[Duke]

I took a hard top and did this.........

I cleaned up the cut......

And then test fit.......

Some time ago I sold my hard top for $1400 and have been running just a softtop. Then last weekend I saw a hard top for sale for $500 with some damage. I offered $300 and brought it home. When I had my hardtop I really liked the freedom panels, but wished it covered the kids, when I found another hardtop I made one that did what I wanted. I'm not overly concerned with weather as my JK is a trail toy/weekend cruiser only. I still have some clean up to do to finish the project (to include repainting inside and out), but am very happy with the outcome so far.

 

[stewp97]

Not bad! Cool mod if you have an extra top lying around!

peter

 

[NightStalker]

Very nice, I really like the looks of this.

 

[Guest]

Very cool idea!

 

[RotorHead]

Very Nice. I wish I could find a deal like that. I don't think I have the kahonas to cut mine, but if I could find one for that price, well then. I bet if you wanted you could have a canvas shop make you a cover that attached to the back and sloped back with the roll bar. That would be hot.

 

[Duke]

..... I don't think I have the kahonas to cut mine..........

The first cut was by far the hardest. I laid under it with my 5 year old thinking about it for at least 10 minutes. Then I finally grabbed the sawsall and just hacked into. Once I had a 2" cut I knew I was commited and didn't second guess it all after that.

 

[WTF_LOL]

it actually was not a bad idea. I like it. What is the notch for?

As somebody already said, a offroad heroes/fast back stylce section in the rear would really complete it!

 

[Duke]

..... What is the notch for?......

I orginally just cut it in half to make it easier to move around. The notch was just a relief cut to relieve stress on the fiberglass as I cut the final cut. There were several, the one shown was just simply the first.

 

[JasperK]

That look great

Can you give us a camera shot of your project from the rear? I would like to see how it turned out there.

 

[Duke]

Can you give us a camera shot of your project from the rear? I would like to see how it turned out there.

I pulled it off right after those trial fittings to clean up the cut and paint. I ran out of time last weekend and won't get a chance to finish it up and reinstall until next weekend (wheeling this weekend). I will be sure to post up pictures from all angles as well as my thoughts on the whole project once finished.

 

[USABASEBALL22]

nice

that looks great...

 

[notarubicon]

looks good

 

[priell3]

That is a stellar idea. for your cleverness.

Maybe you better get a patent on that, some vendor is going to see it and make a mint!

 

[wanderingtrail]

I like, I can't wait to see the finished project.

Ron

 

[idrivejeep]

I couldn't believe anyone would cut a perfectly good hardtop, I actually felt my heart stop, until I read your post under the pics.

Looks real good.

 

[Rollbar13]

that looks awesome...if I had a 4 door that would be how I'd want mine to look...

 

[100dollarman]

I am impressed with the fact that you had the balls to chop into it! Plus it looks good- nice job- first time I have seen this done.

I like to run with all tops off, and just put the front pieces on when it is blazing hot, or really cold. You still get some a/c and heater effect.

Great idea!

 

[100dollarman]

ps- I am sure it makes it easy to take on/off by yourself, too.

 

[JimP]

How will you hold the back portion on with the panels removed? OOps. went out and checked and discovered the two bolts on top I forgot about. Looks good!

 

[PhilD]

That looks great Duke, nice work