Dodge had a better soft top design in the 80's

[sharpsicle]

I'm pretty sure based on the numerous threads on this subject if you search the site there are plenty who wish jeep would rethink the design or at least make a option for those of us that want to ride without looking dumb.

So why keep beating a dead horse? Give Jeep a call if you feel that confident. 1-248-576-5741.

Or just take the top off and put it in the bed instead. Takes all of 2 minutes to do.

Either way I don't see why this is such a big deal.

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[Jeeperjamie]

So why keep beating a dead horse? Give Jeep a call. 1-248-576-5741.

Or just take the top off and put it in the bed instead. Takes all of 2 minutes to do.

Either way I don't see why this is such a big deal.

I'm not, I take it off and out it in my garage, my hard top, I refuse to put a soft top on mine until a better design comes out. If the dealership didn't give me one I wouldn't have one.

 

[Shackleton]

I’m happy as a clam with mine. I bought it unopened, on Craigslist for about $700 if I remember correctly and it lets me have the open air experience in less than a minute, as often as I want. I still have stock max tow wheels and tires though so I haven’t had looks alone as my priority. I have a capable truck with good road manners and a roof that comes off super easy. I’m happy

 

[flyil]

I think the current Gladiator is better but I think it's a crime against automotive fun that almost 30 years passed where nobody sold a convertible pickup. I like that the Dodge existed and tried.

75% of new vehicles are black, white, or some shade of gray. Less than 2% are convertibles. It's like everyone's driving to a wake.

 

[Midnight Rider]

Don’t forget the IH Scout Terra 1976-80.

 

[dfwxjer]

What's it matter if your not hauling anything back there and if you do got to haul something, just don't flip it back. I'm pretty sure based on the numerous threads on this subject if you search the site there are plenty who wish jeep would rethink the design or at least make a option for those of us that want to ride without looking dumb.

People complaining on forums represent a tiny fraction of the overall number of owners it doesn't bother. Even in this thread more people have voiced they prefer it *not* interfering with the bed and don't really care about the man bun look. It doesn't bother me at all when I'm driving because I can't see it. I don't really care what others think.

 

[Jeeperjamie]

People complaining on forums represent a tiny fraction of the overall number of owners it doesn't bother. Even in this thread more people have voiced they prefer it *not* interfering with the bed and don't really care about the man bun look. It doesn't bother me at all when I'm driving because I can't see it. I don't really care what others think.

Or this forum represents the small amount of people who it doesn't bother. That works both ways. There are other threads on here already about it that would say the opposite, that a lot hate it.

 

[Lateralus]

I went out to eat last weekend and saw a nice rubi JL parked that had the soft top in the "down" position. It reminded me of some extravagant orthodontic headgear from the the 80's. Totally takes away from the open top jeep look and screams yuppy mobile.

 

[dfwxjer]

Or this forum represents the small amount of people who it doesn't bother. That works both ways. There are other threads on here already about it that would say the opposite, that a lot hate it.

Sure, whatever you want to believe. If you wish to believe the majority of owners hate the design then so be it.

In my years of being on forums (cars, jeeps, guitars, guns, etc) I've noticed the people that take the time to join an enthusiast forum to discuss issues are not the average buyer.

Most owners don't care one way or the other, and there's a decent percent that don't even know how to open the soft top, let alone use it enough to have an opinion. Most of my friends that ride in it just think it's cool the top opens up so easily.

fwiw the JT doesn't have the slanted roll bar extending beyond the rear seats like the JL does. So to achieve the same type of top as the JL would require the top mechanism to fold back over 1/2 the bed. I'd prefer the stock configuration and by the sounds of this thread it seems the majority of enthusiasts agree.

 

[Jeeperjamie]

Sure, whatever you want to believe. If you wish to believe the majority of owners hate the design then so be it.

In my years of being on forums (cars, jeeps, guitars, guns, etc) I've noticed the people that take the time to join an enthusiast forum to discuss issues are not the average buyer.

Most owners don't care one way or the other, and there's a decent percent that don't even know how to open the soft top, let alone use it enough to have an opinion. Most of my friends that ride in it just think it's cool the top opens up so easily.

fwiw the JT doesn't have the slanted roll bar extending beyond the rear seats like the JL does. So to achieve the same type of top as the JL would require the top mechanism to fold back over 1/2 the bed. I'd prefer the stock configuration and by the sounds of this thread it seems the majority of enthusiasts agree.

FWIW, i didn't get on this forum to complain, I'm just voicing my opinion on this thread.

 

[sharpsicle]

I'm happy talking old-school convertible tops. But seriously, we gotta turn this into another "man-bun" thread instead? Ugh....

 

[danielspivey]

Looks pretty similar to me

The only people who hate on man buns are men. Likely because they can’t or don’t have one.

Comparing a real man bun to the gladiator top is funny, just like it’s funny how much time and thought you put into posts about comparing the top to a man bun…

Seems like gladiator owners are wayyyy more self conscious that JL owners. Wonder if that’s because of their long, weird shaped back end?! Maybe thats the source of your remorse?

 

[Bbannongmu]

Man bun works for me when hailing ATVs, river tubes, and kayaks. Function over form. It would be cost prohibitive to have 2 different soft tops. The aftermarket is providing an alternative.

 

[Barbarian]

Actually when I first inspected the gladiator soft top at a dealer I was able to raise and lower it in a matter of seconds and it reminded me of nothing so much as a Dusenburg Phaeton. Very similar design and engineering. Dusenburg however folded back far enough to obstruct rear visibility. All thet being said I love the soft top, ordered one and waited for it,. I use it constantly. Never even thought of the whole Manbun thing, I just think Ducey cool..

 

[be77solo]

Love Dodge for this pickup, but I LOVE my soft top. Seems a silly argument.... I use mine daily, as do many posting, yet the main guy giving grief has his in the garage lol? Won't even try it? ?

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