So why do I need a hard top?

[RonM0710]

Why would anyone want a top that they needed help getting off and on? Besides, if you are out with another couple and they want the topless effect, are you going to drive them back to your place, take the top off and go out again? If you out with your hardtop off and it starts to rain, what are you going to do? Wait under a bridge like a fair weather motorcyclist? With a soft top, you can pull under that same bridge and have your top up in about the same time the cyclist gets his rain gear on.

TOPLESS ALL THE WAY!

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[robepa]

I live in Seattle, it would be a homeless encampment/latrine shortly after I left with a soft top.

 

[Wanted33]

Jeff, I wouldn't ask me for help making a decision if I were you. I'm the king of indecision concerning options for my Bronco as it is now.

Good luck on your decision sir.

But, do keep this in mind. The rear window on the hard top makes it much easier to loads stuff in the back. With the soft you will need to roll the window, or secure it somehow to get it out of your way. Just a little something to consider if it makes any difference.

 

[Lowcountry Bronco]

For me, if I lived in Chicago I'd get the hardtop for winter. I've dalied a convertible and its no fun in the winter with snow/ice and a thin layer of cloth keeping the cold out.

 

[Amcap76]

Why would anyone want a top that they needed help getting off and on? Besides, if you are out with another couple and they want the topless effect, are you going to drive them back to your place, take the top off and go out again? If you out with your hardtop off and it starts to rain, what are you going to do? Wait under a bridge like a fair weather motorcyclist? With a soft top, you can pull under that same bridge and have your top up in about the same time the cyclist gets his rain gear on.

TOPLESS ALL THE WAY!

I’m with you in regards to topless all the way. As for needing help with the hard top, a hoist in the garage fixes that.

 

[Silver-Bolt]

Plastic windows in cold and salty climates won't last long.

 

[Used2jeep]

I have the dual top option ordered with the MOD top so I can pull rear windows....but after seeing the new video of how easily the soft top works, and driving around today, I'm wondering if I want to go to the trouble of switching tops twice a year. I'm in Chicagoland, and for 5 months we won't have a top down! But just beginning to think I don't need the MOD top...yes, it would be quieter when it's on (5 months), warmer (for 5 months) and probably a bit better against winter elements (but I have a garage!)...

What am I missing?

This thread is not about cupholders.

I would argue that you don't need the soft top.

 

[indio22]

A hardtop is nice when the weather turns, and dealing with rain and snow. Removing snow from a soft top takes extra care, and you have to be warry of damaging the top.

A hardtop is quieter than a soft top, less drafty, and will keep the cabin warmer. On a longer trip the lower noise level is nice. Also when the hardtop is removed, it's the ultimate in toplessness, because you don't have the soft top frame and material cluttering things.

But as mentioned, if you drive somewhere with the hardtop removed, better hope the weather holds up. That's really the key attribute of the soft top - you always have it with you to deal with weather issues.

If I lived in a warm dry climate, I'd probably remove the hard top for most of the year, and rely on a bikini top for the occasional rain.

 

[Karl_in_Chicago]

I have the dual top option ordered with the MOD top so I can pull rear windows....but after seeing the new video of how easily the soft top works, and driving around today, I'm wondering if I want to go to the trouble of switching tops twice a year. I'm in Chicagoland, and for 5 months we won't have a top down! But just beginning to think I don't need the MOD top...yes, it would be quieter when it's on (5 months), warmer (for 5 months) and probably a bit better against winter elements (but I have a garage!)...

What am I missing?

This thread is not about cupholders.

"Why do I need a hard top?"
First, define "need". For most definitions of "need" you don't need a hard top.
Personally, as a Chicagoan myself, I *want* a hard top and so have ordered the dual top option but I chose the MIC top. I prefer the lower cost, lower weight, and non-glossy surface that I won't be worried about getting trail stripes when driving through areas with low hanging branches/overgrown brush.
My Dad was a career Marine - he always used to harp on us kids "You've got to learn to separate your wants from your needs". I don't need a hard top but I do want one.

 

[Headsong]

Thanks everyone. Quieter (how much?) and easier to care for in winter....but have to change it out 2x per year.....and no, I don't need a roof rack....

Back to cupholders.

 

[RyanM]

I am in Ohio and had planned to order dual tops as well. However, when looking at photos I didn’t like the look of the factory soft top. I am going MIC for now and if I find I really want the soft top down the road then I’m sure someone will be selling theirs. I am also hoping someone comes out with a “sunrider” type top that covers the front two panels and middle panel on the 4 door. That would be perfect because it would look like a hard top but would have the convenience of the soft top.

 

[RonM0710]

Thanks everyone. Quieter (how much?) and easier to care for in winter....but have to change it out 2x per year.....and no, I don't need a roof rack...

I have a roof rack on my 4x4 SUV for 18 years. Used it twice.

 

[Broncomputer]

I don't really like the look of the soft top.

I like the hard top as it seems more secure- for goods in the back/trunk.

The hard top especially with extra padding will be a bit more quiet on the road.

 

[kje22kje]

If the connections came with it I'd get the soft and do a hard top after market. Since they don't, I'm doing the MIC and will do a partial soft that I'll swap onto it in the nicer months. Connections after the fact if I decided to go hard top looked to be a major issue.

 

[Lorenzo]

I'm the opposite, I see no purpose for a soft top.
I'm just getting hard top and the mesh bikini.

Why would someone get a soft top?
Personally I think its harder and more awkward to go topless on-the-fly : with the soft top.

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