How to Take the Top Down | Jeep TJ

Video on how to properly take down or take off your soft top on your 97-06 jeep wrangler TJ.
#jeeptj #top #kylesvt

[@beboboymann3823]

Thank you for taking the time to do this video. Just bought my first Jeep which is a TJ soft top model. I sold a Mustang GT convertible to get the Jeep and the Jeep will become my more primitive convertible. Your video will help me as a first time Jeepster. This is a fine example of the brotherhood of Jeep owners that are so generous in sharing knowledge. Good job Kyle.

[@KyleSVT]

NP! Thanks brother!

[@yotakev99]

Even though I know how to drop YJ and TJ tops (been doing em for years), I still watched the video. Love them, great work!

[@KyleSVT]

thanks bro!!

[@jeffkernen1554]

A good place to keep the windows: lay them flat on the back seat and fold the seat down on them. That way you don't have to keep the windows in the garage. Did that for years and never got scratches or creases. Luckily, never had anyone steal them either. Miss my Jeeps.

[@doug1234dougx]

Thank you! Doing that with one hand, while filming and narrating is incredible.

[@KyleSVT]

Thanks!

[@jossuesandoval7761]

I got a red cobra and planning on getting a red tj then I noticed the Wisconsin plates ... I’m from Wisconsin too lol .

[@lex_one-two]

Red everything. It's the best color on any vehicle.

[@jondecarbonel8158]

Love the netting 👌 Love the doggie 👌 You make great videos, very detailed and easy to understand. Thank you.

[@KyleSVT]

Thanks bro!

[@rileywilson7935]

Had a hard time trying to break down my tension bars that hold my top at the rear on my YJ, so I just took it all off lol. Hopefully I’ll figure it out later

[@italianpoboy8874]

Thanks for the video. Awesome looking jeep!

[@KyleSVT]

Thanks bro!

[@BULLYBLASTent]

Thanks to your video I learned the proper way to bring down my soft top and now that I bought the smittybilt cargo net ,.,. it really helped keep them great videos coming thanks ,.,. located in BAJA CALIFORNIA

[@KyleSVT]

Thanks brother!

[@mjr142]

Thank you for this video....I am planning on taking the soft top off my 1997 tomorrow since its supposed to be nice at warm and sunny

[@KyleSVT]

Thanks for watching glad I could help

[@diernosaj]

I just got a new (05) TJ for Christmas with 50k miles. Used this video to figure out how to take the top down. Mine was by FAR not this easy. Took 30min to get the top and everything back on. Everything was very tight. Not even close to as easy as you made it look. I needed the "how to put your soft top ON" strategy at the end of your video. i hope in this AZ summer things will be a lot more plyable. Thanks for the tips.

[@KyleSVT]

This might help. kzbin.info/www/bejne/o2qqXqZomc10mZY It just takes a little practice doing it a bunch. Yes the heat helps a lot

[@austincouey3102]

Great video as always!

[@KyleSVT]

thanks Austin!

[@toddmuller768]

Great Video thanks for sharing I just got an 04 TJ and was not sure how to take the top down . I used to have an 07 and that thing was a pain to take down and very rarely came off. Cheers

[@KyleSVT]

Thanks for watching Todd! Glad it helped!

[@grendelrobert7511]

Hey , I dig this channel. Great videos. Can I request that you reshoot these without that 'fisheye lens' please? Thanks.

[@TheKelvala]

This is great. Thank you for this video.

[@KyleSVT]

Thanks David!

[@TravelswithLucky]

Thanks I am going to try your advice and have my husband will film! this should be good! lol you did a great job explaining.

[@dragonfly6243]

I really like your videos. I like how meticulous you are and detail oriented and I really like that cargo netting for your pup..

[@KyleSVT]

Thank you!

[@lundysgarage]

I have the same smittybilt cres2 net, I might take off the roll bar padding to see it if all fits better.

[@denisederoche9369]

Thank you awesome job !

[@KyleSVT]

Glad I could help!

[@mr.bluegrass9723]

this was an excellent show and tell for putting the top down. but I do have a question about the net , does it keep the dogs from getting in front of the jeep. great video

[@KyleSVT]

Thanks! No this one only has it around the cage but you could add one

[@ZeigerDRB]

Just got a TJ and was wondering how to do it. Can you drop the top without taking out the side windows? I was told the zippers are on their last leg.

[@Mike_E_44]

I'm glad I watched this. I was doing it wrong and it looked a mess. My JK is easier. I was also putting the sunrider up first.

[@bushhog8142]

Have you done any mods other than the finder flats to run 35s on your Jeep? I’ve herd in other videos something like having to change the gearing in your axles. I really like your s please help me out!

[@KyleSVT]

nope just the feders. My jeep does have the HD D44 rear axle and 3.73 gears with the manual and is just fine

[@lex_one-two]

Is the sound a big difference between hardtop and soft top? I have a hardtop but had a soft top about two years ago. Can't remember if the Jeep with 35s was much louder with the soft top. Btw I have the same net too. Haha. I love it. When you fold the soft top down and have it in the rear, does it rattle or cause more wind resistance? The Jeep TJ already has the worst aerodynamics lol ... I don't want it getting worse and parachuting the TJ lol Oh yea, you should get the head strap for the go pro. It works wonders.

[@KyleSVT]

Nope no rattle at all. The softop is just fine as far as noise. Great idea!

[@Owl566]

Thank you, that’s a big help! That netting seems way too loose, does it flap around when you’re driving? Seems like smittybilt could have made it much tighter....

[@KyleSVT]

Its great actually

[@Owl566]

KyleSVT thanks mate. I’m about 2 days away from getting my first TJ - a 2004 “extreme sport” which has a D44 rear, upgraded interior and sound system and no rust. Not as nice as yours though!

[@KyleSVT]

Very cool!

[@bluegoose6913]

All Jeep owner Spouses should review this video.

[@soggyfries4347]

Had that damn fold drop on my fingers a couple times trying to do it one handed...hahaha

[@1978grizz]

Had my lj for 5 years now and have yet to get my top down and to look that neat

[@MajorMartian]

Damn. I just realized you respond to nearly every comment. I’m impressed/subbed. Since you will probably see this I’m heavily considering buying a TJ due to a variety of reasons (this channel included). I currently drive a Grand Cherokee but I’d like to branch out. The issue is I can’t really afford anything with less than 120,000 miles on it which I feel is a lot. What are your thoughts on buying a tj this far into its life? It seems well looked after and common stuff that go (ie Oil pan gasket) have been replaced recently. Just feels like a big leap for such an old car. Any thoughts? I’d love to know what you think.

[@KyleSVT]

Thanks for the sub! I would say if you can get one for a decent price and have money set aside to fix it if it breaks then I would go for it. The 4.0l engines go for a long time so 120k isn't the worst thing. I have a video on what to look to when buying a tj that might help you out more

[@MajorMartian]

KyleSVT thanks for the help! Just another question (hope you don’t mind). What are maintenance costs like for TJ’s (ie similar to other cars of their age?). Basically how much should I be prepared to pay in repair costs?

[@KyleSVT]

Np dude! Very reasonable. I replaced my sisters jeep tj radiator, thermostat, and water pump for around $150bucks lol

[@MajorMartian]

KyleSVT wow, I feel like that’s not a lot

[@KyleSVT]

nope is not at all

[@joeysanabria1]

Love the netting and the soft top, I’m looking to replace my hard top with your setup, where did you get the netting and soft top?

[@KyleSVT]

netting was from smittybilt and the soft top is the factory original bestop

[@Danielvegan1]

Very impressive that you did that with one hand! :)

[@KyleSVT]

lol :)

[@brianfears7225]

Kyle can you tell me where you purchased the banner on your front windshield?

[@KyleSVT]

Here you go fulltiltboogieracing.com/FTBR_apparel.htm

[@geoferret]

Great video thanks, I'd also like to know what brand tires these are?

[@KyleSVT]

Thanks Roger! Goodyear Wrangler MTR Tires

[@geoferret]

@@KyleSVT are they aired down and if this is a daily how well have they worn?

[@KyleSVT]

Yea run them at roughly 22-25psi. Here is a video review I just did on them kzbin.info/www/bejne/h6W4pWmOodiff68

[@captianjessie1]

Kyle why do you like the netting on the wrangler tj

[@KyleSVT]

that video will be up in 10min

[@kevinskillin9340]

Do you ever keep the windows in the back seat or would it damage them to fold them up? I am planning on buying a soft top tj, I would be worried about being caught in rain without windows though

[@KyleSVT]

I store them inside the house so they dont get scratched

[@garypiont6114]

It's a off road vehicle not a vette

[@drroymckay6845]

Great video, but no way I'm able to untuck (remove) the two plastic drip rail retainers such above the doors. I broke the original plastic retainers, so I purchased a brand new top this past winter. Just tried to to take the top down during the Memorial day weekend, and I can't get past this 2nd step (regardless of whether or not I release the tension on the two latches above the windshield). Any tips?

[@KyleSVT]

Let the top sit outside in the sun to loosen up then try it

[@garypiont6114]

No tips , just a banal how to.

[@coyletom04]

Hey, perhaps a stupid question, but why did you remove the spare tire? Just curious - I was sorta thinking about it, but.....IDK

[@KyleSVT]

With 35s cant put it on the stock tailgate. Would destoy it so took it off untill i got my tire carrier setup

[@RiseKeyk]

you sound like a young Mr. Roger's Neighbourhood. 🙂

[@fredm1519]

Is painful to take the top completely off and put it back on?

[@ryancrazy1]

is that an aftermarket softtop frame? I just bought a 97 and it looks like its uses a nut instead of those clips up front

[@KyleSVT]

Nope factory 2001 top

[@ryancrazy1]

@@KyleSVT hmm, maybe they changed the design. i like that method more. i also just figured out i don't have the door surrounds.

[@AiBilly]

Robert Norman Ross of the jeep world. 👌

[@KyleSVT]

hahaha

[@eleanorhill1465]

And you can drive normally and it won’t go anywhere tucked in like this? Or do you suggest something else strapping it down..

[@KyleSVT]

yes your fine to drive like that

[@darianellington2880]

What brand of top(with part number)also part number for cargo net?Thanks

[@KyleSVT]

Factory top

[@MrTeletubyman123]

The chanel above the door, the one closest to the front window i cant get without a pry tool (screw driver). Any ideas on how to fix?

[@garypiont6114]

Same here, bogus

[@aliciashelly3086]

anyone know how to fix/reattach the metal bar on the rear window? at around 3:50?

[@brethebert]

Thanks for this video! Btw what year is this tj?

[@KyleSVT]

Thanks Bret. It's a 2001

[@brethebert]

KyleSVT cool same year as mine so you only changed your sub woofer

[@KyleSVT]

Nice! Yea for the stereo that's all I did

[@brethebert]

I installed a JBL sound system in my jeep by myself. Just the 4 speakers, but with that said it sounds amazing and cost me $236. I will have to make a video to show you how it sounds

[@KyleSVT]

wow thats awesome!

[@fredpearson5204]

What's with the cargo netting in the back? To keep the dog in?

[@KyleSVT]

That and for looks

[@fredpearson5204]

@@KyleSVT, I get it for the dogs...but it would look better without. My two cents (not worth as much as your two cents because it's your Jeep). Cheers! ;-)

[@hpiproceed97pcp20]

Thanks bro

[@theironknight7207]

Guys what do I use to live my zippers? I'm wanting to take my top down but can't get rear window zippers to move much and I was wondering if I can use house hold items or something to lube them instead of ordering online

[@KyleSVT]

I would buy some zipper lube. Clean the zipper first then tube it up

[@theironknight7207]

@@KyleSVT my zippers are broke on my rear window so there harder to unzip,can I use electric razor clear oil,chapstick or maybe the graphite of a pencil?I'm trying to see if I can use what's lying around instead of ordering online at the moment

[@theironknight7207]

@@KyleSVT I dm'd you on Instagram so we can continue talking there

[@kjzone101]

What a performance

[@Mike_E_44]

Thank you.

[@1964JEDAGI]

Thanks, good video. Why do ppl hide their license plate?

[@KyleSVT]

Thanks Jeff!

[@larryvinings6384]

Nice.

[@williamamadoroa]

Would u reccomend a frameless or framed soft top

[@KyleSVT]

I like my framed soft top

[@robinhanscom1882]

There’s no way my drip channels over the doors come off that easy. We have to have these pliers to get it off. Why!!

[@1978grizz]

Getting your finger under helps a ton but getting it back on can be a pain. Getting the drip edge started helps

[@craiginker6732]

I need to remove soft top on my own, single person. Any idea of the weight including frame? Reason I am asking is I am a fully fit retired Senior but need to understand what weight I am lifting. Thanks

[@KyleSVT]

I would think if your in shape you should be fine

[@craiginker6732]

@@KyleSVT Thanks

[@KyleSVT]

no problem

[@jasoncollins9174]

You may have answered this already but.... What brand top? Best Top?

[@KyleSVT]

It is the factory top. I believe they are bestop

[@DJ80s]

Ever had to scramble to get the top back on because of rain? That's the thing I worry about with buying a Jeep with a soft top. The time it takes to get back on.

[@KyleSVT]

Top goes up super fast and easy once your used to it

[@richarddoire2872]

What size of tires and rims and do you use spacers.

[@KyleSVT]

no spacers. 15x10 wheels and 35x12.5x15 tires

[@bjmurphy7505]

Any rubbing?

[@KyleSVT]

at full lock just slightly on the sway bar. So I just dont go full lock

[@tariklaarej2259]

Can I ask why you don’t have the plastic thing on both rear sides of your soft top?

[@KyleSVT]

Not sure what you mean

[@tariklaarej2259]

@@KyleSVT i have the supertop nx black twill and where the sport bar start from the boot I have a long plastic piece to put inside the cover on both side. If you watch bestop video instal you’ll see it lol. I think it make the rear more square, was just wondering if it’s better to leave it inside or like you not having at all

[@tariklaarej2259]

@@KyleSVT by the way I did the exact same set up as you did, cres 2 cage with soft top , the black twill supertop is insane . I love this set up like you first thing I did was to get rise of the back seats (useless)

[@KyleSVT]

Yea mine is just the normal factory top so much not have that piece

[@mikeb8542]

Do you have a link to those front fenders?

[@KyleSVT]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/gKqqpppqgpmtfbM

[@isawesolowski2551]

Do you have the link for your netting

[@KyleSVT]

www.amazon.com/dp/B00K150QGC/?tag=aiponsite-20&linkCode=ic5&ascsubtag=amzn1.idea.1L6P29KH2GLBG&creativeASIN=B00K150QGC&cv_ct_id=amzn1.idea.1L6P29KH2GLBG&cv_ct_pg=storefront&cv_ct_wn=aip-storefront&ref=exp_cov_kylesvt_lv_dp_vv_mw

[@spencerbrady2425]

Have you noticed the cargo netting fading?

[@KyleSVT]

no sir. Mine doesnt sit in the sun tho

[@josegranillo3367]

Nice video man. Where you buey the net?

[@KyleSVT]

It's the smittybilt cres 2 net

[@josegranillo3367]

@@KyleSVT thanks man

[@KyleSVT]

np!

[@fredm1519]

Thank you for sharing. Very good video....how can this video be down voted?

[@miguelnavarro907]

what size of tires do you have and lift ?

[@KyleSVT]

35s no lift

[@Tmaak]

What brand soft top is that?

[@KyleSVT]

Factory top

[@Tmaak]

KyleSVT - jesus that top is in great shape.

[@wowchad]

That whole TJ is in Great Shape!

[@salreyes3215]

What brand top is that?

[@KyleSVT]

Factory Top

[@user-th7hw1cy6i]

This is easier without the net, right?

[@KyleSVT]

correct

[@MEGASproles]

Link to your cargo net ?

[@KyleSVT]

www.extremeterrain.com/smittybilt-cres2-cargo-system9706tj.html

[@nbs196]

Lola ! :)🥰

[@jackcollins2344]

Have you made a video showing how to take top off so I can put half top or bikini top on?

[@KyleSVT]

I have a video on replacing a soft top

[@jackcollins2344]

@@KyleSVT OK I will look for it thanks

[@djnickryan4562]

Which front bumper is that lol

[@KyleSVT]

rugged ridge XHD

[@willworkfor_film]

Damg bro your top is so tight. Mine is so loose I have to turn the AC on so it puffs out and wont blow around while I'm driving on the highway

[@KyleSVT]

is yours the factory top?

[@willworkfor_film]

@@KyleSVT Great question! I have no idea lol. I think its a BesTop but could be wrong there

[@willworkfor_film]

@@KyleSVT is yours factory?

[@KyleSVT]

yea usually the factory top is much thicker that the cheaper aftermarket ones

[@willworkfor_film]

@@KyleSVT interesting. I just watched your video on replacing them with the link to the top you have on it. I'll probably do that this year!

[@reignmack]

Ahh I hate how besttop put that stupid sticker on the back window it begins to peel off and leaves a horrible mark when you eventually remove it

[@lex_one-two]

Use goo gone or awesome spray. That mark should come off.

[@lundysgarage]

am I the only one who finds it easiler to pop off the side tracks before unhooking the clamps near the windshield?

[@djnickryan4562]

Hi Lola

[@kirk9363]

All you have to do.. # part 652.

[@B-U-T-C-H-E-R]

I pull down my top, to expose my other top

[@kirk9363]

No point locking the doors if you can just zip in and out. Car thief heaven. 🙏🙏

[@jeffkernen1554]

Even with the top down, I used to roll up the windows and lock the doors. Figured most people are too lazy to crawl over the rear wheels to get into my Jeep. Haha!

[@garypiont6114]

My top Rail did not pop out! Thanks 4 nothing.

[@CharlesBohle]

This would have been so much better if someone else held the camera and you moved around.

[@KyleSVT]

Yea that would have been nice. At least you know it can be down with one hand lol

[@andrewb.5996]

What a huge pain in the ass.

[@richardpruitt5193]

Don't tie your dog to the back of a car. You could forget and drag them.. Just wanted to point that out

[@maximeguilbeault5698]

Dont hook your dog again on your jeep please juste in case you Forget thanks

[@KyleSVT]

lol we won't forget

[@hippiebits2071]

@@KyleSVT That may have seemed like a silly comment but years ago I worked at an animal hospital near a marina...you would be shocked at how frequently people DO forget. Anyway, thanks for the video you managed to get that top tucked in REALLY nicely. Hopefully I will be able to as well lol.

[@joeray5394]

You've watched Vacation too many times

[@keithcerce8445]

I can always spot a yuppie and his jeep... No spare tire

[@Dommy_Doo]

His spare tire wasn't on because he ordered a new spare tire carrier. Check out his newer videos with it on

[@DontMindMe_]

You can’t install a safari top, and the original top simultaneously…? Can you?

[@gilberttacad5396]

i have a hard top, but i kinda wanna go back to having a soft top, heheh