Can You Put a Soft Top on a Hardtop Jeep?
TL;DR
- Yes, you can put a soft top on a Jeep that came with a hardtop, and most Wranglers and Gladiators are designed to support both.
- The swap usually requires soft top hardware, door surrounds, and header channel components that may not have come with your hardtop model.
- JK, JL, and JT models all use compatible mounting points, but the exact parts you need depend on your year and existing setup.
- Switching between tops gives you flexibility for weather, seasons, and open-air driving preferences without permanently committing to one style.
- If you like the hardtop but want more light and visibility, clear freedom panels from Clear Lidz let you keep the structure while gaining a more open feel overhead.
How the Swap Works
Jeep Wranglers and Gladiators are built with versatility in mind. Most models sold with a hardtop can accept a soft top using the same windshield header and body mounting points. The frame of the Jeep does not change between hardtop and soft top configurations, so the swap is more about hardware than structural modification.
If your Jeep came with a hardtop from the factory, you likely already have the core mounting points. What you may be missing are the soft top-specific brackets, bows, header channels, and door surrounds that let the fabric top attach and seal properly.
What You Need for the Swap
To install a soft top on a hardtop Jeep, you typically need:
- A compatible soft top kit for your model and year
- Soft top header channel and latches
- Bow assembly and crossbars
- Door surrounds if your hardtop model did not include them
- Tailgate bar and mounting hardware
Some Jeeps sold with the dual top option already include most of this hardware. If yours did not, you can order the parts separately or buy a complete aftermarket soft top kit designed for your model.
Model Differences and Fitment
The swap process is similar across Wrangler and Gladiator generations, but there are a few differences worth knowing.
JK Wranglers
JK models from 2007 to 2018 can swap between hardtops and soft tops without major issues. The windshield header, sport bar, and body mounting points are the same. If your JK came with a hardtop only, you will need to add the soft top bow assembly, header channel, and door surrounds. Two-door and four-door JKs use different soft top sizes, so make sure you order the right one.
JL Wranglers
JL models starting in 2018 made the swap even easier. Many JLs came with the option to order both tops from the factory, and the hardware is designed to interchange quickly. The JL also introduced the Sunrider flip-back soft top option, which adds another layer of flexibility. If your JL has a hardtop, the same mounting points will accept a soft top as long as you have the correct bows and brackets.
JT Gladiators
Gladiators use a shorter soft top that covers the cab only, not the bed. The swap process is nearly identical to the JL Wrangler, and the same mounting points apply. If your Gladiator came with a hardtop, you can add a soft top for the cab area without any modification to the truck bed or frame.
Why Owners Make the Switch
Switching from a hardtop to a soft top is common, and the reasons vary depending on how you use your Jeep.
Seasonal Flexibility
Hardtops are great for winter insulation, security, and noise reduction. Soft tops are easier to remove in summer and give you faster access to full open-air driving. Many owners keep both and swap them seasonally.
Weight and Removal
Hardtops are heavy and usually require two people or a hoist to remove safely. Soft tops are lighter and can often be folded back or fully removed by one person. If you like changing your setup often, a soft top makes that easier.
Storage
Soft tops take up less space when stored. A hardtop needs a safe indoor spot or a storage cart. A soft top can fold down and fit in a garage corner or even inside the Jeep itself.
Cost
Soft tops are generally less expensive than hardtops. If you already own a hardtop and want more flexibility, adding a soft top can be a cost-effective way to get both options without buying a second Jeep.
What to Watch For
The swap itself is straightforward, but a few things can complicate the process if you are not prepared.
Missing Hardware
If your Jeep came with a hardtop only, it may not include the soft top bow assembly, door surrounds, or header channel. These parts can be ordered from Jeep or aftermarket suppliers, but you need to confirm fitment for your specific year and model.
Door Surrounds
Hardtop Jeeps often use different door surround frames than soft top models. Soft tops require fabric or soft plastic surrounds that seal against the doors. If your Jeep has metal or hard plastic surrounds designed for a hardtop, you may need to swap those out.
Installation Time
The first time you install a soft top, expect to spend a few hours getting everything aligned and tensioned correctly. Once you know the process, future swaps go much faster. Install videos can help walk you through the steps and show you what to expect.
Weatherproofing
Soft tops can leak if not installed properly or if the seals wear out over time. Make sure all zippers, seams, and latches are secure. Using a good fabric protectant can help extend the life of the top and keep water out.
Alternatives to Swapping
If you like your hardtop but want more light and visibility, you do not have to swap to a soft top. Clear freedom panels are a popular middle ground.
Clear Lidz makes clear panels for Wrangler JK, JL, and Gladiator JT models that replace the factory opaque freedom panels. They let in more natural light, improve visibility, and give you a more open feel overhead without losing the structure and weather protection of a hardtop. The panels are easy to remove and reinstall, UV-protected, lightly tinted, and made in the USA.
This option works well if you want the benefits of open-air driving but still need the security, insulation, and durability of a hardtop for daily use or trail driving.
Compatibility and Buying Tips
Before buying a soft top, confirm a few details:
- Check your model year and whether you have a two-door or four-door Wrangler, or a Gladiator.
- Look for soft top kits that include all necessary hardware, or buy the hardware separately if you already have a top.
- Read reviews from other Jeep owners to see how well the top fits, seals, and holds up over time.
- If you plan to keep both tops, make sure you have a safe place to store the one you are not using.
- Consider whether you want a traditional soft top, a flip-back style, or a frameless option depending on how you use your Jeep.
Installation Overview
Here is a general sense of what the swap involves. Exact steps vary by model and top brand, but the process follows a similar pattern.
- Remove the hardtop by unlatching it from the windshield header, sport bar, and body mounting points. Store it safely.
- Install the soft top bow assembly and secure it to the sport bar.
- Attach the soft top header channel to the windshield frame.
- Drape the soft top over the bow assembly and align it with the mounting points.
- Secure the top to the header channel, door surrounds, and tailgate bar.
- Adjust tension and alignment so the top seals properly and does not sag or flap.
- Test all zippers, latches, and seals before driving.
If you run into trouble, installation videos and owner forums are good resources. Many Jeep owners have documented the process and can point out common mistakes or tips that make the job easier.
Bottom Line
You can absolutely put a soft top on a Jeep that came with a hardtop. The swap is straightforward as long as you have the right hardware for your model year. Most Wranglers and Gladiators are designed to support both types of tops, and switching between them gives you flexibility for different seasons, driving styles, and storage needs. If you want more light and visibility but prefer to keep your hardtop, clear freedom panels from Clear Lidz offer a middle ground that combines the best of both worlds. Either way, the choice comes down to how you use your Jeep and what matters most for your driving experience.