I am probably a few months ahead of myself here, but have started giving thought to how/where my soft top will be stored when the hard top goes on for the winter.

Here is my list... would love to hear what others do.

1. Should the top be stored folded up on the frame, or removed from the frame and folded? I worry about it being fan-folded all winter.

2. Opinions on storing the top in a non heated garage vs. a heated basement. I worry about the below freezing temps and cycles back and forth past the freezing point.

3. Windows: store rolled or hung? Garage or basement?

Opinions / comments?

 

I am researching the same questions.....the windows I think I'll store inside, but the top itself I was thinking about hanging it in the garage - fan folded.....we have the same issue here in Canada...gets warm then freezes over and over for about 6 months.....I think the top will be fine hung...I'll post pictures as it is starting to get COLD here.....

 

I have a TJ w/ two tops and always stored my softtop indoors (garage). I put two hangers which I padded w/ foam on the wall and hung the bracket and the canvas top on it. The windows I rolled up in a storage bag that I bought from Quadtratec. It was overpriced but the felt sheets between each windows keeps you from scratching them up. Rolling them up tight keeps them secure and easily stored. I'm sure you can find something else that does the same thing, just make sure you clean and dry the windows before rolling them up. Also store them where you don't have to move them or place something near them that rubs up against them. Minor scratching can occur.

 

I stored my TJ tops in an attic in a big plastic bag. It def. saw the temp changes you refer to. I didn't notice any problems from doing this. I don't like to roll my windows, esp. for a long period of time. I find the belt rail doesn't hold it's shape after being bent. Instead of being tight against the window they would become more of a 45 degree angle. Lots of people do it and don't say they have problems, though. I would store the windows flat if you have the space.

 

so I guess leaving it in the and just popping the hard top on is not a good answer??

 

I left my old TJ's top on under the hardtop for a couple of winters. The windows I rolled up and stored in a Cloverleaf Roll. (Google it) My Wrangler's top spent all last winter in the factory bag under the hardtop (got it too late in the season to use it.)

Didn't see any problems with either top as a result.

I plan to leave the soft-top installed under the hardtop this winter as well since I don't really have room to store it in my apartment. The windows I'll put into the Cloverleaf and store inside. It's just a pain getting the soft-top rolled up right to fit back in the factory shipping cover. Leaving it in limits access to the rear compartment as well.

 

Lay the windows flat and the rest of the top rolled or lightly folded. Tempurature changes in your garage will not be detrimental to the top, as it is designed to be on teh vehicle year round, even in the snow. I live in Wisconsin and leave my soft top on year round. It has been through two winters with heavy snow and alot of road salt. Sharp folds while stored would be the only issue, so keep em lightly folded or rolled, and windows definately flat.

Ed

 

I guess its that time of year.
I had the same question.
Thanks Guys.

( i feel so sad)

 

No, not a good idea. I use the original boxes for the windows; taped closed in garbage bags. For the top, I leave it folded but laying down in the shed (usually on top of some storage boxes). I do however seal it from critters by taping industrial garbage bags around it (make sure its good and dry first). I also spread mothballs around the location where it's going to live as well as dryer sheets (yup, mice hate dryer sheets....go figure). I might be over cautious but I don't want to see a mouse chewed hole in the top! I also try not to disturb it over the winter as I figure it gets pretty brittle in the cold.

That's all folks.

 

I hang mine on the wall. Wrapping the fabric around the top best I can. No bags, nothing. Windows stored flat. Never had a problem on any Wrangler I've had since 1995 doing the same.