Jeep CJ Hardtop For Sale: Your Comprehensive Guide to Finding the Perfect Lid
Jeep CJ Hardtop For Sale: Your Comprehensive Guide to Finding the Perfect Lid jeeps.truckstrend.com
The iconic Jeep CJ series – CJ-5, CJ-7, and CJ-8 Scrambler – represents a golden era of American off-roading. Known for their rugged simplicity, open-air freedom, and go-anywhere capability, these vehicles have garnered a passionate following. While the soft top offers the ultimate connection to the elements, a hardtop transforms the CJ experience, offering enhanced protection, security, and comfort. For many CJ owners, finding the right "Jeep CJ Hardtop For Sale" isn’t just about an accessory; it’s about completing their classic rig, preparing it for all seasons, or simply enhancing its classic aesthetic. This comprehensive guide will navigate you through everything you need to know about acquiring a hardtop for your beloved Jeep CJ.
Why a Hardtop for Your Jeep CJ? The Undeniable Benefits
Jeep CJ Hardtop For Sale: Your Comprehensive Guide to Finding the Perfect Lid
While the allure of open-air Jeeping is strong, a hardtop provides a range of practical advantages that significantly improve the ownership experience, especially for those who daily drive their CJ or live in colder climates:
- Enhanced Security: A hardtop, especially one with locking doors and a rear hatch, offers a much higher level of security against theft and vandalism compared to a soft top. Your valuables inside the Jeep are safer.
- Improved Weather Protection: Say goodbye to flapping canvas and leaky seams. A hardtop provides superior protection from rain, snow, and extreme cold, keeping the interior dry and warm. This is crucial for winter driving or prolonged exposure to harsh weather.
- Reduced Noise: Hardtops are significantly better at dampening road and wind noise, making highway driving more comfortable and conversations less strained. This can drastically improve the overall driving experience.
- Better Insulation: The rigid construction of a hardtop, often combined with a headliner, provides better thermal insulation. This helps keep the cabin warmer in winter and cooler in summer, making your heater or air conditioning more effective.
- Classic Aesthetic Appeal: Many enthusiasts prefer the robust, classic look of a CJ with a hardtop. It evokes a timeless utility vehicle vibe that perfectly complements the CJ’s heritage.
- Durability: Unlike soft tops that can wear, tear, or fade over time, a fiberglass or steel hardtop is built to last for decades with proper care.
While hardtops offer numerous benefits, it’s worth noting their weight, which can slightly impact fuel economy and requires assistance for removal/installation. Storage when not in use can also be a consideration.
Types of Jeep CJ Hardtops: Understanding Your Options
When searching for a Jeep CJ hardtop for sale, you’ll primarily encounter two main categories, each with its own characteristics:
1. OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) Hardtops
These are the hardtops that came directly from the factory when the Jeep CJ was new.
- Pros: Perfect fit and finish, authentic factory look, often built to robust standards.
- Cons: Rarity can make them hard to find, especially in good condition. Prices can be higher due to their collector status. Age means they might require significant restoration (paint, seals, glass).
- Variations: OEM hardtops were typically full cabs with a rear hatch. Some early CJ-5s had steel tops, while most CJ-7 and CJ-8 tops were fiberglass.
2. Aftermarket Hardtops
Produced by various manufacturers over the years, these hardtops offer alternatives to the factory units.
- Brands: Companies like Bestop, Rallytops, Kayline, and many others produced hardtops for CJs.
- Materials: Predominantly fiberglass, known for its light weight relative to steel and moldability. Some custom or older tops might incorporate steel elements.
- Designs:
- Full Cab Hardtops: Most common, covering the entire passenger and cargo area.
- Two-Piece Hardtops: Designed with a removable front section (over the cab) and a fixed rear section. This allows for a "bikini top" feel without removing the entire hardtop.
- Fastback Designs: Some aftermarket tops feature a more sloped rear profile, similar to modern Jeep hardtops, for a distinct look.
- Safari Tops: Often characterized by larger rear windows and more vertical sides, maximizing interior space.
- Pros: Wider availability, variety of styles and features, often lighter than OEM steel tops.
- Cons: Fitment can sometimes be less precise than OEM, quality varies between manufacturers, and some designs might not appeal to purists.
Hardtop Components to Consider:
A complete hardtop typically includes:
- Roof Panel(s): The main body of the top.
- Doors: Full steel doors with roll-up windows are often sold with hardtops. Half doors with soft upper enclosures are also common.
- Windows: Tempered glass for the rear hatch and side windows (fixed or sliding).
- Mounting Hardware: Clamps, bolts, and seals necessary to secure the top to the Jeep’s body.
- Interior Headliner: Sometimes included for insulation and a finished look.
- Electrical Components: Rear defroster wiring, dome light, and possibly rear wiper motor.
Where to Find a Jeep CJ Hardtop For Sale
The search for a CJ hardtop requires patience and a good strategy. Here are the best places to look:
- Online Marketplaces:
- eBay: Good for finding parts from across the country, but shipping can be expensive due to size.
- Craigslist & Facebook Marketplace: Excellent for local finds. Search within a reasonable driving radius.
- Facebook Groups: Join dedicated Jeep CJ enthusiast groups. Members often sell parts directly to one another.
- Specialty Jeep Parts Dealers: Some businesses specialize in new and used Jeep parts. Check their websites or call them directly.
- Salvage Yards/Junkyards: While increasingly rare, some older salvage yards might still have a CJ with a salvageable hardtop. This is often a treasure hunt.
- Jeep Forums & Enthusiast Websites: Dedicated online forums for CJ owners often have classified sections where members buy, sell, and trade parts.
- Local Classifieds & Word of Mouth: Don’t underestimate the power of local listings or asking around at Jeep clubs or off-road events.
Pro Tip: Be specific in your search terms. Include "Jeep CJ7 hardtop," "Jeep CJ5 hardtop," "Jeep Scrambler hardtop," "fiberglass hardtop," or "steel hardtop" to narrow down results.
What to Look For When Buying a Used CJ Hardtop
Buying a used hardtop requires careful inspection. Don’t rush the process, as defects can be costly to repair.
- Model Specificity: Crucial! A hardtop for a CJ-5 will NOT fit a CJ-7, and neither will fit a CJ-8 Scrambler. Confirm the seller knows which CJ model the hardtop came off, and verify it matches your vehicle. CJ-5 tops are shorter, CJ-7 tops are longer, and CJ-8 tops are the longest.
- Overall Condition:
- Fiberglass: Check for cracks, especially around mounting points, corners, and window openings. Look for signs of delamination (separation of fiberglass layers) or previous, poorly executed repairs. Minor spiderweb cracks in the gel coat are common and often cosmetic, but larger structural cracks are a red flag.
- Steel (if applicable): Inspect for rust, especially at seams, around windows, and along the bottom edge where it meets the body.
- Paint: Fading, scratches, or peeling paint are common but indicate the need for repainting, which adds to the cost.
- Window Seals & Glass:
- Seals: Inspect all rubber seals around windows and the body contact points for dry rot, cracking, or missing sections. These are vital for weatherproofing and noise reduction. Replacement seals can be expensive.
- Glass: Check for cracks, chips, or delamination in the rear and side windows. Ensure the rear hatch glass operates smoothly and latches securely.
- Door Fitment & Condition:
- If the hardtop comes with doors, ensure they are for the correct CJ model and fit properly within the hardtop’s frame.
- Check hinges for wear or damage.
- Test latch mechanisms to ensure they operate smoothly and securely.
- Inspect door seals for integrity.
- Mounting Hardware: Confirm that all necessary clamps, bolts, and brackets are included. Missing hardware can be difficult and expensive to source.
- Headliner/Interior: If present, check for sagging, tears, mold, or water damage. A damaged headliner might indicate past leaks.
- Electrical Components: If the top has a rear defroster or dome light, check if the wiring is intact and functional.
Always ask for detailed photos if buying remotely, and ideally, inspect the hardtop in person before committing to a purchase.
Installation Considerations
Installing a CJ hardtop, especially for the first time, can be a bit challenging but is certainly manageable.
- Weight: Hardtops are heavy. You’ll need at least one, preferably two, strong helpers to safely lift and position the top onto your Jeep. An overhead hoist or gantry system can make it a one-person job.
- Weatherstripping: New weatherstripping is highly recommended to ensure a watertight seal and prevent rattles.
- Alignment: Take your time to align the hardtop correctly on the body tub. This ensures proper door fitment and minimizes leaks.
- Hardware: Secure all mounting clamps and bolts firmly, but avoid overtightening, which can crack fiberglass.
- Wiring: Connect any electrical components (defroster, dome light) to your Jeep’s wiring harness.
Pricing Your Jeep CJ Hardtop
The price of a Jeep CJ hardtop for sale varies wildly based on several factors: the specific CJ model, whether it’s OEM or aftermarket, its overall condition, completeness (does it include doors and glass?), and your geographical location. Rarity also plays a significant role.
Estimated Price Table for Jeep CJ Hardtops (Used Market)
| CJ Model | Hardtop Type | Condition | Inclusions (Doors, Glass) | Estimated Price Range (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CJ-5 | OEM/Aftermarket | Poor (Cracked, no glass/doors) | Top only | $200 – $500 | Project piece, needs major work. |
| CJ-5 | OEM/Aftermarket | Fair (Faded, minor cracks) | Top only | $500 – $900 | Usable, but likely needs paint/seals. |
| CJ-5 | OEM/Aftermarket | Good (Solid, good paint) | Top only | $900 – $1,500 | Ready to install, minor cosmetic. |
| CJ-5 | OEM/Aftermarket | Excellent (Restored, complete) | Top, Full Doors, Glass | $1,500 – $3,000+ | Rare, highly sought after, complete setup. |
| CJ-7 | OEM/Aftermarket | Poor (Cracked, no glass/doors) | Top only | $300 – $600 | Project piece, needs major work. |
| CJ-7 | OEM/Aftermarket | Fair (Faded, minor cracks) | Top only | $600 – $1,200 | Usable, but likely needs paint/seals. |
| CJ-7 | OEM/Aftermarket | Good (Solid, good paint) | Top only | $1,200 – $2,000 | Ready to install, minor cosmetic. |
| CJ-7 | OEM/Aftermarket | Excellent (Restored, complete) | Top, Full Doors, Glass | $2,000 – $4,500+ | Most common, complete sets command premium. |
| CJ-8 Scrambler | OEM/Aftermarket | Poor (Cracked, no glass/doors) | Top only | $500 – $1,000 | Very rare, even in poor condition. |
| CJ-8 Scrambler | OEM/Aftermarket | Fair (Faded, minor cracks) | Top only | $1,000 – $2,500 | Usable, but likely needs paint/seals. |
| CJ-8 Scrambler | OEM/Aftermarket | Good (Solid, good paint) | Top only | $2,500 – $4,000 | Extremely rare, especially good condition. |
| CJ-8 Scrambler | OEM/Aftermarket | Excellent (Restored, complete) | Top, Full Doors, Glass | $4,000 – $8,000+ | Holy Grail for Scrambler owners, commands top dollar. |
Prices are estimates and can fluctuate based on market demand, region, and specific features (e.g., rear defroster, sliding windows, brand reputation for aftermarket tops).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Are Jeep CJ5 and CJ7 hardtops interchangeable?
A: No, absolutely not. CJ5s are significantly shorter than CJ7s, and the hardtops are sized specifically for each model. A CJ8 Scrambler hardtop is even longer. Always verify the hardtop’s original model before purchasing.
Q: Can I install a hardtop by myself?
A: While technically possible with specialized equipment like an overhead hoist, it’s highly recommended to have at least one, if not two, strong helpers. Hardtops are heavy (150-300+ lbs depending on the model and type) and awkward to maneuver without assistance, risking damage to the top or your Jeep.
Q: Do hardtops typically come with doors?
A: Not always. Many hardtops are sold as "top only," meaning you’ll need to source full steel doors separately. Always confirm with the seller what is included in the sale. Full steel doors for CJs are also highly sought after and can be expensive on their own.
Q: How much does a CJ hardtop weigh?
A: A fiberglass CJ-7 hardtop without doors typically weighs around 150-200 lbs. With full steel doors and glass, the total weight can easily exceed 250-300 lbs. CJ-5 tops are slightly lighter, and CJ-8 tops are heavier.
Q: What’s the benefit of a two-piece hardtop?
A: A two-piece hardtop allows you to remove just the front (cab) section, similar to a bikini top, while leaving the rear section over the cargo area. This offers more versatility for open-air driving without fully exposing the entire interior.
Q: Can I paint my used hardtop to match my Jeep?
A: Yes, absolutely. With proper preparation (sanding, priming), fiberglass and steel hardtops can be painted to match your Jeep’s color. This is a common practice for used hardtops.
Concluding Summary
Finding a "Jeep CJ Hardtop For Sale" is a significant step for any CJ owner looking to enhance their vehicle’s versatility, security, and comfort. Whether you prioritize winter warmth, highway quietness, or simply the classic hardtop aesthetic, the right lid can transform your driving experience. The journey involves understanding the different types, knowing where to search, and diligently inspecting potential purchases for condition and completeness. By following the advice outlined in this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to find a hardtop that not only fits your CJ perfectly but also serves as a valuable, long-lasting addition to your cherished classic. Happy hunting, and enjoy your enhanced Jeep CJ!
