The '07- current Jeep Wrangler Unlimited JK may very well be the first Wrangler ever to have the phrase "car-like and quiet" permanently associated with it. While the modern four-door platform is far plusher than its earlier Wrangler siblings, it is still an incredibly capable off-road vehicle. For many the complaints about the JK don't revolve around its comfort and performance, but rather the wind noise and lack of the security that the factory soft top offers.
To answer the cries of JK owners across the nation, Bestop has stepped in with an all-new two-piece hardtop for both the two- and four-door '07-current Wranglers. Comprised of a lightweight and durable blend of plastic and reinforced fiberglass, the Bestop hardtop is a quick and easy way to refine the look and feel of your JK. In addition to the tops' unique style, each unit is fitted with an automotive-grade washable head liner, overhead storage trays, tinted glass, and a quick and simple latching system.
To test out one of the new hard top units we took our '08 Unlimited over to the certified Bestop installers at Off Road Evolution. Since the install we've logged a few thousand miles, encountered some heavy rain storms, and wheeled the barren So Cal desert and giant red rock cliffs of Moab, Utah. Overall, we're happy with the new look, the added security that the top provides, and we have been extremely pleased with the fitment and decreased noise. We know that a lot of you are curious about leaks. So far we have not experienced any leaks from the top, and the only water that appeared to make it into the Jeep during our water test was from the factory Jeep upper door seals (we had the same issue with our factory soft top).
Big Box Affair
Buying a hard top is a lot like buying a new home appliance. Sure, you and a buddy can easily install it, but can you and Bubba Joe lift the massive box off of the delivery truck? While the overall package isn't too heavy for a couple of guys to lift, the box it ships in is roughly the size of a Geo Tracker. Bestop suggests ordering the top from a certified Bestop installer and having it delivered to the install facility. We had our top shipped to Off Road Evolution in Fullerton, California, but you can look up authorized dealers in your area on the Bestop website.
The Bestop hardtop is comprised...
The Bestop hardtop is comprised of a lightweight plastic that's reinforced with fiberglass throughout. This makes the top easy to adjust and remove. Once we had our top adjusted per the instructions, we secured the rear portion of the top using the provided hardware and existing holes in the Wrangler's tub.
While the entire inside of...
While the entire inside of the top receives an automotive-grade carpeted headliner, the front portion of the top gets a bonus in the way of two overhead storage trays. Fitted next to the driver-side tray are two prewired switches, one of which controls the heater element in the rear window defroster.
Though the top is prewired,...
Though the top is prewired, you will need to feed the provided wires to the JK's fuse panel for the rear defroster to function. This is the most time consuming part of the install, but the directions are very straightforward and all wiring and associated pieces are provided.
The hardtop installs in two...
The hardtop installs in two pieces and each section can be run independently. While removal of the rear part of the top requires tools, the front cover simply comes off with a quick spin of the four attachment knobs
Anyone who has ever loaded...
Anyone who has ever loaded gear into the back of a soft top JK will tell you that it's a little annoying having to constantly unzip the back window to gain full access to the cargo area. Bestop makes loading a little easier using twin gas-charged shocks to support the back lift glass.
A common issue that we have...
A common issue that we have seen on both the factory hard tops and the Bestop is the lower back glass seal. Though no water has seeped through, we did notice a light layer of dirt on our gear after wheeling a few dusty sections of the So Cal desert. The core of the problem is the fact that the factory JK tailgate bows out, whereas the rear glass doesn't. Again, not a big problem-and after all, it's a Jeep, not a Jaguar.