a weekend, week, etc?

Is it suggested to fully remove the soft top when you have a hard top installed? I've seen some people remove the soft top and I don't know if its to have that extra space behind the seats or if it is better for the soft top.

Non OEM hard top owners seem to have issues sealing them well, can anyone speak to that?

People's preference on OEM vs aftermarket as far as quality, not looks related.

I'd like to get one for the summer in Arizona when the top down isn't happening that much because it is so hot.

Thanks
H

xoz

OEM hardtop ftw!, with OEM hardware it's a 30second 2 man exercise, on/off. Soft top removal is a personal option but definitely not necessary.

Boss-S2K

OEM tops always fit the best, no matter which brand you buy from.
From a quality standpoint, again OEM.
With OEM hardware it comes off and on easily, I'd say the hardest part is carrying the top by yourself. Although with OEM hardware it isn't too hard for your hard top to get stolen either. God forbid that should ever happen. That's why a lot of people use the Izzy hard top brackets which bolts into the car and the hard top. That makes taking the hard top off a pain though.

vitaminC

Even with an aftermarket top that is fully bolted in with brackets all the way around, you should be able to have it off in under 10 minutes. It's only 10 bolts.

Putting it back on and getting a good fit is an entirely different story...

AZH

Thanks for the input. It seems if I find an OEM for sale, I need to jump on that.

I thought there were aftermarket lock and key systems for the tops? That would at least make an amateur think twice.

Greg W

Taking on-and-off the hard top is only a 2-person job because of the size, not the weight. My 12yo daughter easily was the second set of hands back when I just got the hardtop.

You also need to consider where you're storing the hard top when off the car. If its being stored close by (like in your garage), you can put it on and off frequently (as long as you have help). HOwever if you have to bring it into your apartment, the hassle factor may push you to keeping it on the car more permanently.

NNY S2k

Levi

Manga_Spawn

The OEM is a one person job if you are tall enough and strong enough. I have managed it plenty of times. I still prefer to have another set of hands but its not required. OEM all the way. You can use the OEM hardware on any hardtop so they are easily removed but nothing beats the OEM quality.

xviper

This topic has gone full circle .............. again! It seems "old wives" are still flapping their gums.