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How to Take Off a Hardtop on Jeep Wrangler? Step by Step Process
February 04 2025 - Jeep of Chicago

Take Off a Hardtop on Jeep Wrangler

Are you ready to feel the wind and sun in your hair while driving your Jeep Wrangler? Removing the hardtop from your Jeep can be a daunting task – but with the right support and tools, it can also be quite simple.

We hope that this guide helps you learn about how to remove the hardtop from a Jeep Wrangler. It provides tips on removal, troubleshooting, and maintenance. Let’s get started!

Jeep Wrangler Hardtop Removal

The sun is shining, and you are ready to take your Jeep Wrangler out on the road! There’s just one catch – you must take your hardtop off first. Removing a Jeep hardtop does not need to be too complicated. You can get your Wrangler top off in no time using only a few tools and assistance from a friend.

If you aren’t a fan of asking for a little help, you can instead purchase a hoist or lifting system so that you can safely take off your Jeep hardtop all on your own. Less garage stay means more time for you to spend on the trail and nature, which is where your Wrangler is meant to be!

Having a Wrangler hardtop has a lot of benefits, but easy removal is not one of them. And while new tops are becoming progressively easier and easier to remove, they are still not entirely hassle-free. However, it takes a bit of hard work to get your Wrangler top uninstalled and ready for the trail!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Tools required:

  • Drill or Ratchet (it will be included in Jeep tool kit)
  • Driver socket
  • T-50 Torx Head bit (included in Jeep tool kit)
  • Additional person

Duration: ~30 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Step 1: Take out the freedom panels. To do this, you must unhook six L-shaped locks and two levers. Fold down the sun visors and unhook the latches from underneath. Then, rotate the other six locks (which are L-shaped) to the open position to free the freedom panels.

Step 2: The two freedom panels are now free to remove. Start with removing the driver’s side panel, then do the passenger’s side. Keep panels in a secure location to protect them from damage.

*With the freedom panels off, you are ready to drive the car as is, or you can strip the rest of the roof and go full adventure mode.

Step 3: Remove the wiring harness and washer fluid in the trunk on the driver’s side. Depress the red tab and pull outwards on the red tab while removing the wire. When removing the wire, just push the button on the chord to disconnect the windshield washer fluid. Put the wiring harness and washer fluid wire into their respective places at the bottom of where they plug in.

Step 4: Use a T50 Torx bit to remove the six bolts below the hardtop rear glass.

From the factory, there are three T40 Torx bolts per side of the hardtop, underneath the window. We’d replace our Jeep’s factory hardware with Lange Originals Kwick Hardtop Fasteners, wing-nut-style hardware.

This way, they do not require tools and can be removed by hand. Lange Originals bolts replace the factory ones and facilitate faster removal of the hardtop down the line. To remove the factory hardware, simply remove those bolts as you did in step three above.

Step 5: Using your T50 Torx bit, remove the bolts securing the top of the hardtop. It has one bolt on the driver’s side B-pillar, and another on the passenger’s side B-pillar. The bolts can also be stored in the “Roof” which is a rear storage compartment.

Step 6: Get a buddy and get that hardtop off! If you have the rear window open, it is easier to lift the roof up and over the spare tire, making it easier to extract the slides. Store it properly and don’t let it get damaged!

How to Install Your Wrangler’s Hard Top

Step 7: Have a buddy help you carry the hardtop back onto the Wrangler. If the rear window is up, it may be easier to avoid getting the roof hung up on the spare tire. Make sure this front edge of the hardtop lines up with the B-pillar bolts to help realignment go smoothly.

Step 8: Reattach the six bolts back under the rear glass of your hardtop using your T-50 Torx bit. On the driver’s side there are three bolts and three on the passenger’s side.

Step 9: Insert the T-50 Torx bit and tighten the two bolts on top of the B-pillars. One on the B-pillar on the driver’s and one on the B-pillar on the passenger’s side.

Step 10: Snap the wiring harness back on top until it clicks then slide the red tab upward. Slightly, reattach the rear windshield washer chord to the top.

Step 11: Reconnect the freedom panels, starting with the passenger’s side panel. Match the L shaped locks and lever to the slot and secure. The front lever also requires the sun visor to be down to be fastened. When finished, repeat the process for the driver’s side. With everything in place, your hardtop is now securely installed, and you are eager to hit the road!

That’s it! Keep your Jeep Wrangler hardtop in a safe and secure location when it’s not being used. To put the hardtop back on, simply rewind the process.

One Man Jeep Top Removal

While few people recommend doing so, you can indeed remove the Jeep hardtop alone. Now, for that matter, solo hardtop removal is not simple or safe. If the hardtop were to fall when you are trying to lift it out by yourself, you would get in a dangerous situation. Although, you could do it if you had good upper body strength. To remove the Jeep’s hardtop, it’s best to have either a hoist or a buddy. Just because something can be done doesn’t necessarily mean that it should. Owning a Jeep is not a solo act at the end of the day. No one wants to drive a Jeep without friends, anyway.

Tips for Safety and Easiness

The regular maintenance keeps your Jeep Wrangler hardtop in optimal condition and ensures a smooth removal process. Below are some of the important activities one should consider while maintaining the hardtop. The tips include the following:

  • Regular care of your hardtop prevents damage and increases its longevity
  • Patience and care are essential during the removal process to ensure a safe experience
  • Properly store the hardtop when it is not in use
  • Make sure the hardtop is securely fastened to the car to avoid mishaps
  • Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when installing or removing the hardtop
  • Do not mount accessories to the hardtop as that can cause damage
  • And finally, since the Jeep Wrangler hardtop is an investment, remember to treat it with the same care it deserves!

Common Problems and How to Fix Them

However, even if you follow all these steps, there are still some common issues that can occur while removing the hardtop. So, let’s dive into analyzing solutions for stuck latches, broken bolts and hardtop lift issues in this section. These solutions will help you overcome these issues and get back to enjoying your Jeep Wrangler hardtop.

Keep in mind, the weight and bulk of the hardtop can make it a challenge for one person to operate alone. The experience of removing the hardtop can be made significantly better through the use of the right techniques and equipment, as well as using a second person to help.

Stuck Latches

If you’re experiencing stuck latches during the hardtop removal, don’t freak out. You can pry the latches off with a plastic auto trim removal tool or give them a lift and wiggle from the front. A penetrating oil like PB Blaster will also aid in loosening rusted or corroded latches for easier removal.

To avoid latches getting stuck down the line, ensure they are properly engaged into the windshield slot, and hit them periodically with some penetrating oil. This maintenance will help to keep your latches operating smoothly.

Damaged Bolts

You can get hurt trying to remove broken or damaged bolts. So, you might want to try the following tools for removing busted bolts from your jeep wrangler hard top:

  • Wrenches
  • Drills
  • The Universal Fastener
  • Bolt extractors

A penetrating oil or rust dissolver can also help to free rusted or corroded bolts.

To avoid future damage to the bolts, do the following:

  • A bit of valve lapping compound on the torx bit for a better hold.
  • New bolts and lock washers to replace broken or damaged bolts
  • Put the bolts in a dedicated compartment marked “Roof Screws” so they don’t get lost and are easy to find.

Difficulty Lifting

Getting your Jeep Wrangler hardtop up can be difficult to do by yourself. The hardtop is about 150 lbs. So difficult for one person to deal with. Easy lifting of the hardtop using proper lifting techniques and equipment, for example, a hardtop hoist can help overcome such difficulties.

If you’re still having trouble hoisting the hardtop, recruiting a friend or family member will make the task significantly easier and safer. Keep in mind, however, patience and technique are crucial for any successful hardtop extraction.

Disclaimer: This guide is by no means a replacement for professional work. If you don’t believe you can execute this installation correctly on your own, have a professional perform it for you at Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Chicago!

Jeep Wrangler.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler Available Near Oak Park

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler appeals to many Evanston consumers because of its robust build, powerful engine, and wide range of off-road capabilities. Make a compelling decision, check out Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Chicago’s new inventory and used Jeep Wrangler for sale, and feel the unadulterated power of this more than capable SUV. You may also set up a competitive payment plan with our Jeep finance center. After that, schedule your regular maintenance in advance or make a Jeep reservation at our Jeep service center. We hope to see you soon; our dealership is located off North Western Avenue.