nickcoleman

I used to roll the rear window up ... but, the grit that collected on it (even after wiping it down) ended up scratching the window really really badly. Since replacing the top, I don't roll it up anymore. I either just unzip it enough to get the corners loose and then drop the softtop. Or, take it out completely.

redwagon

i use chapstick on the zippers. cheap and usually have a couple half used ones left over from winter. works great. also if you loosen the "buckles" in the front it will relax tension on the top and make it a little easier to get the back zipper going.

Mountain Man Tim

step 1: buy hardtop
step 2: buy hardtop hoist
step 3: never deal with ***** ******* soft top zippers again
step 4: rule the world/profit

14Sport

For me it helps to remove part of the sail panel at the inside bottom. More room to work with and less stress on the zipper.

Jiblet

Another thing I do if it's tough getting around the corners is to pull the cord with one hand while pushing the slider with a finger of my other hand. That gets more of the force going along the right vector. If you're pulling out of the plane of the zipper you're making it harder on yourself.