Is Adding a Hardtop to a Jeep Very Expensive? – A Cost Analysis

To convert a Jeep Wrangler soft top to a hardtop, it is necessary to remove all of the roof wall mounts and parts and replace them with hard-top specialized components. There is no interchangeability between the two.

The manufacturer and retailer’s Suggested List Price for the 2022 Jeep Wrangler starts at $27,365 for a two-door variant and goes up to $35,800 for the more prevalent four-door Wrangler Advanced.

The rates mentioned above are before the costly $1,500 destination charge, which is included in the original cost. Also, hardtop installation varies from the kinds of jeeps mentioned above. 

When It Comes to the Price of a Jeep Hardtop

Jeep Wrangler Hardtop Installation
Photo Credit: jlwranglerforums.com

There really are no variations in pricing between such a hardtop for the two-door JL and a hardtop for the four-door Ultimate when it comes to the JL. Neither cost more than $1505 for black and $2090 for skin-colored leather.

It costs just $1,500 to acquire the hardtop at the time of the transaction (according to many jeeps manufacturing sites). Furthermore, it is far more cost-effective to install a soft top afterward than a hardtop. In addition, if you determine you wouldn’t want it, a hardtop would be simpler to resell.

In the event of the installation of a hardtop, you’ll have to spend around $350 in components to complete a do-it-yourself. It is probable that a specialist will bill you around $1,500 to execute this maintenance, depending on what type and model of the vehicle, as well as whether you have such a hardtop or soft top.

Jeep hardtops may weigh somewhere from 75 to 145 lbs., and their weight will vary based on the specific Jeep Wrangler type that you can choose to purchase.

In principle, you may predict an approximate weight of 120 pounds for a hardtop, but the exact weight will vary depending on the type of Jeep you own.

How Much for a Jeep Hard Top?

TypeModel NameEstimated Price
Hard-Top2008-19 Jeep JK 2-Door Hard-Top Fast-back$ 2,800.00
Hard-Top2009-20 Jeep JK 2-Door Hard-Top Square-Back$ 2,300.00
Hard-Top2010-22 Jeep JK 4-Door Hard-Top Fast-back $ 2,450.00
Hard-Top2015-21 Jeep JK 4-Door Hard-Top Square-Back$ 2,750.00

Is a Jeep With a Hardtop or a Soft-Top Preferable?

There are many different types of frameworks and tops to choose from, including enclosed or unframed soft tops, flexible soft-top, top ceiling plastic hardtops, convertible tops, and many more options.

Despite the motive for switching from a hardtop to a soft top, whether it’s for enhanced visibility, more adaptability, or just to add a little additional aesthetic appeal, there are several things to keep in mind before making the switch.

With a soft top, security is absolutely not increased, and you’ll need to invest in extra locked compartments and fastened racks to protect any belongings away from the public eye while driving.

Benefits of a Hard-Top Jeep

  • Increased protection
  • Noise from the road is lessened
  • A better level of additional protection
  • When traveling at high velocities, there are no fluttering sounds

Is It Possible to Install an Aftermarket Hard-Top on a Soft-Top Jeep?

Changing a Jeep Hard Top To a Soft Top

There are several aftermarket hardtop upgrade kits available, each of which is designed for a certain year and type. There is a difference in installation mechanism between YJ and TJ vehicles, as well as JK two-door and four-door variants.

The installation of a hardtop on every Jeep doesn’t matter if it is Wrangler or Liberty or any other, is achievable given that the hardtop is precisely created for the year and version of Jeep you are using.

Hardtops Are More Comfortable Than Soft Tops

Hardtops perform significantly better than soft tops in terms of protecting the Jeep’s interior. With their stronger fiberglass, chrome bumpers assist to keep frigid air trapped indoors on warm days and moist air trapped inside on cooler days throughout the winter months of every year. Because of this, hardtop Jeeps tend to be far more pleasant to operate than the cloth-topped competitors, especially in hot weather.

In addition to supporting the maintenance of a pleasant temperature, a hardtop also performs far superior at sound insulation than a covering of cloth.

If you don’t want to be bothered by every tiny disturbance on the roadway beside you, a hardtop is the finest option for you.

Hardtops Provide the Highest Level of Protection

Among the most noticeable advantages of choosing a hardtop over a soft top is the extra security that the plastic roof offers. After all, slashing through with a sheet of cloth or unzipping the windows isn’t that tough.

Hardtops are unquestionably the finest choice for making it very difficult for intruders to get access to your prized possession, your Jeep.

FAQ‘s

What Is the Approximate Cost of Installing a Hardtop on Jeep?

Adding a hardtop in the standard Wrangler will cost you $1200. We believe that now the hardtop for such Maximus should be less expensive because it is a smaller top that doesn’t extend back over the baggage compartment. Furthermore, certainly, there is a folding ceiling rear windshield on the vehicle.

What Is the Weight of a Four-Door Jeep Hardtop?

Jeep hardtops may weigh anywhere between 75 to 145 lbs., and their weight will vary based on the specific Jeep Wrangler version that you choose to purchase. On average, you may predict an overall weight of 120 lbs. for a hardtop, but the exact weight will vary depending on the type of Jeep you own.

Is It Possible to Convert a Soft-Top Jeep to a Hardtop?

Certainly, you may install a hardtop on every Jeep as provided even as the hardtop is specifically designed for last year and the type of Jeep in question. When it comes to changing the Jeep’s soft top to a hardtop, it’s indeed “as easy” as extracting the soft top parts and substituting those with both the hardtop parts.

Which Hardtop Is the Most Suitable for a Jeep Wrangler?

Four-wheel Parts sells the highest-quality Jeep hardtops available on the market.  Ensure to choose a hardtop that has detachable panels, or remove the hardtop completely so that you may use a soft top and basket netting.

Are You Looking for a Cabling Kit For the Jeep Hardtop?

Our hardtop convertible wiring kits are equipped with warmed reflectors and multifunctional controls, ensuring that you have all of the equipment necessary to complete the installation of the hardtop. Ensure you have hard shells covered for stockpiling so that the hardtop has always been ready to go when you need it.

Final Note

Well at the time of purchase, the hardtop ends up costing only $1,500. For a do-it-yourself installation, you’ll need around $350 worth of components.

Depending on the make and model of your car and whether it has a hard or soft top, you may expect to pay a professional about $1,500 to do this repair.

Related Jeep Articles:
1. Can You Use Armor All On Jeep Soft Top?
2. The Basics of Changing a Jeep Hard Top To a Soft Top
3. How Much Weight Can a Jeep Hardtop Support?

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