Jeep Wrangler Top Removal

 

For Jeep Wrangler drivers, new and veteran, Spring is an exciting season. Sure the flowers are blooming and the sun is shining, but what spring really means is that it’s time to begin deconstructing the Wrangler! Removing the top of your Jeep for the first time this season is sure to be a great feeling and, at Mount Airy Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, we have a few important tips for getting it done quickly and correctly. 

Any seasoned Jeep owner will tell you there is nothing like running a Wrangler down the road with the top off—you sitting, at that elevation with that iconic machine, it makes driving in a convertible feel like opening a window. The next thing that seasoned Wrangler driver will tell you is that there are steps to removing the top, but as you practice you learn little shortcuts, you find your way of doing things. In the mean time, however, start with the basics, the fundamental steps to both hardtop and soft-top removal on your Jeep Wrangler. 

 

Hardtop Removal

Removing your hardtop is a two-person job. (You might be able to do it by yourself but, because of its weight, we suggest phoning a friend or calling a neighbor over.) Rather than the top being constructed as one long piece, it is separated into three individual pieces, all of them pretty heavy. Here are the steps we suggest:

1. Remove the eight (two behind the vanity mirrors that pop out and six others that turn inward) latches from inside the cabin, all of which are easy enough to loosen. 
2. Take off each of the eight latches and store them either in the trunk of the Jeep or in your garage for safekeeping.
3. Every Wrangler comes standard with a tool kit located in the glove compartment or in the rear of the vehicle. Access and remove this kit, as all tools will be needed to finish removing the hardtop.
4. Behind the driver’s seat, find the windshield wiper fluid line, water hose, and other wires along with them. Next to the wires and line and hose, there is a red switch. Push the switch to remove the bundle and plug everything into the fitted housing on the same platform.
5. Using the tool kit, remove the six or so screws holding the top down (located on the sides of the Jeep—three on each side). Once removed, place in the designated spot (grommets specially made to hold each screw) in the rear of the Wrangler.  
6. Next is the tough part. You and a friend need to lift the top and walk it off the Jeep. We highly recommend having an elevated space ready to hold the top. The less you have to bend over, the better. And remember, lift with your knees, not your back!

And there you have it. Hardtop removed.

 

Soft-Top Removal 

Removing a soft-top is much easier than a hardtop. This is one you can do alone, or with a friend to make it faster. Here are the basic steps:

1. Open the trunk and snap out the plastic tables built into the bottom folds of the rear windshield covering. These truly snap out and should not cause any trouble when removing. 
2. Locate the column closest to the trunk. Take each side and pop out, and peel back the Velcro.
3. Detach both rear side windows and place them securely in the trunk. 
4. Find the two black latches on the middle of the cabin towards the front. Remove the vanity mirror and pull each latch all the way down. Once both are fully pulled, the soft-top will immediately loosen. 
5. Next, lift the soft-top off—this would be easier with the help of someone else, but since the top is pretty light, it’s not as needed as with the hardtop. While you are raising the top with your arms, push up and backward and the entire top should begin to slowly fall back as the track leads it with your guidance. 
6. Once all the way back, find the latch and connect the top down firmly. Lock it in place and you are finished. 

Remember, it may sound a bit complicated, but as you practice you get better. Mount Airy Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram is here it help!  There’s something special about tinkering around with your Wrangler, so get that top off and get out on the open road.