I bought my first Wrangler soft top two years ago. I was so happy with my purchase! It was late fall here in Maine, so the soft top never got opened until the following spring. I seriously doubt the previous owner ever opened it. Because we had a lousy summer (weather wise) last year, I only took the top down three or four times and always when the temperature was real warm outside.
So this year, we have had three really nice days so far. The complaint comes in the fact that the manufacturer (Chrysler) never tells you that vinyl has a tendency to shrink as it gets colder out. At 70*F or above, it is quite easy for one person (with a little patience) to handle the opening and closing. At 65*F to 70*F, it takes two people, with a lot of effort. At below 65*F, I don't care how many people you got and how strong you are, it just is not going to happen!
I might suggest that Chrysler do something about this, by at least telling us poor unsuspecting owners of this temperature change problem. Right now (4:00PM) it is about 58*F out and after a great struggle, a lot of swearing and now a rear window zipper broken, I'm about to go look at other tops. I hear Bestop, is about the best out there, a lot better than the factory installed junk.
I will always be a Jeep enthusiast, the '05 is my ninth. Though I'm still not convinced to buy the new style Wrangler.
I bought my first Wrangler soft top two years ago. I was so happy with my purchase! It was late fall here in Maine, so the soft top never got opened until the following spring. I seriously doubt the previous owner ever opened it. Because we had a lousy summer (weather wise) last year, I only took the top down three or four times and always when the temperature was real warm outside.
So this year, we have had three really nice days so far. The complaint comes in the fact that the manufacturer (Chrysler) never tells you that vinyl has a tendency to shrink as it gets colder out. At 70*F or above, it is quite easy for one person (with a little patience) to handle the opening and closing. At 65*F to 70*F, it takes two people, with a lot of effort. At below 65*F, I don't care how many people you got and how strong you are, it just is not going to happen!
I might suggest that Chrysler do something about this, by at least telling us poor unsuspecting owners of this temperature change problem. Right now (4:00PM) it is about 58*F out and after a great struggle, a lot of swearing and now a rear window zipper broken, I'm about to go look at other tops. I hear Bestop, is about the best out there, a lot better than the factory installed junk.
I will always be a Jeep enthusiast, the '05 is my ninth. Though I'm still not convinced to buy the new style Wrangler.
- Peter T., North Anson, ME, US